Has your light become dimmer over the years? Are you struggling to find your true path and calling? Do you wish for guidance from a trained professional who will understand and respect that your number one priority is building a relationship with God?
If so, you are definitely not alone. More and more people in California and Washington are turning to Schilling Counseling for faith-based counseling to heal the mind and the soul. They want to be able to not only discuss the issues they are having but also openly discuss God, the Bible, and their belief in the power of prayer. If you find yourself in a similar position, allow our team to put your mind at ease with personalized support.
The Need for Faith-Based Counseling
We are not the only practice that has noticed people prefer to seek guidance from those who share and support their faith. In fact, according to a nationwide survey by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), 83% of Americans believe their religious beliefs are closely tied to their mental and emotional health. Three-quarters have stated it's important for them to work with a therapist who integrates values and beliefs into the counseling process. And more respondents said they prefer to see a religious counselor (29%) than a psychiatrist (27%), psychologist (17%), or family doctor (13%).
How Faith-Based Counseling Works
Faith-based counseling at Schilling Counseling thoughtfully integrates clinical insight with a client’s personal faith framework, creating care that honors your spiritual identity. Counseling sessions begin the same way all strong therapy does—by building trust and understanding your story. From there, a religious counselor can incorporate your beliefs in ways that feel natural and supportive. This may include:
- Exploring how faith influences decision-making
- Processing spiritual questions alongside emotional challenges
- Identifying how core values shape your relationships
- Studying the place of religion and where it fits into your life
- Trying practical tools that draw on your beliefs and values
Sessions remain collaborative and respectful. Clients are never pressured into specific practices; instead, therapy moves at a pace that aligns with your comfort and convictions. The goal is to integrate faith in a way that supports healing, growth, and clarity.
When Faith-Based Counseling Can Be Helpful
This approach to counseling is especially meaningful during seasons of transition, relational strain, grief, anxiety, depression, or spiritual doubt. It can also support couples who want their shared beliefs reflected in counseling. When faith is central to your life, having a counselor who understands its importance can deepen the work and create greater alignment between emotional and spiritual goals. Together, you and your therapist consider how your faith informs resilience, forgiveness, boundaries, and hope.
Selecting the Right Faith-Based Counselor to Work With
Just as no two people are alike, no two faith-based counselors are alike either. They will differ on a few different things:
- How much religious training (if any) they have had.
- How much religion is incorporated into their practice.
- The populations they serve.
- Their psychological expertise.
Beyond this, some faith-based therapists aim to holistically integrate the mind, body, and spirit of people of all faiths, while others focus solely on applying scripture to modern-day problems instead of social sciences. Additionally, some faith-based counselors are licensed by the state, and some are not. The reason for this is that a state license prohibits a therapist from imposing personal beliefs. However, a Christian faith-based counselor is free to speak openly and candidly about his or her faith with the client. And, while state-licensed mental health professionals are well trained in emotional counseling, they aren’t necessarily trained to heal on a spiritual level like a religious counselor.
Get Started With Therapy That Respects Your Faith
It’s a good idea to do some research and find local faith-based counselors in your area. Get on the phone with them and ask some questions. The most important thing is whether or not you feel comfortable talking with them. If you or someone you love is interested in exploring faith-based treatment in California or Washington, please be in touch with Schilling Counseling. We would be happy to discuss how we may be able to help with our online therapy services. At our practice, all faiths are welcome!