Christian Counseling and Integrating Moral Guidance

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Mark Moran

I. Introduction

The meeting point of Christian counseling and morality gives a complicated way to see human actions and ethical choices, which needs thorough looks and thoughts. Based on biblical ideas and religious knowledge, Christian counseling seeks to offer people advice that is both mentally effective and morally solid. This encourages us to think about how these two parts affect each other. This method recognizes how important spiritual beliefs are in forming one’s values and ethical decisions, pushing clients to think deeply about their behavior according to their beliefs, which brings up key questions about what morality really is. Also, Christian counselors tend to use a complete approach, dealing with not just the mental and emotional parts of their clients’ issues but also their spiritual health, showing how these areas connect. As society faces more moral issues that test old values, Christian counseling plays a key role in supporting both individual development and community morals, encouraging us to look into what these connections mean. Therefore, it is vital to closely examine how these areas influence each other to grasp the wider effects of morality within the realm of faith-based support and to think about how this framework can adjust to modern ethical problems.

AIHCP offers a faith based Christian Counseling Certification for qualified professionals in both pastoral and human service fields

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program. Click here to find out more about the online and independent study program offered by AIHCP.

A. Definition of Christian counseling

Christian counseling is an approach that combines psychological ideas with Bible teachings, stressing the moral views in Christian beliefs. This type of counseling is based on the idea that Christ’s teachings give important insights into human behavior and relationships, which improve the therapy process. It sees the conscience as key, suggesting that everyone uses an internal guide shaped by God’s law and personal experiences. This internal guide helps in making choices and reveals spiritual truths that can be discussed in therapy. Counselors in this setting aim to increase awareness of one’s conscience, helping people consider moral questions that affect their identity and well-being. Clients are encouraged to think about how their values and beliefs connect to their choices in life, which can lead to meaningful insights. Given the common therapeutic view that often puts self above moral responsibility, Christian counselors need to shift attention back to core ideas of morality, healing, and forgiveness as taught by Jesus Christ. This shift usually includes discussing grace and redemption, helping clients see their problems in a different way. Therefore, Christian counseling is important for promoting moral understanding and personal growth, supporting key views on marriage and ethics in society, while also highlighting the peace and satisfaction that comes from living in line with one’s faith (W Wilcox B, 2002)(Mong et al., 2021).

B. Importance of morality in counseling

The importance of morality in counseling, especially in Christian contexts, is significant, affecting both how counselors work and how clients progress in therapy. In a time when moral relativism often influences societal standards, counselors need to base their work on a clear moral framework that respects each person’s inherent value and dignity. This is essential because effective counseling relies on understanding moral responsibility and accountability, which can be powerful sources of healing and identity development. Studies indicate that when clients see their counselors as having a strong moral foundation, they are more likely to trust the therapy process, improving results for those involved. As discussed in the context of marriage and public policy, effective interventions in personal relationships often relate to a moral understanding beyond just therapeutic techniques (W Wilcox B, 2002). This shows that morality is not just a theoretical idea; it is a crucial element of human relationships. Additionally, recognizing the conscience as central to human experience creates a space where clients can explore their identities in connection with a divine moral framework, leading to greater personal growth and completeness (Mong et al., 2021). This exploration is vital as it helps clients handle complex choices in life, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. By encouraging a morally grounded counseling practice, counselors can help clients not only deal with current issues but also develop a deeper sense of self that reflects their core values and beliefs.

C. Overview of the relationship between Christian principles and counseling practices

The connection between Christian values and counseling methods is complex, representing a blend aimed at addressing both spiritual and mental aspects of people’s lives. Christian counseling often uses Bible lessons and moral principles that guide counselors in helping clients heal and grow. This combined method may improve therapy by matching psychological techniques with faith-based beliefs, creating a framework that is thorough and respects the various needs of individuals. Such a combination is important as it encourages different viewpoints in Christian psychology and broadens the field by increasing understanding of cultural and theological differences (Behensky et al., 2006). Additionally, viewing psychology as the study of behavior and mental processes highlights that counselors should be aware of both research methods and the moral stories that shape their clients’ lives (Bufford et al., 2006). This combined awareness allows counselors to interact meaningfully with clients’ beliefs and values. Thus, the link between faith and counseling becomes a significant conversation focused on healing and changing both individuals and communities. By connecting spiritual beliefs with psychological practices, Christian counseling tackles present issues and promotes a deeper inquiry into identity, purpose, and common human experiences within therapy. This merger ultimately leads to a richer therapeutic setting where healing can happen and clients can succeed in different areas of their lives.

II. The Theological Foundations of Christian Counseling

The basic beliefs of Christian counseling are closely linked to how human nature and morality are shown in Scripture, highlighting a deep connection that affects both the theory and how counseling is done. At the heart of this idea is theo-anthropological wholeness, which suggests that both spiritual and psychological parts are important for a full understanding of humanity. This idea stresses the need for personal responsibility and how sin affects individual lives, which informs how counselors conduct their work and interact with clients (Park et al., 2016). It reminds us that each counseling meeting can be a chance for grace, encouraging clients to deal with their problems in a whole way. By mixing ideas from different theological views, as suggested by experts, Christian counseling can benefit from a broader cultural and disciplinary background, improving its moral guidelines and expanding its use in different situations (Behensky et al., 2006). This approach not only enhances theoretical knowledge but also supports practical uses in counseling, where combining spiritual beliefs with psychological help can result in complete healing and growth. Recognizing the complex nature of human life, Christian counseling aims to address the emotional, social, and spiritual areas of clients’ situations. In the end, this combination highlights the life-changing potential of Christian counseling in encouraging moral actions, healing emotional pain, and building stronger spiritual connections, all of which support the overall health of people within a faith context. This holistic viewpoint helps both counselors and clients face difficult life challenges with a combined outlook that reflects their beliefs and values.

A. Biblical principles guiding counseling practices

Christian Counseling and Christian morality finds its basis in Scripture and from Scripture apply it to behavioral and moral questions along side modern therapies and counseling techniques to help individuals heal and grow in Christ

Using Biblical principles in counseling is important for connecting therapeutic methods with Christian values. These principles, based in scripture, focus on kindness, forgiveness, and the value of each person. When counseling is based on Biblical truths, it aims to help individuals both emotionally and spiritually, supporting an overall view of well-being. This is especially crucial for dealing with modern challenges, like the concerning number of young people, such as those at the Light of Life Restoration Church in Kenya, who are leaving church activities even after earlier participation and moral lessons. Bringing pastoral counseling into schools may help address this issue and strengthen moral values ((Mburu et al., 2022)). Also, the flexible nature of pastoral care in response to modern influences shows the need for merging spiritual truths with current psychological methods, ensuring that counseling continues to offer hope and support in a quickly changing cultural environment ((Ganschow et al., 2024)).

B. The role of prayer and spiritual guidance in counseling

In Christian counseling, prayer is important for building a spiritual connection and clear morals. When counselors use prayer in their work, they help create a conversation between the person and God, and also bring a feeling of calm and mindfulness, which can lead to better therapy results. Research supports this idea; a study of spiritual leaders and psychologists found that CAPS psychologists and spiritual leaders focused more on things like spirituality, forgiveness, and personal growth compared to APA psychologists (Bissell et al., 2003). This shows that prayer and spiritual advice are key for self-awareness and emotional healing. Additionally, the support of these ideas by spiritual leaders shows a strong commitment to the holistic method essential to Christian values, ultimately helping clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their journeys to align with their spiritual beliefs (Bissell et al., 2000).

C. The significance of community and church support in the counseling process

The part of community and church support in counseling is important, as it creates a space of trust and belonging that greatly helps therapy results. This support system not only inspires people to share their problems but also adds to a feeling of safety and acceptance, which is crucial for healing. In Christian counseling, the community aspect often goes beyond one-on-one therapy, forming a shared path toward healing and moral strength that can be very helpful. It sets up an environment where being open about struggles is accepted, and individuals can gain strength from shared experiences and knowledge. This network can reduce feelings of loneliness and hopelessness while reinforcing the moral lessons that are part of the faith, as shown by public policies related to marriage that highlight the importance of community strength and teamwork in counseling situations (W Wilcox B, 2002). Furthermore, clergy who serve as counselors face challenges in how they manage their image to keep their reputation and the faith of those they help intact within the community. This situation underscores the need for awareness and healing within the church, providing a better understanding of how community and church support can effectively assist individuals dealing with personal issues in counseling (Bailey K E et al., 2019). By encouraging connections and support, communities can assist individuals not just in tackling their problems but also in rebuilding their lives in a more positive and optimistic way, emphasizing that healing is not only a personal journey but also a shared effort that can change both the person and the whole community.

III. Ethical Considerations in Christian Counseling

In the area of Christian counseling, ethics play a big role in how the therapist-client relationship works and the outcomes that result. Combining faith with counseling brings up tricky issues like confidentiality, informed consent, and the risk of having dual relationships. Counselors need to carefully balance spiritual advice with psychological work, making sure that clients’ independence and dignity are honored. Ethical guidelines, like those noted in the 1992 Report of the Task Force on Law Schools and the Profession, stress the need to focus on values as well as skills in professional work. However, this report has been criticized for not sufficiently covering professional values, which might weaken the ethical bases needed for counseling practices, especially in a Christian setting (Pearce et al., 2002). Thus, it’s important to create clear ethical standards that blend counseling theories with Christian beliefs to keep the counseling process strong and respect the moral aspects that come with faith-based practices (Pearce et al., 2002).

A. The importance of confidentiality and trust

Confidentiality and trust are basic parts of Christian counseling, acting as the foundation for building effective therapeutic relationships. Clients who come to counseling often share their deepest problems, wanting a secure place to discuss their thoughts and feelings. Knowing that what they share will stay confidential allows clients to be open and honest, creating a space of respect and understanding. This trust is crucial for both the healing path of the individual and the integrity of the counseling process while also relating to moral and ethical duties. As shown in the relational way of law practice, good support needs attention to others’ well-being; likewise, Christian counseling works best when there is an awareness that keeping confidentiality not only helps personal development but also benefits the community as a whole (Pearce et al., 2016)(Pearce et al., 2004).

B. Navigating moral dilemmas in counseling sessions

In Christian counseling, dealing with moral dilemmas can be very hard and needs careful thought. Counselors are often in a tough spot between what their clients need and their own ethical or spiritual views, which can create complicated situations where the right choice isn’t clear. The MacCrate Report points out that while counseling should follow legal and ethical norms, it mainly focuses on skills and lacks a deep understanding of values, which can leave counselors unprepared for moral issues (Pearce et al., 2002). This gap can increase conflicts between a counselor’s job duties and their personal beliefs, making it hard to make decisions that touch on strong feelings about right and wrong (Pearce et al., 2002). Therefore, it is important for Christian counselors to continuously reflect on themselves and develop professionally, so they are ready to deal with these tough moral challenges in a thoughtful and honest way.

C. The impact of counselor’s personal beliefs on client relationships

The relationship between a counselor’s personal beliefs and their clients is an important factor in Christian counseling, where values and moral ideas heavily influence therapy. Counselors often deal with the tricky process of mixing values, which involves being aware of and managing their beliefs in their work. Participant stories from research show that many counselors struggle with aligning their personal values with their job roles, often realizing these conflicts only when issues come up in the counseling process (Randall et al., 2024). Additionally, the increasing focus on spirituality and morality in counseling shows a shift toward understanding the complete needs of clients. This highlights the need for counselors to find a careful balance between being non-judgmental and addressing the moral aspects that may come up in therapy (Mufid et al., 2020). This balance is crucial for building genuine and supportive relationships with clients.

IV. The Role of Morality in Client-Counselor Dynamics

In the area of client and counselor interactions, morality is very important in creating the therapeutic relationship, especially in Christian counseling. Counselors often struggle to combine their personal beliefs with their job duties, leading to complicated situations in counseling. Specifically, (Randall et al., 2024) points out that blending values is a growth process for counselors, which goes beyond basic training and requires continuous support to handle these issues well. A counselor’s moral views can affect how clients see them in terms of trustworthiness, skill, and appeal, as shown in research mentioned in (Baldwin et al., 2019). Recognizing how spirituality and morality work together can not only improve the counselor’s ability but also build a stronger connection with clients, leading to more significant therapeutic results. Thus, engaging thoughtfully with moral ideas is crucial for the success of the client-counselor relationship in seeking overall well-being.

A. Understanding clients’ moral frameworks and values

Decisions and moral issue questions have all their answers found within the paradigm of Christian morality which is based off the Ten Commandments and teachings of Christ.

Knowing what clients believe and value is very important for good Christian counseling, because it shapes the therapy and affects choices. Counselors need to acknowledge how personal and subjective spirituality is, as including these aspects can greatly improve the client’s path to healing and growth. Nevertheless, this method requires careful ethics to prevent a one-size-fits-all or reactive approach to spirituality that might harm the client’s independence and beliefs (Berardi et al., 2006). By reflecting on themselves, counselors can better understand their own clinical and spiritual views, helping to prevent biases in therapy. Additionally, blending a Christian perspective with modern therapy practices allows for richer discussions that recognize God’s presence, creating an environment for greater understanding and personal development (Mack et al., 2020). In the end, focusing on clients’ beliefs ensures that counseling stays true to ethical standards and spiritual honesty.

B. The influence of Christian morality on therapeutic outcomes

Bringing Christian morality into therapy can significantly affect results, especially in Christian counseling. Highlighting a broad narrative based on Biblical teachings helps build a moral character that is key for good therapeutic practice, allowing both the counselor and client to connect more directly in the healing journey. This method not only aims to develop virtues like faith, hope, and love but also underscores the importance of moral communities in shaping behaviors and views. These communities create spaces where individuals can help each other on their paths to healing and wholeness. It is essential to find this moral character within a Christian perspective, which relies on a narrative grounded in the Bible and Christian tradition. This serves as a strong base for understanding personal struggles and challenges through the lens of divine purpose and grace (Frederick et al., 2010). Additionally, recognizing an active God in therapy enriches the experience, countering secular beliefs that often overlook divine impact and ignore the deep spiritual aspects of human life. This integration supports the idea that psychological and psychotherapeutic insights can be effectively combined within suitable theological frameworks (Mack et al., 2020), leading to deeper, transformative healing. By grounding therapy in Christian morality, practitioners can help clients build resilience, guiding them toward emotional and mental health along with a spiritual life that reflects their values and beliefs, ultimately resulting in overall well-being and restoration.

C. Strategies for integrating moral discussions into counseling sessions

Bringing up moral talks in counseling is important for a full approach to Christian counseling. By making a safe space where clients can talk about their moral issues, counselors can help deepen understanding and promote personal growth. A good way to do this is by using open-ended questions that make clients think and start discussions on moral values, especially concerning their life experiences. Counselors can also use scriptural references to explain moral ideas, showing how faith can guide ethical choices, linking spiritual beliefs to daily decisions. It’s also key to look at cultural pressures that might cause clients to stray from their moral beliefs, since outside social factors can greatly influence one’s inner values. For example, popular culture can sometimes go against spiritual teachings, making people feel disconnected from both their faith and community, which complicates moral decision-making (Armstrong et al., 2019). Additionally, understanding factors like face management and shame is vital; recognizing these can help counselors adjust their methods, enabling clients to tackle moral issues without fearing judgment (Bailey K E et al., 2019). This personalized approach encourages clients to think more about their values and beliefs, creating a nurturing environment that respects their personal journeys while inspiring them to blend their moral beliefs into everyday actions and choices.

V. Conclusion

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

In conclusion, the connection between Christian counseling and morality highlights the need for a healing method that includes spiritual aspects into therapy. The rise in focus on key skills in marriage and family therapy education shows a clear need to build moral character within a Christian perspective. This viewpoint is based on a larger story grounded in biblical and traditional ideas, which guide professionals through the challenges of human behavior and relationships (Frederick et al., 2010). Additionally, the various religious and spiritual aspects found in differing psychotherapy methods point out the need for counselors to use a range of intervention tactics that consider both client well-being and independence, promoting a more complete understanding of individual needs and settings (McMinn et al., 2012). This broad understanding encourages therapists to work with clients in ways that create a sense of moral community and support the growth of virtues like faith, hope, and love, which are vital for personal development and healing. In the end, carefully combining these elements in Christian counseling not only improves therapy results but also strengthens the moral foundation of society as a whole. It is essential for practitioners to continually commit to these guiding ideas, making sure they offer support that promotes both individual health and the shared ethical standards of the communities they serve. In this way, counselors meet their professional responsibilities while also significantly helping create a more compassionate and morally aware society.

A. Summary of key points discussed

The blend of Christian counseling and morality is highlighted by some important points that show the difficulties of ethical guidance in a faith-based context. One main idea is the recognition of conscience as a core part of being human, stressing its importance in making moral choices and taking personal responsibility (Mong et al., 2021). Additionally, modern public policies regarding marriage and family issues showcase the growing importance of cooperation between church and state in encouraging moral actions, indicating that these policies can strengthen the values found in Christian counseling (W Wilcox B, 2002). This combination of focusing on individual conscience and larger social effects provides a well-rounded approach to counseling that aims to support personal healing while also aligning with the moral principles established by Scripture. Thus, a successful Christian counseling practice should carefully consider the conscience while also engaging with societal factors that influence ethical living.

B. The ongoing relevance of Christian counseling in contemporary society

In today’s world, the importance of Christian counseling is getting more attention, especially as people deal with ethical issues and moral doubts. This type of counseling not only gives mental support but also provides a moral basis rooted in Christian beliefs. For many individuals, Christian counseling serves as a way to work through personal problems while combining faith and psychological ideas. It is a strong resource, especially in a world that often seems to have unclear morals, where issues like family problems, mental health challenges, and tough decision-making are significant. The ideas of love, kindness, and helping others highlighted in Christian counseling connect well with those looking for help in understanding complicated moral situations. Moreover, religious lawyering can be seen as a strong way to counter the increasing doubt in professional areas, showing how Christian principles can shape different parts of life, including the pursuit of justice that benefits everyone (Pearce et al., 2004)(Diane et al., 2002).

C. Future directions for research and practice in Christian counseling and morality

As Christian counseling changes, future research and practice should focus on including a clear understanding of morality in counseling practices. One good way to do this is by looking at how modern psychological ideas and traditional Christian values can work together to create an approach that respects both faith and proven methods. By studying how moral reasoning varies in different cultural backgrounds, researchers can create counseling techniques that align with the individual faith experiences of clients. In addition, new training programs for counselors are crucial to help them deal with the complicated moral choices clients face in today’s fast-changing world. Encouraging teamwork between theologians, psychologists, and ethics experts will also improve counseling methods, making sure that the results support both spiritual growth and uphold moral standards in clients’ lives. Together, these steps will enhance the effectiveness and relevance of Christian counseling when dealing with today’s moral issues.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The certification’s duration is every four years and earned initially by qualified professionals in human service or pastoral fields that pass the core courses offered through AIHCP.

References:

Pearce, Russell G. (2002). MacCrate\u27s Missed Opportunity: The MacCrate Report\u27s Failure to Advance Professional Values Symposium. https://core.ac.uk/download/144229122.pdf
Pearce, Russell G. (2002). MacCrate\u27s Missed Opportunity: The MacCrate Report\u27s Failure to Advance Professional Values Symposium. https://core.ac.uk/download/46712052.pdf
Behensky, Charles, Flanagan, Kelly Schimmel, Gibson, Nicholas J.S., Hicks, et al. (2006). Invitation to the Table Conversation: A Few Diverse Perspectives on Integration. https://core.ac.uk/download/84118523.pdf
Park, Lilly (2016). A Comparative Analysis of Theological Anthropologies in Selected Christian Counseling Models. https://core.ac.uk/download/629115126.pdf
Pearce, Russell G., Wald, Eli (2016). Being Good Lawyers: A Relational Approach to Law Practice. https://core.ac.uk/download/144231897.pdf
Pearce, Russell G. (2004). Religious Lawyering in a Liberal Democracy: A Challenge and an Invitation William A. Brahms Lecture on Law & Religion. https://core.ac.uk/download/144229086.pdf
Bissell, Leslie D, Faries, Sally R., Howard, Nicholas C, McMinn, et al. (2003). Spiritual Directors and Clinical Psychologists: A Comparison of Mental Health and Spiritual Values (Taken from Chapter 3 of Spiritual Formation, Counseling, and Psychotherapy). http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1228&context=gscp_fac
Bissell, Leslie D, Faries, Sally R, Howard, Nicholas C, McMinn, et al. (2000). Spiritual Directors and Clinical Psychologists: A Comparison of Mental Health and Spiritual Values. http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1160&context=gscp_fac
Bailey K. E., Beazley H., Bloomquist K. L., Bobgan M., Branson M. L., Broomhall R., Broucek F. J., et al. (2019). Understanding Face and Shame: A Servant-Leadership and Face Management Model. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1016&context=dps_fac
Armstrong, Jennie (2019). God Likes Sex: Conversations Integrating Spirituality and Sexuality. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1288&context=dmin
Berardi, Anna A., PhD. (2006). Incorporating Spirituality into the Therapeutic Setting: Safeguarding Ethical Use of Spirituality Through Therapist Self-Reflection. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1017&context=gsc
Mack, Kelvin Jamaal (2020). Unveiling God in Counseling: The Compatibility of Christian Theology and the Modern Therapeutic Process. https://core.ac.uk/download/326757605.pdf
Bufford, Rodger K. (2006). Psychology. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1303&context=gscp_fac
Mburu, John Wachori (2022). A Project on Why Many High School and College Students Fail to Attend Church Services. https://core.ac.uk/download/516440522.pdf
Ganschow, Stephen (2024). Discerning Impact of Secular Humanism on Pastoral Counseling. https://core.ac.uk/download/614443247.pdf
W. Bradford Wilcox (2002). Sacred Vows, Public Purposes: Religion, the Marriage Movement and Marriage Policy. https://core.ac.uk/download/71354657.pdf
Mong, James Ferguson (2021). The Essential Morality of Identity: The Role of the Conscience in Identity Formation. https://core.ac.uk/download/629114320.pdf
Randall, Rebecca (2024). Values Integration and the Professional Counselor. https://core.ac.uk/download/599215072.pdf
Mufid, Abdul (2020). Moral and spiritual aspects in counseling: Recent development in the West. https://core.ac.uk/download/483500888.pdf
Frederick, Thomas V., Ph.D., Steele, Laura L. (2010). Core Competencies and Christian Education: An Integrative Approach to Education in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs. https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1065&context=icctej
Diane, Paul, Lennox, James, Tabery, Jim (2002). Session 1: Eugenics Narrative and Reproductive Engineering. https://core.ac.uk/download/11920461.pdf
Baldwin, Mark (2019). The Effects of the Counselors Spiritual Background and the Participants Spirituality on the Participants Perceptions of the Expertness, Attractiveness, and Trustworthiness of the Counselor. https://core.ac.uk/download/539822672.pdf
McMinn, Mark R (2012). Counseling and Psychotherapy Within and Across Faith Traditions (Chapter 17 in The Oxford Handbook of the Psychology of Spirituality). https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1269&context=gscp_f

Christian Counseling Program Video on the Interior Castle

Posted on March 30, 2022December 17, 2024 by Dominick Flarey

St Teresa of Avilla laid out the a map for a closer union with God in her classic, “The Interior Castle”. She details the numerous levels of spiritual union with God that a soul undertakes. This is a long journey for many as they let go of the world and embrace Christ.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling.

Please also review the video below

Christian Counseling Program Video on the Works of Mercy

Posted on February 22, 2022December 17, 2024 by Dominick Flarey

The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy are all essential works to love one’s neighbor perfectly both physically and spiritually. It is about helping others through life through acts of charity that follow the teachings of Christ. They are essential to living one’s faith.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program and see if it meets your goals and needs both academically and professionally. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling.

Christian Counseling Program Video on Prayer and Spirituality

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

Prayer and meditation are important to Christian spirituality. A private and public prayer life is critical to strengthened the spirituality of the soul and feeding it the necessary grace it needs to suffice.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

Please review the video below

Christian Counseling Program Video on Christian Mentoring

Posted on October 6, 2021October 6, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

Discipleship and mentoring future disciples is an important part of Christianity. We see this in the Paul-Timothy relationship and how Paul taught Timothy and educated him in the faith. Christian mentors can help others become better disciples. The relationship is very much vocational and only certain individuals are called to help form Christians.

If you are a pastor, priest, minister or someone helping youth in Christian formation, then consider becoming a spiritual advisor or mentor to them. Help them form their faith and guide them through scripture. AIHCP offers a four year Christian Counseling Program for qualified professionals. The program is online and independent study. If interested please review and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

Please review the video below

Christian Counseling Certification Article on Jesus Christ: Glorify Him

Posted on July 13, 2021July 16, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

Jesus is the central aspect of life. He plays such a key role because without Him there is no redemption. Christ the New Adam took upon sin and undid the curse of Adam through His sacrifice on the cross. Hence in everything, Christ is present. Christ makes all new.

Jesus Christ is an amazing miracle within Himself. He is the Word made Flesh as stated in the Gospel of John and that alone warrants adoration and worship yet many do not understand the true inner workings of Christ and can become confused.

Jesus is both God and Man, perfectly unified in person. He deserves to be glorified

First and foremost, it is important to emphasize the importance of Jesus Christ. The Fall of Adam sent the temporal world spiraling out of control into spiritual darkness. Reparation needed made due Adam’s sin but no sacrifice was pure enough. A sacrifice that possessed both perfect priest and perfect victim were needed to be given to God.

Christ offered Himself as that sacrifice by merely being born, but permitted Himself to remain obedient even to death to fulfill the necessity of sacrifice. The Last Supper would have sufficed as the Perfect Sacrifice but the evil of humanity sought His life in a bloody sacrifice. Christ did not demand His own end but accepted the will of the Father and hence as history showed, He was crucified.

However, to be a perfect priest and sacrifice Christ had to be both God and man. He had to be perfectly both. From a Divine standpoint, His essence as the Word, was divine and eternal while from a human standpoint, He was created and not eternal.

His Body was perfectly human. The Divine Word did not create a shell to inhabit, or create the illusion of being human, but literally shared and occupied a Body with Jesus. The Divine Word did not overtake or possess but became one with the human soul and body. This hypostatic union was made possible by Mary saying yes to God’s will.

When looking at this miracle, Christ was both God and man, completely and fully, two natures but perfectly fused as one person. Hence Christ’s humanity while created, became interconnected with the Word in such a way that Christ the Person was completely God. One element was eternal, while another was finite, but together in union, represented one person and one God.

Due to this, we worship Jesus as a person. We do not reserve worship only for His divine element but His entirety.

Because of Christ’s entirety of both God and man, He could then properly represent humanity as High Priest and as Divine offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice to the Father. This is why it is so critically important that we understand that Christ is both fully human and fully God but yet one person.

This supernatural mystery of the Incarnation and Hypostatic Union show the great love Christ has for humanity and His central role in the redemption plan. This love was so perfect that many even contend, the incarnation was impossible to prevent even if Adam had remained faithful. Through Christ’s humanity, the Logos can touch us in different ways than just as a pure spirit and Deity. As a human, He can love us in every possible way.

Jesus became human not only to redeem us but also to love us at the most human level

So many heresies have confused these concepts, either dismissing His divinity (Arius) or reducing His humanity (gnostics) or misunderstanding how His natures interacted (Nestorianism and Monophysitism). These heresies miss the importance of God’s perfect love for us as well as the Christ’s role as the New Adam.

So we can confidently declare that Christ is Divine for the “Word Became Flesh”. He is the Alpah Omega as declared in Revelations and He was eternal before, as He stated, than even Abraham. We can also confidently declare Christ is human for He was indeed born in a manager, and was indeed crucified.

The Incarnation and Redemption saw the birth and death of a man and the resurrection of a God. For this reason, we glorify Christ and bend our knee. Christ is our King, Priest, Redeemer, but also our Friend and most Beloved.

If you would like to learn more about Jesus Christ, one should read the Gospels, as well as study Christology. This will enrich one’s understanding but also one’s love of Christ.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Christian Counseling

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

Christian Counseling Certification Article on Spiritual Depression

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

Individuals can be spiritually depressed. They can hope and become unhappy with their faith. They can also feel desolations in their prayer life where they feel abandoned. How one bounces back in their spiritual life during this episodes is key. Spiritual Counselors and mentors can help individuals rediscover the presence of God in their life.

If in a spiritual depression, sometimes praying harder despite the emotional comfort is key. Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program

The article, “Understanding Spiritual Depression” from Healthline looks closer at spiritual depressions. The article states,

“If you’re experiencing spiritual depression, your religious leader might encourage a similar remedy: prayer or seeking Christ. Yet, many of the symptoms associated with spiritual depression can also suggest a depressive disorder, which may not improve without support from a mental health professional.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Spiritual depression can be deeper rooted and may require professional mental help, but in many cases, one requires spiritual guidance through the spiritual desert of the world. Please also review AIHCP’s Spiritual Counseling Program as well as AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Program. Both programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Christian Counseling: Spirituality of Quiet, Silence and Retreat That Can Be Found in Confinement

Posted on April 12, 2020January 12, 2023 by Dominick Flarey

The forced confinement due to Coronoavirus is a crisis for many. It locks them away from the necessary physical interaction. For those with mental health and addiction issues, it can also play havoc upon their lives. The quarantine can become a nightmare for many but it can also be an invitation among the chaos to find peace and guidance. It can be if applied become a retreat from the world that can help individuals discover the quiet of God among the materialistic world.

In the quiet we can find God. We can dismiss the distractions. Please also review our Christian Counseling Program

The time for prayer and spirituality can be found in the quiet and isolation for those who seek it. Mystics and saints have reminded humanity throughout the centuries that a turn to God involves quiet. While social prayers and ceremonies are essential to our social nature, we are also individuals and must feed ourselves spiritually through meditation and quiet prayer.

In more normal times, it is healthy to turn to God to prayer daily and if possible once a week in an hour retreat from the world. This retreat allows one to re-access, re-focus, and discover what truly matters in life. That purposeful break or short spiritual quarantine from the world can allow one to hear God. One cannot hear God’s will or God’s demands in the loud of the world. Competing false ideals and distractions emerge. Satan looks to keep one busy as to avoid God and his message.

An hour retreat totally given to God as gift is a time to hear God. St. Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, St Benedict and St. Ignatius all speak of this quiet. The quiet where God is heard through meditation and total giving to God.

In that time, the phone is set away, social media ignored and television turned off. It is a time for God where we separate from the world to hear God’s desires and will. It is a quiet time that heals the soul from the isms of the world and refreshes the spirit to face it.

This time of physical retreat from the virus is a bad thing but it is also a time where we can spiritually retreat and find ourselves again. It is a time where the business of the world can allow one to work on oneself. Spirituality should not be something we neglect in this scary time. We can turn this time of fear into a time to re-access our own spirituality and take the opportunity to re-emerge from the quarantine as better Christians, people and followers of God.

If you would like to learn more about Christian Counseling then please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and leads to a four year certification.

In the meantime, be safe and allow this time of uncertainty to help cultivate better spiritual practices through the time honored instrument of silence. Through silence we can filter out the noise of satan and find God.

When Grief Questions Existence

Posted on December 13, 2019January 12, 2023 by Dominick Flarey

Grief in its deepest times can force us to question our very existence. We can question why and how one’s life has lost so much. We can question if there is a God, or a divine being. We can question our own moral code and way of living. Grief has the strongest ability to shake one to his or her very core.

Existentialism has for years questioned the how and why of existence. It has mourned over the fear of what is beyond the grave and what truly matters in this life. When torn by grief, many Christians may look feel this philosophy and its emptiness matches their current emotional state. The thought of nothingness and the fact that acts of loss or violence are merely random can in some ways maybe soothe the conflict within. The conflict that sees a contradiction between evil acts and a good God.

Grief can utter our existential outlook on life. We need to turn to Christ for guidance. Please also review our Christian Counseling Program

The temptation of existentialism to create one’s own code of existence and live by it alone may be strong in grief. It may be a way to get back at God and to create one’s own subjective reality based on one’s own existence. Or as existentialists proclaim, to bravely put aside pre-ordained moral paradigms and to venture into the unknown and to bravely create one’s own existence. It may seem attractive to dismiss all cares when in the pit of despair.

However, God is a loving father. He knows our grief. His Son, Jesus Christ, and his holy Mother Mary, all experienced this deep grief. Christ on the cross even in his deepest agony, questioned the Father, and mournfully cried out, ” My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me”.

We all come across grief and its darkness. We face the existential question and all the unknowns behind it. We question how evil can exist while a good God rules, and we can question why God would “punish” a loyal servant. We can mourn like Job but ultimately like Job not allow our own emptiness to lead us astray. We can follow in Jesus, who while mourning and isolated, still remained loyal to the father.

Grief disrupts life. It disrupts the very existence of our day to day plans. One needs to be able to understand how to incorporate grief and loss into one’s existential narrative without dismissing God or his plan. It is the most difficult cross but one Christ himself did not deny himself. He should serve as our example when we fall into the depth of agony and loss.

Tests can be difficult times. Grief is a test. Grief is a time when our loyalty to God can be tested at the highest level. We can question our existence or give it to God. It is ultimately our choice.

Please also review our Christian Counseling Program as well as our Christian Grief Counseling Program and see if they meet your academic and professional goals. The programs are online and are open to qualified professionals who look to share the teachings of Christ in a counseling setting.

Christian Counseling Certification on the Joy of Receiving

Posted on December 19, 2018December 21, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Please also review our Christian Counseling Certification

The title of this blog, the “Joy of Receiving” may surprise a few at first but the role a Christian plays in accepting something is as important in the role they play in giving. We have heard the phrase, “it is truly better to give than to receive” but like all reciprocal relationships, there needs to a proper balance.

If one only takes, then obviously one can detect a clear selfish individual who preys upon the generosity of others. If one only takes, then they are unable to share, or help others in life. These individuals tend to be more materialistic and greed filled. They feel no need to share their talents, or share their gifts to others. They care very little for the poor or others in need. The thought of making someone’s else day a better day through a simple generous gesture is beyond their comprehension. Ultimately, they are unable to experience the reciprocity of love because they only take. I feel many of the Biblical warnings of greed and selfishness address their spiritual deficiencies.

And yet upon the opposite spectrum, while the Christian who only gives truly sees the more spiritual path, they must also learn to occasionally take with joy as well. If they do not learn to accept or take, then first, how can they ever accept the greatest gift of all, redemption? Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate gift through his death and we must accept this gift without hesitation if we are to have salvation.

In this reality, love is a reciprocal act. It is not poached through greed or selfishness but mutual self-giving. Love is a reciprocal action of mutual giving and receiving. In this reality, a Christian must not only give, but also be able to receive. This is critical to understand if one is to understand love and its relational status.

Love is recipocal and involves giving but also receiving for it to be able to function

Those who tend to the extreme of only giving, fail to experience the love of being accepted, being loved and given something special, but they also fail to allow others to experience the same joy of giving they experience. Sometimes even the saintly fail in this category. They are very dismissive to receive from another out of an over religious zeal of unworthiness. At the other extreme, some may feel the obligation to give and give out of a sense of duty and when that duty is challenged, their pride is hurt.

Jesus taught us the opposite. He gave completely but when the times came, he permitted others the joy of giving. We see this clearly when the women at the house cleaned his feet with the most previous oils. We also see it at his birth, when the Magi brought the three precious gifts.

As Christians, we must have a balanced spiritual life. We must give as Christ gave, but we must also allow others to experience the joy of giving as well. This means letting go of possible pride, or false unworthiness and accept gifts with Christian joy. In doing so, we balance the reciprocity of love and allow others to experience the gift of giving itself. We must learn to accept gifts, the way we accept Christ’s ultimate gift on the cross with love. In doing so, we will better be able to share in the reciprocity of love that is both giving and accepting.

Please also review the Christian Counseling Certification Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.