Bible-based counseling

dusky_tresses · #1 12th November 2009, 02:38 AM

Has anyone hear heard of Bible-based counseling or nouthetic counseling? If you have, what are your experiences with it? Especially in terms of mental health?

dusky_tresses · #2 16th November 2009, 03:44 PM

Well, I personally am not looking for a therapist, however I have heard that you should seek Bible-based counseling first because the Bible is authoritative in everything, and has all the answers.

Steelerbred33 · #3 19th November 2009, 05:57 PM

Does the Bible have all the answers in the context of psychology and overcoming personal issues? I do not think it does. I believe that the Bible ultimately heals and delivers us from our pain but there are contributions from psychological research that completes a therapeutic experience.

dusky_tresses · #4 20th November 2009, 12:26 AM

I'm asking this question from a devil's advocate perspective. I personally do NOT believe that Bible-based counseling is sufficient, but I'd like to see where everyone else's thoughts are.

Take a look at this website:

Adams' Answers - Institute For Nouthetic Studies

Let me know what you think. I believe that nouthetic counseling has its merits in others areas that secular psychological counseling lacks, but it's not the end-all-be-all.

spazlegs · #5 24th November 2009, 09:31 PM

Counselors who have training in psychology and who are christians and bring that worldview are much more sucessful in my view.

dusky_tresses · #6 25th November 2009, 12:41 AM

But what about "Christian counselors" who draw from being professionally trained into their practice, things which are NOT Christian? Such as advising people to do things that as mainstream Christians, would really raise eyebrows or even elicit shock?

Bushido216 · #7 25th November 2009, 01:27 AM

If your counselor is advising you to do something as part of your therapy that is that disturbing (and you're not being treated for a phobia), they're doing it wrong.

dusky_tresses · #8 25th November 2009, 05:43 AM

Well here is where the Bible-based counseling argument would come in and state that the main reason for your problems is sin-- whether it be addiction, anger, abuse, depression, conflicts, etc.; the Bible wouldn't suggest doing anything disturbing.

Steelerbred33 · #9 25th November 2009, 04:47 PM

I have purchased a book called "Psychology Debunked" by a former psychologist who renounced her position because psychology is about man and not God. She also uses the argument that all problems are sin and nothing more.

I do not agree with this all or nothing approach. Due to our sin nature, we are inclined to self-destruct/defeat and I believe most of our issues are founded in childhood and not in sin.

The challenging aspect of counseling is to pinpoint childhood traumas/issues that are now being played over and over again in a person's daily life. It's also difficult for individuals to be self-aware of their own issues and there needs to be more priority in that area.

dusky_tresses · #10 25th November 2009, 07:42 PM

Yup, I've heard of the same book as well. Unfortunately sometimes, psychology is about man and leaves God out. But then again...I have yet to hear of a profession (other than religious-based) that leaves God out purposefully. I agree with you Steeler, it's a very black and white approach that can be detrimental to someone who truly wants to change their life. I would say that some of our issues are founded in childhood, some are issues that started in adulthood, and some are rooted in sin. Or, a combination of any of the three. It may depend.

My own criticism towards certain counseling techniques is the over-stress on childhood issues. I once went to a counselor who kept wanting me to talk about my childhood, and quite frankly, I'm done and over it. There's nothing I can do to change what happened, and I kept wanting to talk about what was going on now. Yes, my childhood really sucked...I don't think it's necessary to rehash it either.