Choosing a Counselor

Selecting a counselor can be difficult and the following factors should be considered.

When selecting, consider three basic categories: the spiritual, the professional, and the practical.  By understanding the importance of each category and asking some pertinent questions, you are well on your way to a worthwhile experience.

Spiritual Considerations

Counseling is inherently value laden. Your core values and those of your counselor need to match. Consider the following questions to ask a counselor:

Are you a Christian?

Most healthcare professionals, Christian or not, are in the profession because they want to be of service to others. This question is not meant to imply that non-Christian professionals have an “agenda” to harm Christian clients.  Nevertheless, Christian counseling and secular counseling are literally worlds apart. 

Do you counsel using Biblical principles?

There is a major difference between a Christian counselor and a Christian counselor who counsels using Biblical principles.

How does being a Christian impact your counseling?  Do you pray with clients?  Do you reference Scripture?

Christian counselors often have personal testimonies that reveal their life experiences. Their stories may be shared to bring hope and build faith.  A true Christian counselor will pray with clients and reference scripture within the session.

Professional Considerations

The credentials of mental health professionals and their ethical codes can be confusing to those who are new to therapy.  There are three basic levels of assistance:

Psychiatrist.  These individuals have M.D. after their name, and are medical doctors or physicians.  In addition to psychotherapy, they are trained and licensed to prescribe medicine. In most states, psychiatrists are the only mental health professional who may prescribe medicine.

Psychologist.  These individuals may have one of several credentials, including, Ph.D. (doctorate of philosophy), Psy.D. (doctorate of psychology) or Ed.D. (doctorate of education).  In most cases these mental health professionals provide counseling and psychological testing.  Most states do not permit psychologists to prescribe medications.

Counselor.  These individuals most often have master degrees in various disciplines, including psychology, counseling and social work.  Some of the credentials include L.P.C. (state licensed professional counselor), N.C.C. (national certified counselor), and L.C.S.W. (state licensed clinical social worker). These individuals provide counseling, and many are trained to provide psychological testing.

What are your degrees and major fields of study?

The descriptions provided above will increase your understanding.

Are you certified?  If yes, by whom?

In the State of North Carolina , a license or certification is necessary for the practice of a mental health professional. A Certification often demonstrates that a professional has made continuing education a priority.

Are you trained or specialized in any particular areas?

Specialization may not be an advantage if you don't need highly specialized treatment, which may cost up to 40 percent more than a general counselor. Consider your needs, and, if necessary, ask your counselor if your issues require a specialist.

How many clients have you treated with my type of issues?

Counselors should be able to give prospective clients a good idea of how familiar they are with particular issues. Ethical counselors are well aware of their limitations, and should offer referrals in the event they lack the experience required by the client.

How do you define successful treatment?

Successful treatment may be difficult to define, and no counselor can guarantee improvement. However, both the counselor and the client can set measurable therapeutic goals. 

The Destructive behaviors (acting out) that are easily seen by everyone but the afflicted one are typically not the problem, but a manifestation of much deeper rooted emotional and spiritual damage.  There is always some underlying cause for a destructive behavior, and it is pertinent that the culprit be exposed and properly disposed.  After a thorough assessment, a treatment plan is formulated consisting of (counselee/counselor agreed upon) goals and objectives.  Here are some questions that will help you to evaluate your experience:

• Has my faith in Jesus Christ grown enough to trust Him as my personal friend and helper?
• Have I been able to identify some core issues, areas of emotional damage that have lead to my destructive behavior?
• Were goals and objectives set?
• Has measurable progress been made in each area during the therapeutic process?
• Do I have some level of inner peace and joy?

What theoretical approaches do you follow in therapy?

There are many approaches adopted and adapted by mental health professionals. As a Christian client your primary need is to determine if any of the therapeutic approaches contain strategies or content that would be detrimental or dangerous to your spirit. You will also want to ensure that the approaches address the total person: body, soul, and spirit.  A healthy Christian approach will seek solution in all three areas, body, soul, and spirit by addressing the physical body, as well as behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, and one’s relationship with Christ.

Have you ever been in therapy?

This question may surprise you, but a counselor who has gone through therapy will actually be better equipped in many cases to address your specific concerns. Believing that we are all wounded in life, would you rather trust your own care to someone who has gone through the healing process or one who hasn’t?

Practical Considerations

What is your rate, and are your services typically reimbursed by insurance companies?

Rates vary based on academic training, licensure, specialty, experience, and locale. Outpatient services do not typically require pre-certification, but to be on the safe side, you will want to look at your particular policy.

How often should we meet?

Be sure to ask about office hours. You may be able to find a counselor who works on the weekends and evenings. Of course, location will be a variable, also. Given the importance of your concerns and what you hope to accomplish you may have to forfeit some conveniences in order to find the right treatment.

Does this counselor seem like a good fit?

In the first few sessions you should be able to form a basic impression of the process.

• Does he or she put you on edge or make you feel comfortable?
• Is the therapist also asking questions to learn more about you?
• Does he or she listen to what you are saying or try to pigeonhole you into an assessment you are not comfortable with?

A number of qualities will ensure a healthy counseling experience, but the most important one is trust.  If you do not trust the counselor, it is unlikely he or she will be able to help you in the long run.