A common question for believers is whether they must see a Christian therapist for counseling to be effective and spiritually safe. The truth is, the most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your faith and values. While it can be comforting to work with someone who shares your Christian worldview, it’s not the only option. What matters is that your therapist honors your beliefs and integrates them into treatment according to your comfort level.

Faith-Friendly Counseling: Research suggests that when therapy accommodates a person’s religion or spirituality, outcomes improve. This makes sense – if your faith is central to your life, you’ll likely feel more at ease with someone who “gets it.” Many Christian counselors are professionally licensed and use evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or EMDR while also open to prayer and Scripture in sessions. For example, one local therapist might open or close sessions with a short prayer if the client requests, or use biblical analogies to explain psychological concepts. These little things can help you feel seen as both a person of faith and a person seeking help.

That said, not every great therapist is Christian, and that’s okay. An ethical, caring non-Christian therapist will still value your beliefs. A good therapist is client-centered – meaning they focus on your goals and values – and will never push you to compromise your faith.

In fact, many Hawaiʻi therapists, regardless of their personal beliefs, understand the importance of spirituality in healing. Don’t be afraid to ask in an initial consultation how a counselor would handle your faith in therapy. You might say, “My faith in Jesus is important to me – are you comfortable discussing spiritual matters in our sessions?” Their answer will tell you a lot about whether they’ll be a good fit.

Testimonial: One Christian client shared, “My therapist isn’t religious, but from day one she encouraged me to talk about my faith. She even asked me to explain certain church terms so she could understand me better. I felt respected. Over time, she helped me work through my depression in a way that strengthened my trust in God too!”

Bottom line: If you can find a qualified Christian therapist, wonderful – that can be a great blessing. But if not, don’t avoid therapy altogether. Look for a therapist who shows understanding and respect for your Christian worldview. God can use any counselor who practices wisdom and compassion. As Focus on the Family advises, it’s wise to find someone who honors your values and recognizes that ultimately God is the source of healing. Whether your therapist prays with you or not, God’s presence can be in that counseling room, working through the empathy and expertise of a caring professional.

Call to Action: When seeking a therapist, ask questions about their approach to spirituality. You can also consult Christian counseling networks or ask a pastor for referrals. What’s most important is that you feel safe and understood. Don’t settle if the first try isn’t the right fit – the right therapist for you is worth finding. (If you need help connecting with faith-aware therapy on the Big Island, Akua Family Therapy can help guide you in the right direction.) We also provide Christian faith based support when initiated by clients.