The Top 7 Myths about Christian Counseling in Chicago

When we’re not feeling well, we don’t hesitate to visit a doctor, but when it comes to seeing a therapist, many of us, especially in Christian communities, tend to hold back. 

The hesitation to seek Christian counseling in Chicago often comes from the pressure to seem perfect, or the worry that seeking help means we’re letting others and God down. But let’s remember, God never asked us to live life on our own and designed us to support one another. 

To help break the stigma and ease the discomfort about counseling, I’d like to address seven common myths that might prevent Christians from getting the support they need. I’d like to help clear up the misunderstandings and embrace the healing that’s available to all of us. 

Myth #1: Christian counselors will judge me 

This is one of the most common misconceptions about Christian counselors and it may not be unfounded. Perhaps past experiences with legalistic views, church hurt, and unhelpful interactions with people who identify as Christians have left a bad taste in your mouth and you now expect judgment from anyone who says follow Jesus. 

I hear you. Having been a part of different Christian communities and experienced some of the above, I can also say that I have met the most loving and gracious followers of Jesus who have helped me encounter the love, support, and guidance God has always meant for us to enjoy, where I’ve been able to show up just as I am. 

The process of Christian counseling is not that different. It is an environment where you can come as you are, mess and all, and where the Christian counselor will help you understand, process, and grow from the ongoing pain, problem, or condition you are seeking help with. 

As a follower of Jesus, I greatly value respect, honor, and creating a sense of belonging. As a Christian counselor, I acknowledge my biases and approach them with an open mind, seeking support from trusted colleagues, friends, and the wisdom of prayer. These values and perspectives are the basis of my collaboration with clients as they work toward healing. 

One of the names Jesus is known for and I love, is our Wonderful Counselor. This sums up how I view Christian counseling and counseling in general. Finding someone you feel comfortable with, where you can just be yourself, flaws and all, and open up. It's about feeling like you belong and getting the help you need to heal and grow. 

Myth #2: Christian counselors will preach at me 

It is not uncommon to think that Christian counseling will be like a sermon or Bible study, or that the counselor will tell you what to do. Although exhortation and community support are valuable in fostering relational growth and spiritual maturity, counseling helps you name, understand, and work through relationship issues, maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, or trauma with objective, and non-judgmental support. 

Christian counseling with me won’t feel “preachy.” In sessions, I help my clients mindfully connect to themselves and God to develop insight into the problem and create change. As a Christian counselor and dance therapist, I invite my clients to use scripture, prayer, worship songs, and body movement as part of our sessions if they’d like. The goal is to use those resources to experientially connect with God, develop a new perspective, and heal. 

Myth #3: People who seek Christian Counseling are weak and don’t have enough faith 

As a Christian counselor, I often hear this sentiment expressed both in and out of sessions. While someone may not directly label others or themselves as weak, this idea can manifest as downplaying the problem or negatively judging oneself. Statements such as "It's not that bad," "I should be able to control this," or "I should know better" are common indicators that the myth is influencing their thoughts and feelings.  

I help my clients normalize and acknowledge our human need for connection, support, and interdependence. To see that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes considerable courage to acknowledge when you need support and to reach out for it.  

We are designed for relationships and community, and trying to handle everything on our own can be overwhelming and isolating. Hiding our struggles also feeds into shame, creating distance in our relationship with God and affecting our faith. 

Jesus himself emphasized the importance of community and support. Seeking help, although it can feel vulnerable and counterintuitive, aligns with the Christian principles of humility, fellowship, and healing. It is a proactive step towards wholeness, showing a deep trust in God's provision through others.  

Remember, it's not about lacking faith; it's about using the resources God has provided, including professional counseling. 

Myth #4: I don’t need Christian Counseling; I can just speak with my Pastor/small group/friends about my problems 

While having a support system is an incredible asset for growth and healing, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Pastors, small groups, and friends can provide valuable support, but they might not have the specialized training needed to address complex mental health conditions. Issues such as addiction, severe anxiety, depression, or trauma often require the expertise of trained professionals to ensure effective treatment and recovery. Christian counselors can offer evidence-based techniques and therapeutic interventions that are crucial for managing specific symptoms and conditions. 

In my Christian counseling practice, I specialize in helping adults and couples heal from unhealthy relationship patterns that have caused pain, anxiety, loneliness, and ineffective ways of coping. I focus on the mind-body connection and incorporate movement to help people improve their relationships and connect to God, themselves, and others more deeply.  

I often share with people considering Christian counseling, that having your own therapeutic space allows you to focus entirely on your personal growth and healing. This dedicated time can help you develop coping skills and strategies that enhance your overall well-being and relationships.  

Myth #5: Christian counselors only work with Christians 

Christian counselors are trained to work with individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs. Our cultural competence training equips us to respect and understand diverse perspectives while providing effective therapeutic support. 

My goal is to help clients feel more connected to what makes them come alive and gives them purpose, regardless of their faith background. Aligning with your spirituality can help you navigate life challenges while practicing love, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.  

Whether you identify as Christian or not, the principles of counseling—such as active listening, empathy, and support—are universally beneficial. 

Myth #6: Christian counselors are paid friends and are just there to listen and nod their heads 

Although therapists are sometimes referred to as friends, Christian counselors are trained professionals who provide a structured therapeutic relationship designed to help growth and healing. The therapeutic relationship is a powerful tool that helps you create awareness of your relationship patterns, coping strategies, and areas of growth. Therapy serves as a mirror, offering insights into your behaviors and thoughts, and is a safe place to practice new skills before applying them in your everyday life. 

While I may nod my head every so often and offer reflections during sessions, my role is to actively engage with you, challenge you, and collaborate with you on your journey towards change. Therapy is an active process, and you will find yourself working towards your goals with my support. 

Myth #7: Christian Counseling should be free 

While generosity and helping others are core values within the Christian faith, Christian counselors are working professionals who have invested years in their training and practice. Mental health is a regulated profession that deserves recognition and proper compensation, just like any other healthcare service. 

The counseling work that I do, which I love, is also my business and my job. It requires compensation to sustain. As a Christian counselor in Chicago with 8 years of private practice, I charge a fee for my services and also give back to communities in other ways.  

Investing in your mental health is a valuable decision that yields long-term benefits for your overall well-being. It can be valuable to see therapy as a worthwhile investment in your health and future, one that can lead to profound change and personal growth. 

Schedule a free consultation for Christian Counseling in Chicago 

If you’ve ever hesitated to seek help because of these myths, it’s time to take a step toward your well-being and get the support you need! 

You deserve to feel supported by someone who understands both your faith and your challenges. Christian Counseling is not just about talking weekly; it’s about achieving your goals and creating the change you want to experience. 

If you're looking for a Christian counselor who can understand your faith and help you improve your relationships contact me today! 

As a Christian Counselor in Chicago, Lisaura specializes in incorporating movement and the mind-body connection to help people heal, improve their relationships, and feel more whole. Lisaura offers individual relationship counseling, couples counseling, premarital counseling, and dance therapy to help adults connect with themselves and others deeply.  

Spanish-speaking services are available as well.