Choosing a therapist is a bit like finding a good mentor or even a ministry leader – character and connection matter. For Christians, there are a few key qualities to look for that signal a therapist might be a great fit:

• Respect for Your Faith: Above all, your therapist should honor your beliefs. They don’t have to be a Bible expert, but they should never belittle your Christian values. A respectful therapist welcomes discussion of prayer, Scripture, and what God is doing in your life as part of the healing process.
  
  

• Professional Expertise: Ensure the counselor is properly licensed or supervised by a licensed provider, and uses proven methods. Look for someone trained in evidence-based practices (like EMDR for trauma or Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples). Jesus said to build our house on solid rock – likewise, therapy should stand on solid research. For instance, EMDR is known to significantly help people recover from trauma and PTSD​focusonthefamily.com. A skilled therapist will blend their expertise with compassion.
  
  

• Client-Centered Care: A good therapist listens more than they talk. They should make you feel heard, understood, and valued. In counseling terms, client-centered means you set the pace and focus. The therapist isn’t there to impose their own agenda, but to support your goals. This approach, emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard, aligns beautifully with Christian love (John 13:34).
  
  

• Strong Rapport: Pay attention to how you feel after the first session or two. Do you sense trust and warmth? God created us as relational beings; healing often happens in the context of a safe relationship. If you leave sessions feeling judged or misunderstood, that therapist might not be the one for you. But if you feel relief, hope, or clarity, that’s a great sign. The Holy Spirit often gives us peace when we’re in the right place.
  
  

• Cultural Understanding: In Hawaiʻi, a therapist who appreciates local culture – our ‘ohana values, our unique blend of ethnic backgrounds, and even the role of spirituality in island life – can make therapy feel more comfortable. The ideal counselor for you will take the time to learn what “home” and “faith” mean in your context.
  
  

Testimonial: “I knew I found the right therapist when I realized I could talk story about my church and my culture without having to explain everything,” one Hawaiʻi Island client recalls. “My counselor listened with aloha – she understood where I was coming from. It felt like talking to a wise friend who had the professional tools to actually help me change. I left every session feeling heard and uplifted.”

Finally, remember that prayer is part of the process. Ask God for discernment in choosing a therapist. It’s perfectly okay to consult with one or two counselors before deciding. Most will do an introductory call or meeting. You might say a simple prayer beforehand like, “Lord, guide me to the right helper for this season.” Trust that the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) is guiding you. When you find that good fit, you’ll know – and that’s when the real growth can begin.

Call to Action: If you’re on the hunt for a therapist, jot down a few qualities that matter most to you (faith-sensitive, warm, experienced with my issues, etc.). Use resources like Psychology Today’s listings or local referrals to find candidates. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their approach in the first session. Finding the right match might take a little effort, but it’s worth it for the sake of your emotional and spiritual well-being. (Need a starting point? Akua Family Therapy and similar practices on the Big Island can offer guidance or match you with someone who aligns with your needs and values.)