Christian Financial Counseling Resources

What Is Christian Counseling?

What is Christian Counseling? By Judy Stevens

Christian Counseling is something that many of us have wondered about and possibly been afraid to ask. What implications are involved and who should use a Christian Counselor? Do you have to have a certain type of faith, do you have to feel a certain way about divorce or even marriage? What exactly is Christian Counseling?

In a recent interview with Chuck Sugar, a Counselor in Nashville, TN I ask the difference of what they are, what they do, and if there is a specialization different from other Counselors.

Judy: Hi Chuck, let me just start by asking you very simply, what exactly is Christian Counseling?:

Chuck Sugar: "The term "Christian Counseling" can be very confusing", explains Chuck Sugar, a counselor in Nashville TN. "I am a Christian man who is a counselor. I offer counseling services from a Christian world-view."

Judy: Do you have any special education to be a Christian counselor?

Chuck: Yes, I have a master's degree in Counseling, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor); not "Christian or Pastoral Counseling" per se. I offer secular counseling too.

Judy: Do you feel this could hinder a non-religious person seeking help? Chuck: No, I have both Christian and non-Christian clients. I wouldn't say it hinders my ability to counsel a non-Christian, but I have had much more success helping clients who want counseling from a Christian perspective. I find that being able to talk about our faith, forgiveness, the power of God, and "who we are in Christ" makes our counseling time much more powerful and beneficial!

Judy: Do you try to get your clients to believe a certain way?

Chuck: No, I don't, try to "save" people or try to persuade them to believe what I believe. I'm not a preacher nor do I condemn people who have made mistakes. My life and marriage has been changed by trusting in Christ, not only as my savior, but in my everyday life!

Judy: How does that work out when you counsel non-faith based families and couples? Chuck: Well, I believe I work well with and respect those who choose not to have faith-based counseling. I am here to serve my client and their needs. I have helped many non-Christian couples build happy marriages, too! Again, my goal is not to convert them, but rather to give them everything I've got to help them reach the health and happiness they desire.

Judy: Do you just help troubled marriages or divorcees?

Chuck: No, ideally it's best if I can start working with a couple prior to getting their marriage license. When we are able to discuss the reality of marriage, some of their bubbles may burst at first, but they find they are much more prepared to work through their differences when they arise. Most couples brag that they don't argue much and that's often a sign that they don't want to disagree and are possibly avoiding conflict. I teach them how to argue in a way that is constructive, loving, and respectful. I find that avoiding the conflict builds resentment, but working through the conflicts in a loving way creates intimacy in their relationship.

Judy: Since this is the season where many, many people are becoming engaged, are you spending more time counseling pre-marital couples?

Chuck: No, not really. Most couples come in for premarital counseling in the spring for summer weddings. But, I find that this time of year people are under so much stress with finances and family of origin issues. Most people can be doing pretty well when they are in another city, away from their families, but something happens when families reunite during the holidays. People often revert back to their dysfunctional patterns when they get around their parents and siblings. It's as if they never left&the issues that were never resolved are picked up as if time had just stood still. I find that it's a great time to start helping people work through their unresolved family of origin issues&most of which are negatively impacting their marriages whether they know it or not!

Judy: So, if someone has never been to a counselor before what would you suggest they do to find one?

Chuck: I would start by asking their friends who they would recommend. Also, many churches will have a list of counselors they have successfully used in the past. I would suggest they call the counselor before booking an appointment with them to see if they are able to connect in some way with them, as well as feeling safe and able to talk openly with that person. Basically find someone with which you feel you can be vulnerable and build a trusting relationship.

Judy: Chuck, this has been informative. I appreciate your advice and if anyone is in the Nashville area, can they call you or find you on the web?

Chuck: I would love for them to. Thanks Judy.

Chuck Sugar is a Counselor, and a Christian. He can be found at http://www.ChuckSugar.com, and can be found teaching and/or counseling, sharing or talking about real life experiences we all encounter. Have a blessed Christmas season.

Judy Stevens is a full time Commercial Realtor in Houston and a part time internet marketer, wife and mom. :)

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