Christian Therapists in Dayton, TN
![Photo of Lydia Duong-Jones, Intern, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9dcf3198-0e19-4898-b79f-e83b1a71d39d/2/320x400.png)
I am a Christian counselor-in-training, which means I see treatment as holistic.
Hey there! I am Lydia and I am a graduate student working towards my master's in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. In the meantime, I am interning at The Transformation Center in Dayton, TN. I enjoy working with teenagers and young adults who deal with life transitions and mental health. Most of my clients work on emotional regulation, processing past issues, coping skills, and relational issues. However, I love working with anybody who wants to take charge of their life and their story. Right now, I am working with a wide range of demographics.
I am a Christian counselor-in-training, which means I see treatment as holistic.
Hey there! I am Lydia and I am a graduate student working towards my master's in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. In the meantime, I am interning at The Transformation Center in Dayton, TN. I enjoy working with teenagers and young adults who deal with life transitions and mental health. Most of my clients work on emotional regulation, processing past issues, coping skills, and relational issues. However, I love working with anybody who wants to take charge of their life and their story. Right now, I am working with a wide range of demographics.
![Photo of Barry Bryant, LMFT, RPT, CAS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1cb11aa9-3c0b-42e2-8f57-31f48560df9f/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a fellow Christian, it is my honor to aide your at the earliest onset of distress or trauma.
I have a heart in helping children and families who have suffered emotional and physical abuse. I help the child/family process their trauma and assist them in making decisions that will lead them to a better life. I assist the child/family in decreasing their pain and helping them navigate to a more productive life. During this journey I enjoy working with the family to help process what has happened and how the future may look brighter. I firmly believe, problems do not exsist in a vacuum and multi-directional healing is a must. Reach out for a consultation and let's evaluate how I can best help your situation.
As a fellow Christian, it is my honor to aide your at the earliest onset of distress or trauma.
I have a heart in helping children and families who have suffered emotional and physical abuse. I help the child/family process their trauma and assist them in making decisions that will lead them to a better life. I assist the child/family in decreasing their pain and helping them navigate to a more productive life. During this journey I enjoy working with the family to help process what has happened and how the future may look brighter. I firmly believe, problems do not exsist in a vacuum and multi-directional healing is a must. Reach out for a consultation and let's evaluate how I can best help your situation.
![Photo of Machelle Johnson, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2c62bfd3-1c5e-4585-80f2-8b3a08609b84/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counseling.
"People Start To Heal The Moment They Are Heard." - Cheryl Richardson. The chapters of your past do not have to dictate who you want to be. Recovery is determined by choosing not to stay where you are. It's my desire to help you start writing the next chapters of your life. I find joy when others find hope.
I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counseling.
"People Start To Heal The Moment They Are Heard." - Cheryl Richardson. The chapters of your past do not have to dictate who you want to be. Recovery is determined by choosing not to stay where you are. It's my desire to help you start writing the next chapters of your life. I find joy when others find hope.
![Photo of Stephanie M Johnson, MA, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5032826b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie M Johnson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Dayton, TN 37321
I strive to aid individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life who struggle with a variety of issues including mental health disorders, relationship/family conflict, grief, trauma, and life transitions/stressors. I have a huge heart for all people and specialize in adolescent, young adult, and couples therapy. In addition, I utilize my background in treatment foster care to help children process, cope with, and heal from grief and trauma.
I strive to aid individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life who struggle with a variety of issues including mental health disorders, relationship/family conflict, grief, trauma, and life transitions/stressors. I have a huge heart for all people and specialize in adolescent, young adult, and couples therapy. In addition, I utilize my background in treatment foster care to help children process, cope with, and heal from grief and trauma.
![Photo of Claude J Bowden, DMin, MACMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4b21fb19-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel misunderstood? I have personally experienced and overcome addiction, marital failure, spiritual uncertainty, and feelings of hopelessness. I understand the fear and anxiety that come with seeing no way out, like you are alone in your despair. My goal is to guide the individual, couple, or family to function effectively. Together we can take steps to achieve what you once believed to be impossible.
Do you feel misunderstood? I have personally experienced and overcome addiction, marital failure, spiritual uncertainty, and feelings of hopelessness. I understand the fear and anxiety that come with seeing no way out, like you are alone in your despair. My goal is to guide the individual, couple, or family to function effectively. Together we can take steps to achieve what you once believed to be impossible.
![Photo of Glyndora Spring Condon, MS, MFT, LPC, CTMH, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3edbb8fc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Glyndora Spring Condon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MFT, LPC, CTMH, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dayton, TN 37321
I have been helping others: Special needs, Relational, Behavioral, A&D, Elderly, and Children as a C.N.A., Foster mother, Care giver, Activity Director, and as a Therapist during my adult life. I have 10 grandchildren, and 4 are special needs children. I have several years experience providing Couples/Marriage, Family, and Behavioral and Mental therapy; and am eclectic in my use of modalities. I am an author with Good News and multiple other psychology sites. Heal and Hope Counseling Services, LLC have 3-5 counselors of diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and specialties!!! We provide in office and Telehealth for our clients!
I have been helping others: Special needs, Relational, Behavioral, A&D, Elderly, and Children as a C.N.A., Foster mother, Care giver, Activity Director, and as a Therapist during my adult life. I have 10 grandchildren, and 4 are special needs children. I have several years experience providing Couples/Marriage, Family, and Behavioral and Mental therapy; and am eclectic in my use of modalities. I am an author with Good News and multiple other psychology sites. Heal and Hope Counseling Services, LLC have 3-5 counselors of diverse backgrounds, cultures, languages, and specialties!!! We provide in office and Telehealth for our clients!
Online Therapists
![Photo of Cindy Fugatt, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f33482f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Cindy Fugatt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37931
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy practicing from a Christian platform but also respect and honor other religions/spirituality/and beliefs. I received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Additionally, I have an emotional support dog in my office. My Chcoclate Lab, Jed :)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I enjoy practicing from a Christian platform but also respect and honor other religions/spirituality/and beliefs. I received a Masters of Social Work from the University of Alabama and a Bachelors in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Additionally, I have an emotional support dog in my office. My Chcoclate Lab, Jed :)
![Photo of Lynn Helwig, MA , LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1850e04d-11b8-425a-9c51-538461cfed46/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lynn Helwig
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37415
Are you struggling to heal after leaving a toxic relationship? Do you feel as though you’ve lost yourself or you don’t even know who you are? Is it difficult to express your feelings or thoughts? Perhaps you are experiencing tension or communication problems in your relationships? If you have, or are experiencing any of these issues, I would be honored to walk with you and help you navigate your way to confidence, freedom and healing. I work with adults and approach therapy from a Christian worldview. I integrate faith into the counseling process by request.
Are you struggling to heal after leaving a toxic relationship? Do you feel as though you’ve lost yourself or you don’t even know who you are? Is it difficult to express your feelings or thoughts? Perhaps you are experiencing tension or communication problems in your relationships? If you have, or are experiencing any of these issues, I would be honored to walk with you and help you navigate your way to confidence, freedom and healing. I work with adults and approach therapy from a Christian worldview. I integrate faith into the counseling process by request.
![Photo of Lauren Finch, MS, MFT-I, AAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6e673f6-d207-479c-96e2-a1e1444c91fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Finch
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, MFT-I, AAMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Cleveland, TN 37312
As a committed Christian, I believe in restoration and wholeness of self.
Connection to ourselves and others gives us a sense of who we are. Feeling disconnected from ourselves can inhibit our intimacy with others. When we take relational risks, shame often lurks in the dark telling us to remain alone would be better - but I want to offer you and your relationships hope that it does not have to always be this way. If you are ready for the hard work, there is hope for you and your relationships.
As a committed Christian, I believe in restoration and wholeness of self.
Connection to ourselves and others gives us a sense of who we are. Feeling disconnected from ourselves can inhibit our intimacy with others. When we take relational risks, shame often lurks in the dark telling us to remain alone would be better - but I want to offer you and your relationships hope that it does not have to always be this way. If you are ready for the hard work, there is hope for you and your relationships.
![Photo of Susan Stirewalt, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/29c7b072-62a1-4e6f-8b81-7a9cc27fb13f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Stirewalt
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37909
Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) in TN and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She specializes in treating individuals with anxiety, complex trauma, and managing stress and relationship issues. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Townsend Institute, where she studied the Competence & Character Growth Model, integrating the latest in neuroscience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions with a foundation of Christian faith and Biblical principles.
Susan is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider (LPC-MHSP) in TN and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She specializes in treating individuals with anxiety, complex trauma, and managing stress and relationship issues. She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Townsend Institute, where she studied the Competence & Character Growth Model, integrating the latest in neuroscience and evidence-based therapeutic interventions with a foundation of Christian faith and Biblical principles.
![Photo of Sheila L Taylor, LPC, MHSP, SP, C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df28b879-e4b1-4a75-aee6-1a285c3b8695/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila L Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, SP, C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Smyrna, TN 37167 (Online Only)
My experiences include experience in various settings including Crisis Response, Community Mental Health, Christian Counseling, Adoptions, DCS, School settings and Prison Counseling.
YOU CAN... reach your full potential, increase skills to navigate and cope with life stressors, address mental health and other challenges and establish a healthier, happier you. Are you struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss or life transition struggles? I can help. My experience includes working with clients of various cultures, races, religions, socio-economic statuses and sexual orientations. Beyond mental health therapy, I am experienced in adoptions counseling, premarital counseling, pastoral support, blended family counseling, prison reentry counseling as well as group counseling.
My experiences include experience in various settings including Crisis Response, Community Mental Health, Christian Counseling, Adoptions, DCS, School settings and Prison Counseling.
YOU CAN... reach your full potential, increase skills to navigate and cope with life stressors, address mental health and other challenges and establish a healthier, happier you. Are you struggling with relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss or life transition struggles? I can help. My experience includes working with clients of various cultures, races, religions, socio-economic statuses and sexual orientations. Beyond mental health therapy, I am experienced in adoptions counseling, premarital counseling, pastoral support, blended family counseling, prison reentry counseling as well as group counseling.
![Photo of Ondria R Spivey, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51c834ef-4ba2-4969-b560-b930a8484f8e/1/320x400.png)
Ondria R Spivey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Cleveland, TN 37312 (Online Only)
My Counseling style is deeply rooted in my Christian faith and in Biblical Truth.
I have been licensed in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) for 24 years. Having served as the Clinical Director for a residential treatment center and an outpatient counseling center, and operating in private practice, I have experience working with individuals and families in a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, parenting, infertility, relationship issues, abuse, trauma, adoption, grief and loss, professional/ministry burn-out, spiritual abuse, and faith related concerns.
My Counseling style is deeply rooted in my Christian faith and in Biblical Truth.
I have been licensed in the state of Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) for 24 years. Having served as the Clinical Director for a residential treatment center and an outpatient counseling center, and operating in private practice, I have experience working with individuals and families in a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, parenting, infertility, relationship issues, abuse, trauma, adoption, grief and loss, professional/ministry burn-out, spiritual abuse, and faith related concerns.
![Photo of Leslie Corrao-Montgomery, MS, MFT-I, AAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c54bc4b-1668-4945-95a9-09c15d7b99fb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leslie Corrao-Montgomery
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern, MS, MFT-I, AAMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Although I am a committed Christian, I honor whatever spiritual lens you may have; our shared humanity is our common ground.
My ideal clients are adults (ages 18+) navigating connection in relationship. This can look like relationship to self ("What's going on with me? Why do I feel this way? What needs do I have? Am I allowed to think these things?") or relationship to others ("Do they really love me? Am I important to them? Why do I feel so anxious with them? Will I ever feel known or understood?"). There are plenty of questions and struggles in relationships. With openness and curiosity, you can find helpful and healthy answers that soothe the anxiousness and confusion about what it is to be connected.
Although I am a committed Christian, I honor whatever spiritual lens you may have; our shared humanity is our common ground.
My ideal clients are adults (ages 18+) navigating connection in relationship. This can look like relationship to self ("What's going on with me? Why do I feel this way? What needs do I have? Am I allowed to think these things?") or relationship to others ("Do they really love me? Am I important to them? Why do I feel so anxious with them? Will I ever feel known or understood?"). There are plenty of questions and struggles in relationships. With openness and curiosity, you can find helpful and healthy answers that soothe the anxiousness and confusion about what it is to be connected.
![Photo of Kristen Moore, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18e3259b-25c9-41d1-acc4-f652708add4b/2/320x400.jpeg)
For clients who value their faith, I offer the option of Christian integration in therapy sessions.
If you are looking for a therapeutic companion as you walk toward healing and growth, I would be honored to work with you. Through our work together, we will identify ways for you to manage your symptoms and address any barriers standing in the way of you reaching your goals.
For clients who value their faith, I offer the option of Christian integration in therapy sessions.
If you are looking for a therapeutic companion as you walk toward healing and growth, I would be honored to work with you. Through our work together, we will identify ways for you to manage your symptoms and address any barriers standing in the way of you reaching your goals.
![Photo of Deanna L Fullerton, MA, NCCA, Pastoral Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b12beb79-0941-4f9e-bbe9-3404d5547daa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you a leader or entrepreneur searching for a Christian counselor where integrity and confidentiality are high priorities and where you meet in a safe, inviting and non-judgmental atmosphere? Do you suffer from depression or anxiety? Are you experiencing unresolved conflicts, life transitions, imposter syndrome? Is current or past trauma hindering your life? Deanna Fullerton, founder and owner of Eagles Rest Counseling, will help you move toward great emotional and spiritual health. She is a Pastoral Counselor with Adv. Cert. in Crisis and Abuse Therapy, Cognitive Therapy & Ethics, and trained in EMDR Therapy.
Are you a leader or entrepreneur searching for a Christian counselor where integrity and confidentiality are high priorities and where you meet in a safe, inviting and non-judgmental atmosphere? Do you suffer from depression or anxiety? Are you experiencing unresolved conflicts, life transitions, imposter syndrome? Is current or past trauma hindering your life? Deanna Fullerton, founder and owner of Eagles Rest Counseling, will help you move toward great emotional and spiritual health. She is a Pastoral Counselor with Adv. Cert. in Crisis and Abuse Therapy, Cognitive Therapy & Ethics, and trained in EMDR Therapy.
![Photo of David G Miller, MA, MEd, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2cde3689-0596-494b-8c8a-5e3cb57c1a05/1/320x400.jpeg)
David G Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Lost your path? Feel stuck? Burning out? Long for hope, healing, resilience, and growth? It would be my privilege to move forward with you. I work with teens, adults, couples, parents, professionals, teachers, veterans, church leaders, retired, etc. As a Christian I am able to sit with compassion with all people, whatever the life-view or faith, and those with no faith. Faith-based, christian, and/or biblical counseling available on request. Help available in marriage, parenting, infidelity recovery, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, childhood/adult traumas, PTSD, sexual and substance addictions, spirituality issues, burnout...
Lost your path? Feel stuck? Burning out? Long for hope, healing, resilience, and growth? It would be my privilege to move forward with you. I work with teens, adults, couples, parents, professionals, teachers, veterans, church leaders, retired, etc. As a Christian I am able to sit with compassion with all people, whatever the life-view or faith, and those with no faith. Faith-based, christian, and/or biblical counseling available on request. Help available in marriage, parenting, infidelity recovery, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, childhood/adult traumas, PTSD, sexual and substance addictions, spirituality issues, burnout...
![Photo of Jon E Harris, MA, LPC, MHSP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/238c705e-43eb-4ace-b2ff-749681a8990e/3/320x400.jpeg)
My Christian beliefs are foundational in how I see problems.
It is my privilege to help people confront relational and emotional health problems they may face when life's problems become overwhelming. My counseling practice primarily focuses on helping individuals and couples come to a place of restoration in their individual and relational lives whether dealing with a marriage in crisis or an individual emotional, behavioral or spiritual crisis. Please give me a call if I can help you with any of your counseling needs.
My Christian beliefs are foundational in how I see problems.
It is my privilege to help people confront relational and emotional health problems they may face when life's problems become overwhelming. My counseling practice primarily focuses on helping individuals and couples come to a place of restoration in their individual and relational lives whether dealing with a marriage in crisis or an individual emotional, behavioral or spiritual crisis. Please give me a call if I can help you with any of your counseling needs.
![Photo of Heather Nicole Gerry, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5195d307-9075-4a9c-a6da-41e2ba930dbf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Gerry has been trained and practiced in a variety of treatment modalities including DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), crisis counseling, self-harm, addiction, and Christian-Based Therapy.
Do you, your child or teen feel overly stressed, anxious, irritable, depressed, lonely, scared, misunderstood, unheard, guilty, or ashamed? Maybe you or your child are struggling with sleep, socializing, concentration, going to work or school, or painful memories coming up into mind or heart? Is it hard to connect or trust others? Does every day seem like a fight just to achieve everyday tasks? Now is the time to stand up and break the chains of suffering. You have the capability to feel relief, peace, joy, and stability with evidenced-based treatment from a therapist that is dedicated to walk you from suffering into freedom.
Heather Gerry has been trained and practiced in a variety of treatment modalities including DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), crisis counseling, self-harm, addiction, and Christian-Based Therapy.
Do you, your child or teen feel overly stressed, anxious, irritable, depressed, lonely, scared, misunderstood, unheard, guilty, or ashamed? Maybe you or your child are struggling with sleep, socializing, concentration, going to work or school, or painful memories coming up into mind or heart? Is it hard to connect or trust others? Does every day seem like a fight just to achieve everyday tasks? Now is the time to stand up and break the chains of suffering. You have the capability to feel relief, peace, joy, and stability with evidenced-based treatment from a therapist that is dedicated to walk you from suffering into freedom.
![Photo of Mary Lynn Millsaps, LCSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/558cad67-1c22-4d26-b3a5-58e5d557812d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mary Lynn Millsaps
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37405 (Online Only)
I enjoy incorporating Christian values and practices where there is alignment in beliefs.
If you're here, you're dealing with something. It takes a lot of courage to seek support, and you're taking the first step! Maybe you are adjusting to a life transition, managing anxiousness, or dealing with trauma or loss. You want to see something change, to heal, or to find purpose or meaning... My hope is to help you with that.
I enjoy incorporating Christian values and practices where there is alignment in beliefs.
If you're here, you're dealing with something. It takes a lot of courage to seek support, and you're taking the first step! Maybe you are adjusting to a life transition, managing anxiousness, or dealing with trauma or loss. You want to see something change, to heal, or to find purpose or meaning... My hope is to help you with that.
![Photo of Jerry Lawson, MA, LMHC, QS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/488ad8ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
If you are searching to regain hope in your life, relationships, and career, then I would love to work with you. I have been working in the mental health field since 2015. I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Clearwater Christian College and I later received my Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. My own six year struggle with opioids and prescription medication addiction led him to want to inspire and help others face their mental health struggles and walk them through their recovery.
If you are searching to regain hope in your life, relationships, and career, then I would love to work with you. I have been working in the mental health field since 2015. I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Clearwater Christian College and I later received my Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. My own six year struggle with opioids and prescription medication addiction led him to want to inspire and help others face their mental health struggles and walk them through their recovery.
See more therapy options for Dayton
Nearby Christian Therapists Searches for Dayton
- Athens
- Chattanooga
- Cleveland
- Crossville
- East Ridge
- Hixson
- Lookout Mountain
- Ooltewah
- Signal Mountain
- Soddy Daisy
Christian Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same belief system or background to be able to work effectively together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience in tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of culture, religion, and other factors on each individual.
Why is it important to find a therapist sensitive to Christian values?
Each person brings a unique history and background to therapy, making it important to find a licensed therapist who is trained in a broad range of treatment modalities. In addition, for people who grow up in a faith tradition that strongly influences the way they conduct their everyday life, finding a therapist who understands or shares that background can ease the disclosure of sensitive information and facilitate the therapeutic process. For some clients, a Christian therapist is likely to incorporate faith-based principles into emotional healing techniques.
How do I recognize an effective Christian therapist?
Christian therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s or doctoral degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy—who are also familiar with Christian beliefs and values. They have an understanding of the importance that Christian principles play in the lives of individuals and families, which allows them to be especially sensitive to the kinds of struggles that can affect daily functioning. Like all effective therapists, a Christian therapist will have undergone training and certification in a variety of treatment modalities that help people through crises and enable them to master the challenges of life.
Why might someone feel comfortable with a Christian therapist?
While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has long established that a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns but also shares a client’s faith and values. Sensitivity to spiritual matters as well as to everyday struggles can provide a welcome sense of safety and contribute to the bond between client and therapist, both of which support the therapeutic process.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation.