Restoring Hope Ministries
Biblical Counseling vs. Secular Counseling and Therapy

Biblical Counseling vs. Secular Counseling and Therapy

At Restoring Hope Ministries, we offer Biblical Counseling, a unique approach rooted in Scripture, distinct from secular counseling and therapy. Our counselors are dedicated to providing spiritual transformation and guidance through the Word of God. Here’s a clear distinction between our Biblical Counseling services and secular licensed therapy.

What is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical Counseling at Restoring Hope Ministries is grounded in Scripture. We believe that God’s Word provides the answers to life’s most challenging questions and problems. Biblical Counseling focuses on addressing life’s difficulties by applying the teachings of the Bible, offering a path to spiritual healing and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Differences Between Biblical Counseling and Secular Counseling

Biblical Counseling

– Scriptural Foundation: Biblical Counseling is built entirely on the principles found in the Bible. We believe that God’s Word is sufficient for addressing life’s struggles, providing wisdom, comfort, and transformation.
– Spiritual Transformation: The goal of biblical counseling is to bring individuals closer to God, focusing on personal spiritual growth, repentance, and renewal through Jesus Christ.
– Theological Orientation: Restoring Hope Ministries’ counseling is theologically oriented. We do not diagnose or treat mental health disorders. Instead, we address the spiritual condition of individuals and offer guidance for overcoming life-controlling issues.
– Counselor Qualifications: All of our counselors hold advanced degrees in Biblical Counseling and receive ongoing pastoral supervision to maintain ethical standards and ensure client care aligns with Scripture.
– Mentorship and Accountability: Our counselors are supervised through pastoral mentorship and receive regular training to ensure they do not cause harm and continue to grow spiritually themselves.

Secular Counseling and Therapy

– Psychological Foundation: Secular counseling is often rooted in psychological theories and medical models, focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with secular methods.
– Mental Health Focus: The primary aim of secular counseling is often to manage or alleviate symptoms related to mental health disorders (such as anxiety, depression, etc.). Therapy is designed around medical diagnoses and psychological techniques.
– Licensed Therapists: Secular counseling is generally conducted by licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers) who are governed by state or national regulatory bodies.
– Treatment of Diagnosed Conditions: Secular therapy treats mental health diagnoses and may involve techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication management, and other forms of mental health treatment.

The Restoring Hope Ministries Difference

At Restoring Hope Ministries, we emphasize Scriptural understanding and pragmatic application. While we acknowledge and appreciate the foundational courses that offer rudimentary biblical counseling curricula, for example, a yearlong training and certification program, these do not provide for the comprehensive needs of individuals in the community. These certificate offerings are Great first steps, they do not however provide a basis for true biblical counseling.

Our counselors go beyond mainstream year-long courses, focusing on theological depth and the practical application of Scripture in every counseling session. We prioritize ongoing education, mentorship, and pastoral supervision to ensure that our services maintain the highest biblical and ethical standards. This ensures that we do no harm, but rather serve with the utmost care and attention to our clients’ spiritual well-being.

In summary, while secular counseling addresses mental health from a medical and psychological standpoint, Biblical Counseling at Restoring Hope Ministries focuses on spiritual healing and personal transformation through the power of Scripture. We believe that true change begins when we align our lives with God’s Word, and our team of dedicated counselors is here to help you on that journey.