Biblical Counselling UK: Faith-Based Mental Health Support
In the UK, a significant percentage of people seek mental health support every year. Many seek help with mental illnesses like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Others simply want to speak with someone about their daily stressors or a significant life event, like divorce or a death in the family.
People who identify as Christian or take comfort in the wisdom of the Bible may have an interest in biblical counselling as a form of mental health support. Below, we’ll explore what biblical counselling entails, the potential benefits of online biblical counselling, and how to find a provider who practices it in the UK.
What is biblical counselling UK in England and Wales?
Biblical counselling UK describes faith-based Christian counselling options in England, Wales, and other parts of the United Kingdom. This type of counselling may appeal to Christians who want a faith-based mental health treatment option or help during a difficult time in life. Biblical counselling often integrates Bible verses and lessons from the Bible into counselling sessions, and a biblical counsellor may encourage their clients to read and reflect on specific biblical passages as part of their growth and healing.
Biblical counselling: UK options
In the UK, Biblical counselling may be offered by a pastor, a professional counsellor working at a local church, or a professional counsellor working through the NHS or with an independent practice. Biblical counselling is also offered virtually through online counselling services like BetterHelp, which services the UK.
Terminology: biblical counselling, Christian counselling, and God-centered care
Often, people use the terms "biblical counselling" and "Christian counselling" interchangeably. Generally, both terms can refer to mental health counselling that is by and for people with faith in the Christian God and a Christian religion of any denomination.
Is there a difference between biblical counselling and Christian counselling?
That said, some people do distinguish between the two terms. In these cases, biblical counselling might be viewed as a form of counselling that solely uses wisdom from the Bible to provide mental health support without any incorporation of researched psychological approaches. When biblical counselling uses the Bible as the sole source of information and guidance, it may be called nouthetic counselling or pastoral counselling. Individuals who practice these modalities may or may not have a degree and licensure to practice psychology.
When biblical counselling and Christian counselling are described as two separate types of care, Christian counselling usually refers to mental health support that draws from the Bible and the Christian faith while also integrating techniques from the field of psychology. That said, keep in mind that some practitioners do not make this distinction, and many who say they practice biblical counselling may also use psychological techniques in sessions. Reviewing a prospective provider's credentials and understanding their approach before meeting with them for sessions can be important.
Christian counselling and God-centered therapy
Many providers who offer Christian counselling, especially professional counsellors, also draw from the field of psychology. They may describe their practice as "biblical counselling," or they may not use this term. Regardless of the phrasing they use, their practice is usually both God-centered and evidence-based. That means they may use research-backed counselling techniques alongside religious texts and their own personal beliefs about God.
If you’re seeking out a biblical counsellor, be sure to specifically ask them which practices and philosophies underlie their approach. For most people seeking mental health support, the incorporation of evidence-based psychological techniques is important, even if they would also like the inclusion of biblical lessons and references.
Pastoral care vs. biblical counselling
Pastoral care and biblical counselling are two separate realms that can overlap. Pastoral care refers to all of the care and support a pastor or church offers to members of the congregation who are experiencing challenges in some way, including mentally or emotionally. Pastoral care may involve spiritual support, like prayer, or practical support, like conflict resolution.
When a person is experiencing mental or emotional struggles, pastoral care may include biblical counselling. Biblical counselling is only considered part of pastoral care when it is being administered by a pastor or a counsellor working for a church. Biblical counselling offered by independent professional counsellors or online counselling services isn't generally considered pastoral care.
Pastoral care vs. online counselling
While the format of pastoral care can differ from one church to another, a majority of pastoral care services are only offered in-person. People who want to receive biblical counselling as a form of pastoral care often must visit their church and talk with someone face-to-face. Pastoral care may also occur informally as part of church life, such as through a casual side conversation after a service or event. In contrast, online counselling that is not connected to a specific church allows a person to receive support remotely from the location of their choice.
Is biblical counselling charity?
Whether or not biblical counselling is a form of charity depends on who is offering it and, at times, who is receiving it. Some churches offer biblical counseling as charity, or free of charge. Other churches offer biblical counselling as charity for free to select members of their congregation, such as those who are experiencing financial hardship or poverty. In these cases, the church may charge a fee for biblical counselling to those who are not experiencing financial hardship in order to help cover costs for everyone.
Independent professional counsellors and counselling services, including online counselling services, generally do not offer biblical counselling as charity. However, online biblical counselling is often less expensive than in-person biblical counselling practiced by an independent counsellor.
What is biblical counselling used for?
Biblical counselling may be helpful when a person is going through a difficult time, such as after a loss or during a major family conflict. Biblical counselling may also be used for:
- Substance use disorder
- Grief
- Suicide prevention
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Smartphone addiction
- Trauma recovery
In other words, biblical counselling with a qualified mental health professional can be useful for managing mental illness or contending with any problem or topic that a person would see a secular counsellor for.
Connecting with a Christian counsellor in the UK
For people in the UK, there are many different ways to connect with a counsellor. Those who are eligible for care through the National Health Service (NHS) can get referred to a talk therapy provider through their GP or through a self-referral. Talk therapy through the NHS is free for eligible residents, and there may be options for specifically Christian care available.
Outside of the NHS, churches, religious universities and schools, and faith-based charities may offer Christian counselling services to the public. Costs may vary, though low-cost or sliding-scale fees may be available in some cases for those who need them.
Finally, there’s the option of connecting with a counsellor virtually. Online counselling allows individuals to receive care remotely, providing the convenience of speaking to a counsellor from any location. It also offers flexibility, making it easier to fit sessions or communication with a counsellor into a busy schedule. Some online counsellors are qualified to offer faith-based counselling.
Is online counselling available in England and Wales?
BetterHelp is an online counselling platform that provides services to people in many countries, including all of the UK. BetterHelp has helped millions of people around the world through 100% online counselling and partners with over 5,000 counsellors in the UK. After signing up for the platform and filling out a questionnaire, many people can be matched with a counsellor in as little as 48 hours.
Is online counselling a charity?
Online counselling is not a charity. Online counselling platforms, including BetterHelp, charge a reasonable fee for those seeking remote counselling services. BetterHelp subscriptions are available for as low as £65, billed every four weeks.
Effectiveness of online counselling
The effectiveness of online biblical counselling specifically has not yet been widely studied. However, researchers have examined the effectiveness of online mental health support in general with largely positive findings. For example, a 2021 overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the European Journal of Public Health reports that "almost all reviews and meta-analyses" found that online interventions "successfully reduce symptoms and are efficacious treatments" for people living with depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
Takeaway
The term “Biblical counselling” usually refers to a form of counselling that integrates Christian principles and values with techniques from the fields of counselling and psychology. However, some people use the term "biblical counselling" to describe counselling that solely uses the Bible's wisdom and does not incorporate evidence-based psychological techniques or theories. There are various ways to connect with a biblical counsellor in the UK. It may be possible to see one through the NHS, and some churches, universities, and charities may also offer these services. Or, many people find online therapy to be a convenient way to speak with the type of provider they're interested in.
What is the average cost of biblical counseling?
According to available information, the average cost of a biblical counseling session in the UK is around £50 per session with some providers charging slightly more for initial consultations. Pricing may vary depending on provider, location, as well as type of counseling needed.
What are the 6 key elements of biblical counseling?
The six key elements of biblical counseling are:
- Data gathering: Collecting information about the counselee
- Building a relationship: Establishing a loving relationship with the counselee
- Determining ministry needs: Identifying the counselee's needs
- Ministering the Word: Teaching the Bible and applying it to the counselee's life
- Communicating hope: Encouraging the counselee with optimism and hope
- Implementing homework: Assigning tasks between sessions to help the counselee grow
Biblical counseling is a process that integrates faith and psychology to help people experience spiritual growth and transformation. Biblical counselors use the Bible as a guide to teach and instruct their counselees.
What does the Bible say about biblical counseling?
The Bible encourages people to seek counsel and guidance from others, including professional counselors. The Bible says that hope comes from taking advice, and that seeking counsel can help people focus on making the best choices for their health.
Bible verses about counseling
· Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed"
· Proverbs 11:14
"Where no counsel is, the people fall: But in the multitude of counselors there is safety"
· Proverbs 13:10
"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice"
· Psalm 32:8
"I will instruct you and teach you how you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you"
· James 1:5
"If you lack wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you"
· Proverbs 19:20
"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end"
What is the biblical Counselling coalition UK?
The "Biblical Counselling Coalition UK" refers to an organization in the United Kingdom dedicated to promoting and supporting local churches, aiming to equip church leaders and members to offer Christ-centered support alongside people facing various life struggles, primarily by utilizing the teachings of the Bible as the foundation for counseling practices. Essentially, it's a group focused on integrating biblical principles into the counseling process within the UK church community.
Key points about the Biblical Counselling Coalition UK:
· Focus on local churches:
They believe the local church is the best place for people to receive biblical counseling and strive to equip churches to provide this support.
· Vision for Christ-centered change:
Their vision is to see people experience transformation through the application of God’s grace in their lives.
· Training and resources:
They offer training programs, conferences, and resources for pastors and lay leaders to become effective biblical counselors.
· Emphasis on the Bible:
All counseling practices are grounded in the teachings of the Bible, aiming to address life challenges through a biblical lens.
What is the primary goal of Biblical counseling?
The purpose of biblical counseling is to work alongside people to help them grow spiritually and find healing and restoration through the Bible. It's a form of discipleship that involves applying Scripture to people's lives.
Goals:
- Identify problems: Help people identify and state their problems
- Find healing: Help people find healing, forgiveness, and deliverance
- Transform lives: Help people experience transformation that results in new life
- Restore fellowship: Help people restore their relationship with God’s grace and others
- Teach people to follow Jesus: Help people learn how to live by faith, through God's grace
How it works:
- Biblical counseling integrates faith and psychology
- It involves understanding a person's situation biblically
- It involves applying Scripture to a person's situation
- It involves speaking the truth in love
- It involves comforting the suffering and calling sinners to repentance
What to expect in Biblical counseling?
In Biblical counseling, expect a focus on applying biblical principles and truths to address personal struggles, with the counselor primarily using scripture to guide your understanding of your issues and provide solutions, aiming to bring about spiritual growth and transformation through a deepened relationship with God. This includes open discussion about your faith, exploring the root causes of problems through a biblical lens, and receiving practical steps to live more aligned with scripture.
Who needs biblical counseling?
Anyone struggling with life issues that they want to address through a lens of biblical teachings and principles could benefit from biblical counseling, including individuals experiencing challenges in their marriage, parenting, relationships, depression, anxiety, anger management, addiction, grief, trauma, or any situation where they desire to apply scripture to their lives to find healing and growth. This essentially, any Christian dedicated to navigate life's complexities through a spiritual perspective can benefit from biblical counseling.
Is biblical counseling free?
Yes, biblical counseling can be free, as some organizations and ministries offer free services.
Free biblical counseling organizations
- FaithLafayette.org: Offers free biblical counseling by qualified counselors
- SVRBC: Provides free biblical counseling to the public
- Men of Armor: Offers free biblical counseling to men, women, and their families
- Biblical Counseling Coalition: Offers free resources
How is Biblical counseling different from regular counseling?
Biblical counseling differs from regular counseling primarily by relying solely on the Bible as its primary source of guidance, focusing heavily on spiritual transformation and a person's relationship with God, while regular counseling typically utilizes secular psychological theories and techniques to address mental health concerns without necessarily centering on religious beliefs.
Key differences:
· Focus on Scripture:
Biblical counseling uses the Bible as the primary tool to understand problems and find solutions, interpreting life experiences through a biblical lens, while non-biblical counseling may reference religious texts but primarily draws from psychological theories.
· View of Human Nature:
Biblical counseling sees humans as inherently sinful and in need of redemption through Christ, whereas non-biblical counseling may focus more on individual autonomy and potential for personal growth without explicitly addressing sin.
· Goals:
Biblical counseling aims to promote spiritual maturity and transformation through aligning one's life with biblical principles, while non-biblical counseling may focus on managing symptoms, improving coping mechanisms, and facilitating behavioral change.
· Intervention Techniques:
Biblical counseling heavily incorporates prayer, scripture study, and reflection on biblical teachings as primary interventions, while non-biblical counseling may utilize techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, or other evidence-based practices.
Why do people seek biblical counseling?
The purpose of biblical counseling is to help people grow spiritually and find healing and restoration through the Bible. It's a form of discipleship that involves applying Scripture to people's lives.
Goals:
- Identify problems: Help people identify and state their problems
- Find healing: Help people find healing, forgiveness, and deliverance
- Transform lives: Help people experience transformation that results in new life
- Restore fellowship: Help people restore their relationship with God and others
- Teach people to follow Jesus: Help people learn how to live for God's glory
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