Therapist Selections

Christian or not, a good therapist is a good therapist and one that won't be a good fit, won't.

I'll share a little of my experience: I'm a secular humanist and my husband is an atheist. The fellow we go to see from time to time is in his 60s (at least) and has a Masters of Divinity. I adore him. He's had enough life experience to give very good advice, understands what couples need for good communication and has never spoken to us about following commandments or buying into a 'church' belief/value system *because he is a pro*-- and he knows what we need. (We started seeing him, by the way, when we were committed and living together-- about five years before we got married--and he never once suggested that we conform to his beliefs or get married.)

My two other great counselors I've worked with are both Christian women and that has never been an issue that's come up; I've never felt uncomfortable about religion/beliefs with either one of them. Once again--they are professionals who care more about the clients getting healthy than validating their own life or choices/beliefs. Truly the impartial counsel, all three of them.

I would encourage you to meet up with this therapist, even if you decide that just you and your husband (or you yourself) go first to vet her out. Bring up the issue of religion pretty directly if you think it will be an issue. It may be that she'll be a terrific match and has great skills and intuition, or it may be that it isn't the case and then you haven't dragged the kids in to seeing someone that you won't be continuing a therapeutic relationship with.

Good luck to you and yours.:)

Call and speak to her for a minute. Any decent therapist will allow this. Just let her know she was referred by insurance and you were wondering if she could describe her way of doing therapy to you. She may or may not ask you a few questions about why you are entering therapy. But she will tell you how she approaches problems- does she sit and let you do all the talking? does she ask a lot of questions and challenge a lot of what you say? does she look heavily into your childhood or focus on the present? all things that while she is talking will either feel like a good fit for you or not. And then she will explain or you can ask about the Christian approach. As someone else said, it's usually more of an understanding of this way of life, not that it will be like preaching to you. Therapists need to be tolerant and open to most ways of life, having a Christian approach or appreciation can still manage this. Good luck.

My current therapist has a website where I was able to read more about her, her specialties and philosophy. She had contact info and I emailed and then talked to her by phone before meeting with her in person. Even after the first appointment there is no obligation to return unless you think she can help you.

For therapy to be effective, you need to feel safe, respected and understood by your therapist. If this woman is recommended and covered by your insurance, give her a try. You will only know if she is right for you by talking with her. If it's not a good fit, keep looking.

I think when someone advertises as a Christian Therapist, its not that they teach Christianity, or preach, but rather understand the mentality of Christians and where they are coming from as far as how they run their lives, morals, and ethics. A non-Christian therapist may have a different approach to family values as someone who is devout Christian.