Talk reveals the content of the heart. This is especially so when difficulties in life arise. The way a person talks about a problem will reveal something about their philosophy of life because talk is informed by world view. This is just as true in casual conversation as it is in professional “talk therapy.” As a counselor talks about important issues in counseling, he reveals his philosophical perspective. As a matter of fact, the field of counseling has its roots in philosophy. The thinking behind the talking of a counselor is always based on the counselor’s “world view.” This is why it is so necessary to seek a “like-minded” counselor.

Christian Counseling combines modern methods of counseling with Scriptural principles, using Biblical Truths as the reference point for integration. With this theoretical foundation in place, a good Christian counselor prayerfully attempts to yield to God’s will . Struggles are always a part of life’s journey, and with the proper perspective a Christian Counselor seeks to be used of God to help people along in their journey with God.

God is very concerned about the way you think, and refers to the importance of “renewing the mind” in scripture. Likewise, a counselor often attempts to “renew the mind” in therapy through the appropriate use of techniques and interventions. So, again, it is critical that when one submits to counseling it is with a counselor who is a “like-minded.” Remember that your mind is very often the subject of the change process in counseling.

Let’s compare this perspective on counseling with the medical model. Pharmacology, for example, most likely does not change when medicine is prescribed by Christian doctor. Or a broken bone does not set differently if you do not share your doctors’ world view. Similarly, state of the art cancer treatments do not change because of the doctor’s religious perspective. I recognize that in medicine ethical issues as well as treatment considerations sometimes vary depending on world view, but in counseling world view always makes a difference. This is because the goal of the “talk therapy” is to change the way you think, act, interact, and even change what you believe.

So if you’re physically sick, go to a good doctor. If physical illness, disorder, or injury is the problem, then the competence of the physician, rather than world view, may be a more important factor in choosing who to see. On the other hand, if the issue is a matter of counseling (talk therapy), then competence and world view are equally important in choosing who to see. As the Scriptures say, “. . . for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)