Just like other professional counselors, Christian counselors (also sometimes
called Christian therapists) speak with and comfort clients, address problems
and give suggestions on how people can better cope with tragedies and trying
situations.
However, Christian counselors also use the Christian teachings and belief
system to help guide and assist these people.
Christianity is a broad faith. It requires its followers to believe in
the powers of Jesus Christ.
Christian counselors address and incorporate spirituality in their therapy
sessions.
During their work, Christian counselors interview clients, prepare case
histories and assess problems. They then assist clients in developing goals
for how they could improve their own lives.
Christian counselors can work in many different environments. Some of these
include government social service ministries, the church or private practice.
Members of the clergy also provide some counseling to church members.
A Christian counselor may have to work evenings or weekends in order to
accommodate clients. "I have a private practice, so I can set my own hours,"
says Nancy Thompson, a Christian counselor in Washington.
Counseling doesn't require much physical activity. "I need to write and
type, but it is something a physically challenged person could do," says Thompson.