What we mean by Christian therapy
The term Christian therapy can mean very different things to different people. For some, it brings comfort and familiarity. For others, it raises understandable concerns about judgment, pressure, or past harm.
Because of this, we believe it’s important to clearly explain what we mean — and how we practice — Christian therapy in a way that prioritizes psychological safety, clinical integrity, and respect for each client’s lived experience.
A Trauma-Informed Understanding of Faith and Therapy
In our practice, Christian therapy is not about imposing beliefs, correcting theology, or directing a client’s spiritual life. It is a form of psychotherapy that is:
Clinically grounded
Trauma-informed
Ethically guided
Client-led
The term Christian therapy can mean very different things to different people. For some, it brings comfort and familiarity. For others, it raises understandable concerns about judgment, pressure, or past harm.
Because of this, we believe it’s important to clearly explain what we mean — and how we practice — Christian therapy in a way that prioritizes psychological safety, clinical integrity, and respect for each client’s lived experience.
A Trauma-Informed Understanding of Faith and Therapy
In our practice, Christian therapy is not about imposing beliefs, correcting theology, or directing a client’s spiritual life. It is a form of psychotherapy that is:
Clinically grounded
Trauma-informed
Ethically guided
Client-led
Faith, when present, is treated as a potential resource, not a requirement.
We understand that faith can be:
A source of meaning and resilience
A complicated relationship shaped by pain or disappointment
Something a client is questioning, redefining, or stepping away from
All of these experiences are respected in the therapeutic space.
Therapy Is Not Discipleship — and That Distinction Matters
One of the most important boundaries we hold is the distinction between therapy and spiritual formation.
Therapy is a healing relationship focused on:
Emotional safety
Nervous system regulation
Insight and integration
Restoring agency and choice
It is not:
Pastoral counseling
Spiritual authority
Moral instruction
Religious accountability
Our clinicians do not act as spiritual leaders or belief arbiters. This boundary is essential for ethical, trauma-informed care — especially for clients who have experienced spiritual harm, coercion, or misuse of authority in religious contexts.
Faith Integration Is Always Client-Led
In our work, clients decide if, when, and how faith is integrated into therapy.
This may look like:
Exploring spiritual beliefs as part of identity
Processing harm experienced in religious settings
Drawing on spiritual practices that feel supportive
Naming anger, doubt, grief, or distance from God
Choosing not to include faith at all
Therapists follow the client’s pace and consent at every step. Faith language is never required, assumed, or imposed.
Why This Approach Is Especially Important for Trauma Survivors
Trauma — particularly relational or spiritual trauma — often involves loss of control, silencing, or pressure to conform. Because of this, trauma-informed therapy must actively avoid replicating those dynamics.
Our approach emphasizes:
Client autonomy over authority
Consent over compliance
Curiosity over certainty
Safety over outcomes
This creates space for healing that does not depend on belief performance or spiritual conclusions.
Who This Approach May Be Helpful For
Our model of Christian therapy may be a good fit for individuals who:
Identify as Christian and want faith acknowledged respectfully
Have been hurt by religious systems and want therapy without pressure
Are questioning or reconstructing their faith
Want holistic care that honors mind, body, and spirit
Value psychological safety and clinical professionalism
Who This Approach May Not Be the Best Fit
This approach may not be a good fit for those seeking:
Therapy focused on spiritual correction or doctrine
Directive religious guidance
Moral or behavioral enforcement
Therapy shaped by political or ideological commitments
We believe clarity about fit is an important part of ethical care.
Our Commitment
Our commitment is to provide therapy that is:
Clinically sound
Trauma-informed
Respectful of spiritual complexity
Grounded in humility and care
We believe healing happens best in spaces where clients are not required to be a certain way, believe a certain thing, or arrive at predetermined conclusions.
If you have questions about whether our approach is right for you, we welcome open, thoughtful conversation.
