| 5 Types of Christian Counseling |
| Written by Adrienne Mc Ginnis | |
| Saturday, 13 June 2009 | |
|
There are many different types of Christian counselors. Gary Collins wrote the first article on the different types. When he first wrote his article he identified five basic categories which are still, for the most part recognized today.
There are many different types of Christian counselors. Gary Collins wrote the first article on the different types. When he first wrote his article he identified five basic categories which are still, for the most part recognized today. Main Stream Counselors: These counselors are trained first as pastors and second as counselors. They first go through a training known as CPE or Clinical Pastoral Education training. Then they go through a secular counseling program. Their religious background allows them to integrate both religion and psychology into their treatment Main Stream Counselors are thought to be too liberal. They negatively view conservative evangelical theologians. They possess the belief that the conservative counselors cause people in need to stay away from Christian counseling because of the fear that they will be negatively judged. Main Stream Counselors treat people more as humans who make mistakes rather than defiant members of society. They take a less confrontational approach, opting instead for a supportive relationship. Evangelical Pastoral Counselors: The bible is the foundation of all counseling for these individuals. They are very conservative and very confrontational. They will not sugar coat things for their clients but rather be blunt and to the point. They try to educated their clients in order to help them maintain their health. The client will need to learn many scriptures in order to gain the knowledge to set him/her free from their trials. Christian Professionals: Clyde Narramore is the father of Christian counseling, he fits into this category. Another big name in Christian counseling is Dr. James Dobson, founder of focus on the family, he also fits into this category. Most counselors in this category have received the majority of their education through secular schools and possess a state license. The reason that these individuals choose to practice in the Christian arena is because no matter where their education their roots are still in biblical evangelical theology. Theoretician Researchers: These counselors are mainly university professors who use a scholarly, scientific approach. As suggested by the title they work on researching, developing. testing new theories and techniques. They spend little time working in the field unless they are doing so for research. Evangelical Popularizers: This is the set of Christian counselors, who use their education to write self-help books, put together marriage seminars, help youth leaders develop action plans to help troubled youth etc. These counselors aim to help ordinary people who want to help themselves. The five categories of counselors were identified in 1975 and are still recognized to this day. There have been some changes within each category. For example the evangelical counselors have started to move away from clinical pastoral education in favor of a secular education. The Article Author: Adrienne Mc Ginnis B.A. Psychology provides need-to-know information on Christian counseling Services and is offers a free 10 step guide to help you find a counselor |
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