What is the difference between a Biblical Counselor and a Psychologist? And which one would be better for your situation?

Important Disclosure: The author of this article is a Biblical Counselor. However, she does recommending seeing a Psychologist, a Biblical Counselor, or both depending on the circumstances.

There are actually many different types of Biblical Counselors, and not all of them would define themselves the same way. In this article, we are going to break it down a bit further so we can include a few different types of Biblical Counselors. But in general, a Biblical Counselor is someone who primarily relies on scriptures to guide their practice as a counselor.

Counselor licensure is overseen by each individual state. Because I live in North Carolina, I will be discussing the rules for this state. Rules in your state might be similar, but you should do your own state-specific research to learn the details.

Under North Carolina law, all secular counselors must obtain a license. However, it is not ethically possible for an individual to be a state-licensed Biblical Counselor. Why is this the case? It is because many of the "beliefs" of the state licensing board are inherently different than those of the Bible.  

Because of these differences in beliefs, there is currently no legal or ethical way for a Biblical Counselor to be licensed in North Carolina. Therefore, I would be extremely skeptical of someone who claims to be a Licensed Biblical Counselor. 

It is possible to become a Certified Biblical Counselor through various associations. The two most well-known are the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). Because there are no state-governed laws regulating these programs, experience, coursework and previous educational requirements vary. If you would like to see more details, visit their websites using the links I provided above; they will take you directly to their Biblical Counseling Certification pages.

The ACBC defines biblical counseling as " the personal discipleship ministry of God’s people to others under the oversight of God’s church, dependent upon the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word through the work of the Holy Spirit." For more information, check out ACBC's mission page.  

As I mentioned earlier, a person cannot claim to be a secular counselor and operate in the state of North Carolina without first having obtained a license. However, faith-based counselors are legally permitted to provide both free and fee-based counseling services without a license.

Unfortunately, this means that anyone could potentially call themselves a Biblical Counselor. And, while I will admit that there are some wolves in sheep's clothing out there, the good news is that most Christians who sincerely seek to help people through biblical counseling will take the time to pursue some training and experience, or will be honest about their lack thereof.

Some Biblical Counselors may in fact have more training and experience than "Certified Biblical Counselors." This is because some Christians choose to pursue Master's Degree programs to learn how to most effectively serve in a role as a Biblical Counselor. These programs are actually more rigorous and require more educational background than many of the certification programs.

Now let's take a look at what a psychologist is and how that role is different than the role of a Biblical Counselor.

The process to become a psychologist in North Carolina involves earning a doctorate degree in psychology, completing a certain amount of supervised hours (up to 1,500 hours in the state of North Carolina), and passing a licensing examination. For more in-depth information, check out Psychology.org.

Psychologists, unlike Biblical Counselors, can diagnose mental health disorders and implement secular therapies that are based on psychological theory. And a psychiatrist can both diagnose and prescribe medications for those disorders. However, because one must be licensed by a government board in order to practice psychology, they must abide by that code of ethics, which strongly discourages them from sharing their own personal (Christian or otherwise) beliefs with their clients.  

Making the decision of whether to see a psychologist or a Biblical Counselor can be difficult. But don't worry - there may be no right or wrong answer for you. If you are interested in speaking with someone but are not sure where to start, let's look at a few reasons why one might be more beneficial than the other.

First, we need to consider what makes a counselor effective. A study by Joseph Durlak,  published in the "Psychological Bulletin," found that:

"Paraprofessionals achieve clinical outcomes equal to or significantly better than those obtained by professionals. In terms of measurable outcome, professionals may not possess demonstrably superior clinical skills when compared with paraprofessionals. Moreover, professional mental health education, training, and experience do not appear to be necessary prerequisites for an effective helping person."

Other studies published by the American Psychological Association (APA) have shown similar findings. For more in-depth information on what makes a counselor effective, I recommend Robert W. Kelleman's book "Gospel Conversations: How to Care Like Christ."

Counseling is not all about techniques and theories. An effective counselor comes alongside someone in their pain and grieves with them. They seek to change faulty thinking. And, most importantly, they point people towards the ultimate healer and source of love and life - Christ. 

Biblical Counselor: Because Biblical Counselors are not governed by state laws and regulations, they are ethically able to speak more freely about Christian beliefs and the scriptures. If you are interested in deepening your relationship with God, studying the Bible, praying, and actively seeking fellowship with other Christians as part of your wellness journey, a Biblical Counselor may be a more appropriate match for you.

Psychologist: While psychologists can and do share their beliefs with their clients when deemed appropriate, they are more limited by the code of ethics of their state-run governing board in what they can and cannot say. Furthermore, their training may not have covered any theological or Bible-based topics.

However, it may be possible for you to find a Psychologist or Psychiatrist who is also a Christian if you feel that your mental-health issues are outside the expertise of a Biblical Counselor, or if you are needing assistance with medications, but want to find an experienced psychologist who shares your Christian views.

Psychiatrist: You will need to speak to a licensed psychiatrist regarding anything relating to medication. If you are already taking medication but would like to have it adjusted, are interested in starting or trying medication for your mental health needs, or are wanting to stop using medication, a licensed psychiatrist would have the proper training to assist you with this aspect of your health.

Psychologist: If you are interested in pursuing care that is more based on scientific theories and clinical studies and does not involve spiritual formation, a psychologist would be the best choice for you. Psychologists do not prescribe or help manage medications in most states.

Biblical Counselor: A Biblical Counselor can not prescribe medications and should not make recommendations regarding medications. However, you can still take advantage of Biblical Counseling services while using or changing medications, as long as you are also under the guidance and supervision of a licensed medical doctor such as a psychiatrist.

The bottom line is this: taking medications does not disqualify you from also seeking help from a Biblical Counselor. However, licensed psychologists are the only kinds of counselors who are legally permitted to assist you with pharmaceutical medications.

Psychologist: Psychologists are trained in the latest psychological theories pertaining to mental health, and are required to complete continuing education requirements every 2 years (in North Carolina) to stay up-to-date on issues ranging from updates to laws and regulations regarding confidentiality to new studies and findings in various psychological theories. A good psychologist may be able to help you change your thinking patterns to improve your mental well-being. They are mental-health professionals; your mental and emotional well-being will be their top priority.

Biblical Counselor: Some Biblical Counselors integrate popular psychology theories into their practice with clients, while others rely strictly on the Bible as their guide. But in general, a Biblical Counselor will focus heavily on the spiritual aspect of your health. In doing so, most will also be discussing and working to improve your emotional and mental well-being.

Psychologists and Biblical Counselors all will take slightly (or drastically) different approaches to health-care, and it is ok to "shop around" for a practitioner that suits you best. Let's take a moment now to consider what you could do to ensure that you are finding someone who will be able to most effectively help you.

If you haven't already, it may be helpful to define your health goals before scheduling an appointment with a psychologist, psychiatrist or Biblical Counselor. Have you been struggling with your self-image and weight and want to feel better about yourself? Are you trying to move past guilt from infidelity in your past? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one and wanting to overcome depression?

You may also already have some ideas of how you want to approach healing. For example, maybe you suspect that the sexual abuse you experienced as a child has affected your self-confidence, so you want to talk about that. Or maybe you have questions about what God thinks of adulterers and whether He could really forgive you for that. You may be thinking you would like to try taking some medication to help you with your depression.

Knowing what your goals are now and having some ideas of how you would or would not like to achieve them will help you to find the right person to talk to. 

Here are a few steps you can take to find the right Biblical Counselor, Psychologist, or Psychiatrist for your situation:

Ask around: This is the most important step you can take, even if it is the most difficult. Asking for mental-health related help can be embarrassing, but being able to hear from someone else who has experienced positive change is powerful. Also, people can make their organizations look great online, but learning about a negative experience from someone you know could save you a lot of time, money, and heartbreak. You don't want to be receiving any ill-advised council that does not align with your beliefs.

Who to Ask: The very first resource you should seek is your pastor. Pastors often already know of reputable biblical counselors in the community. They may also know of psychologists or psychiatrists who are firm Christians.

Consider asking friends and family members if they have experience with or know of anybody who has helped someone in a similar situation. You can also anonymously post something in a local social media page asking for recommendations.

Search the web: Search for people who specialize in the area you are needing help in, or in the approach you want to take. For example, if you want to participate in a nature-based therapy approach, search for that in your area - you never know what you might find! Like I mentioned before, ask a few people if they have had any experience with anyone you find online.

If you are interested in seeing a Biblical Counselor, you may be able to find information about their experience and educational background listed on their website.

Schedule a phone consultation: Once you have found someone you are interested in meeting with, see if you can schedule a quick phone consultation with them to ask a few key questions before committing to an hour-long session and any paperwork.

You might ask them questions such as how much experience they have, what their specialties are and what their educational background is. During this conversation, you can also get a general feel for what the person is like.

Whether you choose a Biblical Counselor or a Psychologist, equine-assisted therapy or a medication plan, the key is to get started and be consistent! And if you get overwhelmed with making a decision, please don't let that stop you from starting your healing process! Emotional, spiritual and mental wounds don't just go away on their own.

Remember that seeing a Biblical Counselor or Psychologist may not necessarily be fun. But working on your mental, spiritual, and emotional health is an important part of improving your overall well-being.

We hope this article has helped you as you take your first steps toward finding the right person to talk to. If you have questions or are interested in working with a Biblical Counselor and would like to schedule a phone consultation with any of the counselors at Christ-Centered Solutions to get to know us better, please visit our booking page by clicking the button below. On the booking page, you can also read about our experience, educational backgrounds, and specialties.

Feel free to reach out to us on social media or to send us an email using our contact form. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and we hope we can partner with you to help you achieve your goals! Thank you!

Durlak, J. A. (1979). Comparative effectiveness of paraprofessional and professional helpers. Psychological Bulletin, 86(1), 80–92. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.86.1.80

What makes people grieve differently? Come with me as I share what I’ve learned from others and from my own experiences along the way!

Grief is a universal human experience, yet it's incredibly personal and varies greatly from person to person. Our unique life experiences, relationships, and even cultural backgrounds play a significant role in shaping how we grieve. It's essential to acknowledge there's no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding grief.

Many people think grief happens in a straight line, but that’s not true. You might know the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages can help us understand grief, but real life is more complicated. People often feel many emotions at once, and the stages don’t always happen in order. Sometimes, it’s hard to know exactly where you are in the process.

(If you would rather see the YouTube video associated with this blog, please click here.)

This linear model can be misleading, as it implies that grief is a journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end. In reality, grief can be a long, winding road with many twists and turns. It's not uncommon for people to feel like they're making progress, only to be hit with a wave of emotions that can set them back. Birthdays, anniversaries, places, songs, and more can trigger these emotions and thoughts, taking us back to our loss. Understanding this multiplicity of details can be crucial for supporting ourselves and others through the grieving process.

The complexity of grief is also influenced by various factors, including personality, relationship to those who have passed, different types of loss, and cultural norms. For instance, someone with a more introverted personality might grieve in isolation, while an extroverted person might seek out more active and social ways of coping with their pain. The grief experienced after losing a parent or spouse can be very different from that experienced after losing a friend - the relationships just aren’t the same. Cultural norms and expectations can also shape how we grieve, with some cultures emphasizing public displays of grief, while others encourage more private expressions of emotion.

Another complexity often overlooked or unnoticed until emotions overflow into everyday life is the loss that goes ungrieved. Dr. Norman Wright addresses such losses in a blog entitled, “The Losses We Haven’t Grieved.” Dr. Wright points out that we sometimes deny, minimize, or ignore losses to protect ourselves. (Click here for great resources from Dr. Norman Wright.)

Some communities have special rituals and traditions to help people grieve. For instance, certain cultures have established mourning periods during which people follow specific customs or wear particular clothing. These traditions can offer comfort and structure, but sometimes they can also create pressure if they don’t align with how someone personally wants to grieve.

Again, not all losses are the same, and they impact how different people grieve.

One example illustrating the diversity of grief responses is my own story. It wasn’t until I was well into my adulthood that I was ready to grieve the losses of my childhood. Looking back, I could see how the physical and sexual abuse I experienced robbed me of my innocence and simplicity of life. While there were times I felt stuck in my grief and unable to move forward, God placed the right people in my life to aid me in my healing and to move onward. It was in my grieving that I truly learned what Satan meant for evil, God meant for good, and I believe God used those events to grow me emotionally and spiritually.

I believe my story highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in supporting someone through the grieving process. It's crucial to recognize that everyone's grief journey is unique and to approach each person with compassion and patience. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk with others and to serve as encouragers, demonstrating God's love.

Reflecting on these complexities, it becomes clear that supporting each other through grief requires a better understanding of an individual's experiences. By acknowledging the varied nature of grief, we can foster a more supportive and empathetic environment for those who are grieving.

One last thing to share before we wrap up. I had a client who suffered from PTSD and had suffered much grief in his life. He shared a wonderful song with me titled “SCARS” by the group I Am They. The song provided my client with an outlet, and I understand why. The words and music helped him to identify with his grief. Here’s just part of the lyrics and chorus.

Waking up to a new sunriseLooking back from the other side
I can see now with open eyesDarkest water and deepest pain
I wouldn’t trade it for anything
Cause my brokenness brought me to You
And these wounds are a story You’ll use  

So I’m thankful for the scars
Cause’ without them I wouldn’t know Your heart
And I know they’ll always tell of who You are
So forever I am thankful for the scars

I can see, I can see
How You delivered me
In Your hands, In Your feet
I found my victory  

As we close, it's essential to recognize that grief is a highly individualized experience shaped by many factors. There's no right or wrong way to grieve, and it's crucial that we support each other through this process. For those seeking additional support, be sure to check out my other YouTube videos on coping with grief and loss at Just Thinking Rod West and at Christ-Centered Solutions.

Blessings!

(Please note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links to author pages on Amazon.com. If you purchase anything using our links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you!)

Matthew Armstrong/Matthew Hein/Ethan Hulse/Jon McConnell(C) 2018 I Am They Publishing (BMI)  Be Essential Songs (BMI)  EGH Music Publishing (BMI) (admin at EssentialMusicPublishing.com).

On December 23, 2025, one of our biblical counselors, Tosha Rodriguez, led a ministry event for The Joyful Moms Club in Berkeley county, SC.

Here's what Tosha has to say about the event:

"The Joyful Moms Club Christmas celebration at Foxcreek Apartments was a testimony of God’s redeeming work.

JMC was birthed from my own transformation through the Word and Spirit of God—from a hopeless mom carrying deep regret to someone called to share the hope and love of Christ with families and communities."

“The Lord redeems the life of His servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned” (Psalm 34:22). This ministry reflects the belief that no one is too far gone to be transformed by the love of God and to walk in the good works He prepared for us, as we are reminded in Ephesians 2:10.

Tosha and 14 other volunteers plus numerous financial supporters rallied to host an event for parents and children that included gifts, snacks, face painting, cookie decorating, and lots of fun and games outside!

Most importantly, Christ's love was on full display. Thank you, Tosha, for making a difference in the lives of these families. Thank you for being Christ's hands and feet and for bringing joy that they might not have otherwise experienced in their Christmas season.

Here's what volunteer Samantha Smith posted on the group's private Facebook page (shared with permission):

J O Y
Serving at the Joyful Moms Christmas Event was truly such a gift. The best way I can describe it was pure J O Y  

Little hands were busy decorating cookies with sprinkles and icing, creativity at the craft table, and the games and prizes kept smiles on faces all afternoon. The kids had so much fun!! Watching their joy was a reminder of how powerful simple moments can be.

But even more beautiful was seeing how God moved through it all. What started as a small stirring in Tosha’s heart has grown into something that is now impacting so many lives.

Joyful Moms is a testament to obedience  what can happen when someone says “yes” to what God places on their heart. Seeing where it began and where it is today was incredibly humbling and inspiring.

This event wasn’t just about Christmas activities..
it was about connection, encouragement, and reminding families that they are seen, loved, and supported.

God was present in the laughter, in the conversations, and in every small detail.

 

Check out this super cute video to get a glimpse of what the event was like!

(The Facebook page will remain private to protect the privacy and identities of those who are being served, but currently has 178 members! These members are supporters, prayer partners, and current and former volunteers and others hoping to get involved.)

We are so proud of Tosha and how she is allowing God to work through her to have such a positive impact on so many lives through her work with The Joyful Moms Club! And we know that the ones she serves through biblical counseling with Christ-Centered Solutions are being positively impacted as well.

For more information about The Joyful Moms Club and how you could be a part of this amazing ministry, visit their website: https://joyfulmomsclubsc.com/

Psalm 119:71–72 (NASB95) It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

So, what does the Psalmist mean when he states that God afflicts us?

There are scholars, theologians, atheists, and others who argue that the God of the Old Testament is harsh and brutal. Their argument often takes the form of a question designed to sow doubt among those who follow Christ.

(Please note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links to author pages on Amazon.com. If you purchase anything using our links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you!)

What is this question?

“If God is a loving Being, how can He allow suffering and be the Author of our afflictions?”

This question suggests that God's character is flawed. However, we must remember that love and justice go hand in hand. God disciplines those He loves to teach them the difference between right and wrong and to bring them closer to Him. Just as a loving parent corrects a child's disobedience for the child's benefit—keeping them from engaging in harmful actions—God guides believers for their own good.

The writer of Hebrews makes this point clear in Chapter 12:7-8, where he writes, “It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”

Affliction, when viewed through the lens of a parent or guardian's discipline, is not a foreign concept; it's not meaningless. Being afflicted by God can be positive because it is through such trials that we recognize our faults and failures—our sins—which require repentance and a return to God, who can deliver us. Furthermore, it is through affliction that one finds comfort and becomes a source of comfort for others, as noted in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

Additionally, we must remember that it was the Father who afflicted His own Son on behalf of humanity. Christ Jesus bore the Father's wrath for those who believe. It is through His suffering and sacrificial death that He offers salvation to those who surrender to His Lordship (Job 36:15; Isaiah 30:18-22; 2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

If you need help and you're looking for solid biblical care and counsel, please don't hesitate to contact us at Christ-Centered Solutions.

Peace and Blessings to you!

P.S. Here's a great gift idea this Christmas for someone who loves to keep notes as they read God'sWord, the ESV Scripture Journal. I have both the Old and New Testament sets, and I love them. Please follow this link (https://amzn.to/4oSSPrM) to get yours on Amazon. Remember, when you shop on Amazon, you help Christ-Centered Solutions with each purchase.

You've been there, and so have I, not knowing if what we're about to do is right or wrong. "What do the scriptures teach concerning my taking part in a particular event, or following a new teaching I heard on a Christian podcast?"

Not everything is as clear as we would like in life. Sometimes the Bible appears to be silent on certain cultural events and phenomena. So, what do we do as followers of Christ when the Bible doesn't specifically answer our questions?

We ask more questions.

I have created a guide to help us answer questions that don't always have a clear answer. This guide is from a series of sermons I preached several years ago and is entitled "Testing a Doubtful Practice: What Do I Do When I'm Unsure?" See all three parts of the guide by following this link, or you can download a copy of the guide to share with others on our Gumroad page here.

Psalm 119:71–72 (NASB95) It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

We all have a worldview, whether we acknowledge it or not, which is how we interpret the world. It is a way of understanding life, death, joy, sadness, and essentially everything around us. As for Christians, our worldview is to be biblical, meaning we are to view the world through the lens of Scripture. When reading a passage like Psalm 119:71-72, it might strike you with a sense of oddity. Reread the psalmist's words in verse 71, "It is good for me that I was afflicted…" In other words, suffering is good.

How can affliction and suffering ever be good?

I would venture a guess and say most people throughout the world would believe such an idea to be insane. Is the psalmist stating that all affliction is good? What about the physical, emotional, and spiritual sufferings of those we love?

(Please note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links to author pages on Amazon.com. If you purchase anything using our links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you!)

First, let's clarify that the word' affliction' used in our verse above literally means to be oppressed. It is a word used frequently in our culture. More specifically, the psalmist used 'afflicted' in the sense of being humbled.

Second, our suffering or afflictions are often self-inflicted due to our own choices. Look at the words used in verses 67-68, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes." It is through suffering that God captured the psalmist's attention and restored his relationship with the Father. Suffering was also the instrument God used to instill a new appreciation for the Word of God.

Our afflictions create a sense of dependence or independence, as well as joy or bitterness. Suffering either draws one closer to God or pushes one farther away from Him. The Scriptures contain a plethora of examples for the believer. In the Old Testament, we see individuals like Joseph, who, the more he suffered, the more he trusted God. Then there's Jonah, who was just angry and bitter because he disagreed with God extending His grace to a people he despised. Time doesn't allow us to examine men like Paul and Steven in the New Testament, who both suffered greatly but maintained their trust and joy in the Lord.

I once suggested to my wife that the best teacher for one of our sons was pain, and this wasn't what she or I wanted for him. Yet, I was sure painful experiences would help put him on the right path in life. Both my sons are the men they are today because they both learned from a bit of pain.

I want to encourage you to turn to God all the more when pain enters your life. Learn from the discomfort; call out to God, delve deeper into His Word, and lean upon other believers.

A great way to bring healing is to write out your painful story, and as you write, be sure to incorporate as many details as possible, including the feelings you experience while writing. Once you've completed your story of pain, let it rest for a day or two before revisiting it to read through it again. Be sure to read it aloud and allow yourself to grieve; then, spend a little more time in prayer. Depending on the depth of your pain, you should make revisions one or two more times, then follow the same pattern, or rereading and praying. As time passes, the hope is that the severity of your pain will lessen and become more tolerable.  

May the Lord bless and keep you,
Dr. Rod West

Check out this classic from Dr. James Dobson, "When God Doesn't Make Sense." It's an excellent book for those who are hurting.

Hey, did you know that October is National Soul Care Month? If you didn't, don't feel bad because no one else did either - I made it up. Over the last few years, I've noticed that every month in our calendar is dedicated to a specific cause, aiming to raise awareness and funds. My thought has been, "Why not have a month dedicated to soul care, i.e., Biblical counseling?"

Exciting news - we've applied to the Amazon Associates program! If you purchase anything on Amazon through the links on our site, we will earn a small commission from the sale. All proceeds will go toward supporting our mission of helping those in need. We truly appreciate your support!  

So, I've done it. On behalf of Christ-Centered Solutions and other Biblical counseling centers throughout America, I am declaring October to be National Soul Care Month. 

Okay, so, now what?

I'm asking pastors, church leaders, small groups, and concerned Christians everywhere to set aside one Sunday in October to take a special offering to aid the ministry of Christ-Centered Solutions, or other Biblical counseling ministries. The fact is, all our centers need help from the local church to function. Yes, we have some churches that serve as monthly "Supporting Churches," but most aren't in a position to do so just yet. We also have some "Partnering Churches" who aren't regular givers, but they help us in other ways through prayer, spreading the word about CCS, and various other ways. 

Our counseling numbers are growing, and being a nonprofit (donation-based) ministry means we don't receive government funds or insurance, and we wouldn't take them even if we could. Why? Because what we do is considered religious in nature (Christ-centered/biblically based), and we don't want these agencies directing us as to what we can and cannot say to the Christians we serve. The vast majority of people we see each week are already struggling and often have little to donate; those who can do so, and those who can't, are still provided with quality spiritual care.

If you'd like to know more about the ministry of Christ-Centered Solutions, or to have one of our Biblical counselors come and share with your church or group, please email me at rwest@christcenteredsolutions.org.

And please, set aside a Sunday in October to receive a special offering for Christ-Centered Solutions, or a Biblical counseling ministry near you. Remember, October is National Soul Care Month, and you heard it first from me.

Blessings to you!
Rod    

PLEASE GIVE!

Here's a great book on Amazon that I suggest to a lot of folks when asking the question of identity and purpose in life, WHO AM I? IDENTITY IN CHRIST, by Jerry Bridges. This book has been a help to many. It has eight easy-to-read chapters, and Bridges brings clarity to who we are and what we are called to do as followers of Christ.

This year, Christ-Centered Solutions will be sending one of our counselors to the 2025 AACC United World Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Valerie Owen will be participating in classroom intensives, workshops, and symposiums all geared toward deepening her understanding of biblical counseling concepts.

(Please note: some of the links in this post are affiliate links to author pages on amazon.com. If you purchase anything using our links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you!)

Here is what Valerie has to say about the upcoming conference:

“First of all, I am so thankful to have the opportunity to further my growth as a biblical counselor by attending this exciting conference! I will get to hear from many of the Christian authors I read and admire like Gary Chapman, Tim Clinton, Lysa TerKeurst and Jennie Allen, just to name a few!

There are so many exciting topics to choose from that I had a difficult time deciding on my classes. Here are just a few of the classes I will be taking during the AACC United World Conference:

Sample Classes

- Healing for the Brain and Soul: Neuro-based Coaching Strategies for Post-traumatic Growth, by Mrs. Georgia Shaffer, M.A.

- Rebounding in Ministry: Helping Clergy Find Resilience After Forced Termination, by Dallas E. Speight, D.Min., Ed.D., Sheila W. Speight, Ph.D.

- In Bondage to Food: A Biblical Model for Compulsive Eating Recovery, by Rhona Epstein, Psy.D.

I am currently registered for a total of 9 classes and I cannot wait to get started!

I know these classes will provide useful and actionable information that I will be able to put into practice right away. I also pray that attending this conference will refresh my desire to minister to others by seeking to understand how our minds, bodies, and spirits work together when we need healing.  

I would like to thank all those who support Christ-Centered Solutions financially - you helped make it possible for me to get to be a part of this educational opportunity! I am looking forward to deepening my knowledge so I can reach more people and more effectively bring healing to those we serve.

I would also like to thank Dr. West for promoting a lifelong learning culture among all the counselors and team at Christ-Centered Solutions. He is truly investing in the future of this ministry. I thank God that I get to be a part of what is already in place, and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to work through us going forward.”

To learn more about the AACC United World Conference, visit their webpage: https://worldconference.net/

Did you know that King Solomon wrote that "the wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil?" (Ecclesiastes 9:9b). That's right - a wife is a reward, a trophy!

Would you qualify yourself as a trophy wife? While you may not feel that you have the slim body, long luscious hair and spiffy wardrobe typical of how you might imagine a trophy wife, be encouraged with the knowledge that you are the wife God chose for your husband. You are to be a reward for him - someone he can love and enjoy life with.

But there are many obstacles in a marriage that may have you wondering how it is possible that you would be a reward for your husband. Do you struggle with guilt because your husband works so hard to make ends meet when you have a hard time staying within a budget? Or do you wish you could get that weight off so you would be more attractive to him? Maybe you have health issues and he has had to sacrifice a lot of his time caring for you. Or maybe you have a bad habit of nagging and criticizing him, leaving him feeling depleted and unappreciated.

On the other hand, you may be stuck in a marriage that is leaving you wondering "Couldn't I have done a lot better? Maybe I should have been a reward for a better man..."

Many women today feel that they are putting in more than their fair share of work. After all, before so many women began working outside the home, they stayed busy taking care of children, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and handling other household tasks.

But for some reason, many women are now expected to fulfill all of the traditional duties of a woman while also working outside the home. This has left many women with a sense that their husbands do not deserve them. It feels unfair when both husband and wife have been working outside the home all day, yet when they get home the man watches TV while the woman prepares dinner, finishes up some laundry, and performs whatever other household tasks need to be accomplished. 

While there are a few steps you can take to make the division of labor more fair in your home, you may never achieve that perfect flow of household harmony. Also, keep in mind that you may have higher standards than your husband and any children you have living in the home.

My main focus today is not to help you create a more fair division of work and household tasks, although I will point you towards some resources to help you with that. We are going to be dealing today with how we can do our best work regardless of what everybody else is doing, and how we can step into our God-given roles as Trophy Wives.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do, there are many great resources out there detailing how you can both reduce your workload and delegate tasks to other members of your family. Try listening to the audiobook by Thomas W. Phelan, PhD entitled "The Manager Mom Epidemic," where Dr. Phelan provides workable solutions for overworked moms.  

And if you are having an especially difficult time motivating your husband to help you around the house, check out my other article entitled "How to Criticize Your Husband." I will warn you - it's actually about the benefits of not criticizing your husband at all, and how you can work towards getting your needs met while building up your man.

Did you know that the Apostle Paul instructed you to "work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people?" (Colossians 3:23). How differently would you go about doing your work and your everyday tasks if you remembered that you were doing it all for the Lord? I would encourage you to embrace that frame of mind.

Despite what popular culture might have you believe, you may not always love what you do. And even if you are working your dream job, there may be aspects of that job that you do not love. But Paul goes on to say "Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ" (Colossians 3:24). Wow. What a gracious God we have that He will reward us for our Earthly toils, no matter how meaningless they may seem and how unappreciated we may feel for completing them.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon concludes that life is meaningless if you cannot enjoy it. Keep in mind of course that this was before Jesus came. In the beginning of this post I referenced Ecclesiastes 9:9b. The first part of that verse says "Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun" (emphasis mine).

Trophy wives - I believe it is ok to sometimes feel that life is meaningless, that you are overworked, that things are not fair. But whenever you feel this way, I want you to remember 2 important truths.    

When you are folding laundry, scrubbing a toilet, stuck in line at the grocery store, and washing dishes, the master you are serving is Christ. And the best part is - He will give you your reward! So if you feel as though you are unappreciated, just remember that your reward awaits in heaven, and I can assure you it will be much better than any earthly reward you could receive. 

Just as children are to be blessings to their parents, a wife is to be a reward for her husband. You may know of some men who would see their wives more as punishments than rewards. Do you think your husband ever sees you that way?

Now we are going to change gears and take a look at some of the reasons women are insecure about their roles as Trophy Wives. Women tend to fall into a destructive pattern of resentment and criticism, which we talked about earlier. They also frequently believe that their physical appearance or health issues disqualify them from being a worthy wife. Let's take a deeper look at the latter 2 problems.

Is your physical appearance affecting your self-confidence as a wife? You may feel that you have failed at every diet and workout routine you have ever attempted. Being overweight causes low self-esteem. Having a difficult time embracing and loving who you are can make it hard to love others.

Our physical well-being is connected to our spiritual well-being. When we are in pain, when we are sick, and when we are tired, we cannot effectively serve God and live out the purpose He has for us. We must dedicate some effort to keeping our bodies healthy. For a more in-depth look at how important our bodies are to God, check out my article "Your Body is a Temple."

On the same note, being overweight or having frizzy hair does not make you any less of a woman. Peter writes "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight" (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Your outward appearance does not make you beautiful. What makes you most attractive in God's eyes is what is in your heart and your spirit. And that is what matters most. 

I have spoken with many women who are going through health issues so severe that they cannot work at all and their husbands are caring for them. If you are currently walking in a difficult situation like this, know that in most cases it will pass. You may one day need to care for him in a time of need as well.

And if you feel that you will never be able to repay him for the work he is putting in, remember that Colossians 3:23-24 applies to him as well. You may not be able to repay him, but he will be rewarded in heaven for caring for you.

Do you ever feel guilty or ashamed because of a health problem? These feelings are not coming from the Lord. Take this time to be thankful for the husband God gave you. Pray for him. Find a hobby that you can do to serve him or others while you are recovering. I know it is hard when you are hurting. You may not desire to do anything but stare into a TV or play a mind-numbing mobile game. But draw yourself close to your heavenly Father and you will find strength and hope. 

Do you feel like stepping into your role as a Trophy Wife yet? There may be some steps you need to take to get there. If you need guidance on how to walk through any of the issues mentioned in this article, or anything at all for that matter, please consider talking to one of our biblical counselors. When thoughts begin to swirl around in your mind and emotions are running high, simply being able to speak to someone can be the first step in getting you walking on the path God intends for you.

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In the book “Presuppositions of Biblical Counseling,” author Lou Priolo asserts that every church should be a biblical counseling center. What would this look like in today’s world and how could it become a reality? It may be easier than you think.

According to Jay Adams, recognized by many as the founder of the modern Biblical Counseling movement, Christians can rely on the Bible as a complete and comprehensive text on establishing lasting change in human behavior. The Bible offers all the truth that is needed for a sound foundation in biblical counseling. For more information, see his book, "Competent to Counsel."

Despite what you may have heard, one does not need a Master's Degree in Counseling or in Theology to be an effective biblical counselor. In many cases, simply being a good listener, having a solid knowledge of the Bible, or even having more life experience is all that is needed.

Sometimes all a hurting Christian needs is someone who will actively listen and empathize with them. We often find that our friends and family members are quick to jump in with suggestions on how we could fix the problem. But being able to tell our story free from interruptions, judgmental remarks, or unwarranted advice is often a major part of the healing process.

Being able to let someone know that you hear them and feel their pain is a helpful step in counseling someone. And the good news is that you don't need to know anything about psychology theories to be a good listener! Furthermore, if you feel that your knowledge of the scriptures is limited or insufficient, listening is a skill you can feel confident about.

Part of counseling involves being able to identify people's false beliefs and point them toward the truth. False beliefs can be about themselves, God, other people and the world in general. A Christian who regularly studies the Bible will have a solid understanding of God's truths and will therefore be capable of recognizing any false beliefs as they emerge.

Another important aspect of counseling is helping people find answers to the questions they have about their circumstances. But simply giving them the answers is not always the best method. Reading the scriptures together and asking them how those passages relate to their lives allows counselees to answer their own questions by allowing God's word to speak to them.

Having walked through similar experiences can enable a person not only to be able to better empathize with someone, but also to share the choices they made - whether good or bad. A person does not have to have lived a perfect life in order to qualify to counsel someone else. The beauty of this concept is that no one except Christ Jesus has lived a perfect life. That's why we must constantly point others towards Him as we counsel them.

If you have made poor life choices and can summon the courage to share them, it can be a good example to others of how living outside of God's will ultimately cause pain and suffering. On the other hand, you may also be able to share how God can use any circumstance to bring glory to His name.

Sharing the good choices you have made is also encouraging to others, as making the right choice is often a more difficult path initially. 

In her article, "The Wholistic Paradigm Challenge We Face," Kathleen Mills points out that wholistic care (encompassing body, mind and spirit) used to be the norm prior to 1915. Since then, says Mills, treatment methods that are non-scientific and unable to be turned into a patented pill, and are therefore not profitable, are discounted. In short, greed has turned healthcare from seeking to cure patients, and has replaced it with a long-term pain-management model.

Unfortunately, this model fails to address the spiritual component of healthcare, as it is something that cannot be measured, scientifically proven, or turned into patentable, money-making products. 

Another unfortunate result of the evolution of the modern healthcare system is that care practitioners must now be licensed by a state-governed authority in order to be recognized as having the proper credentials. This means that faith-based practitioners cannot qualify for licensure. Why? Because practitioners who truly base their practice off of biblical values cannot also adhere to many of the modern-day guidelines presented as truth. Some prime examples are the differences in beliefs concerning homosexuality and abortion.

Because insurance companies will only provide payments for state-licensed medical practitioners, those seeking biblical counseling to address their mental and spiritual well-being must pay the counselor out of pocket if they have no access to a church-funded counseling program. 

The idea that a Christian would seek mental health answers from a secular psychologist is a ludicrous, and possibly dangerous, invention of the modern healthcare system. And, while biblical counselors vary on the degree of present-day psychology concepts they will incorporate into their practice, they will not disagree that our primary guiding principles must come from the Bible itself. What values does a degree in psychology give a person? How can an unbelieving doctor effectively counsel a Christian who’s identity is found in Christ?

I recently heard a story about a family member who visited a psychologist while going through a difficult divorce. She was told that one of the best ways to get over her ex-husband might be to sleep with some other men. It disturbs me to hear stories like these and to know that many Christians are seeking mental-health help from unbelievers simply because it is all they can afford. 

Imagine how much healthier we would be as a body of Christ if we were each able to obtain quality care for our souls? This is one of the primary goals of Christ-Centered Solutions - to make biblical counseling accessible to all by training and establishing counselors in every church and by having churches set aside funds that are dedicated to maintaining a counseling program. Biblical counseling is a ministry that not only serves individuals who are already active members of the church, but can also reach out to those believers who have separated themselves from the church, and even to unbelievers. 

So, to answer your question - yes, every church can and should have a counseling component. Not every church is fortunate enough to have someone with a Master's Degree in Biblical Counseling, but this does not mean that we cannot still learn a few skills and apply our knowledge of God's word and our life experiences to help others.

If you are interested in establishing a counseling ministry in your church, please reach out to us so we can help you get started. There are excellent online certification programs we could point you towards, and we provide conferences on biblical soul care training and mentoring that could be a blessing to you and your church.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Please reach out to us if you or anyone you know is in need of biblical soul care. All of our counselors have completed formal training in biblical counseling and are dedicated to continually learning how we can more effectively serve you. If you have enjoyed this article, you can support us by sharing or liking it on social media or making a purchase through one of our affiliate links. Thank you! 

Adams, Jay. (1986). Competent to Counsel: Introduction to Nouthetic Counseling. Zondervan.

Mills, Kathleen. (2025, Winter). The Wholistic Paradigm Challenge We Face. Christian Counseling Today, 27(4), 50-52.

Priolo, Lou. (2023). Presuppositions of Biblical Counseling: What Historical Biblical Counselors Really Believe. Grace & Truth Books. 

In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul writes "Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body."

God designed sex to occur between one man and one woman within a marriage. Sexual sin is any kind of sexual activity that occurs outside of marriage. It also includes any kind of sexual activity between two members of the same sex, since, under Biblical law, no two members of the same sex can be joined in marriage.

In Matthew 5:27-29 Jesus states "You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." So, sexual sin also extends to watching pornography and having lustful thoughts about others.

If you are in a relationship and are not married, you might be wondering how far is too far? While there are some obvious acts such as the ones mentioned above, there is no explicit definition in the Bible of how much is too much outside of marriage. However, we can draw a line for ourselves in the grey areas by asking ourselves a few questions and being in touch with the convictions of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.

One way to decide on an answer to this question is to ask yourself the following question: "How much would I want my future spouse to save him or herself for me? If you want your future spouse to never have kissed another person besides you, then you should save kissing for marriage.

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 states "Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.

Casual dating is a dangerous invention. I would encourage you not to spend any significant amount of time with someone of the opposite sex who you would not consider marrying. It can be easy to fall for someone for the wrong reasons, and then think that maybe you can change their beliefs to align with your own. Before you date anybody, make sure that you already share the same core beliefs - namely the belief in the Bible and Christ as your savior.

Before you date someone, ask yourself if you would consider marrying them. Don't follow the world and date "just for fun."

If you are worried that you will go too far, one of the best ways to avoid making a mistake is to not give yourself that opportunity.

"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." 2 Timothy 2:20-22

Rather than watching a movie alone in a dark room, hike to a waterfall with family and friends, volunteer at the local soup kitchen together, and, of course, worship together. Keep yourselves pure so God can use your for a special purpose.

God gave us a conscience. Of course, we should rely primarily on God's Word to guide and direct us, but when there is not a specific text regarding a question we may have, we should make our rules based on our own convictions.

In Romans 14:20-23, Paul writes about our conscience in relation to food choices, which I believe we can also apply to our choices about how much intimacy we should have in a dating relationship. He says "Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

So, if things get heated between you and your boyfriend or girlfriend and you feel guilty about it, don't do it any more. 

"For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." Romans 3:20-22

God did not give us the law so we would know what to do and what not to do. He gave it to us to reveal how sinful we truly are, so that we would know how desperately we need a savior. 

The Apostle Paul writes that "no other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does." Why is this so? One obvious reason is that sexual sin can lead to the weakening of the body through sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). After the sexual revolution of the 1960s, the rates of STDs skyrocketed. 

God did not forbid unmarried couples from participating in sex to punish them. Our creator knows what is best for us physically as well as emotionally. He knows that sexual intimacy leads to heartbreak when it is not enjoyed within the safety of a loving and committed relationship (marriage).

God wants us to respect our own bodies because we have to use them to do His good works. If we are married, enjoying sex with the one we love and trust draws us even closer. But having sex with someone we are not willing or ready to commit to loving for the rest of our lives dishonors both ourselves and the other person involved. Most importantly, it dishonors the Holy Spirit.

When we dishonor ourselves and our bodies, we are not properly caring for the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

Let's take a moment to study the Jewish Temple so we can understand what Paul means when he says "your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit."

What does it mean that your body is a temple? Well, back in Paul's day, there was one Temple where the Jews would go to offer animal sacrifices to cleanse them of their sins. The Temple, just like our own Earthly bodies, was intricately designed by God. In fact, there are over thirty chapters in the Old Testament spanning at least six different books of the Bible that provide instructions, narratives and visions concerning the Temple.

After Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, there was no longer a need for a Temple to offer animal sacrifices.

The Temple used to be a place where God's people would go be near Him. But now, God's Holy Spirit dwells within those of us who believe. That is why our bodies are now God's Holy Temples.

In year 70 AD, approximately 40 years after Jesus was crucified, God allowed the Romans to destroy the Temple during the Siege of Jerusalem.

When our bodies are destroyed, we will no longer be able to do the work that God has entrusted us to do on this Earth. Similarly, when our bodies are weak with sickness, we are less able to complete our work.

One way we can keep our bodies healthy is by refraining from sexual activity outside of marriage. While this will not only protect us from harmful disease physically, staying sexually pure will also protect us from the emotional anguish that results from engaging in uncommitted or casual sex.

STDs such as HIV, herpes, Hepatitis B and HPV (the most common STD in the US) permanently weaken our bodies because they have no known cures. Imagine becoming infected with a disease that would slowly weaken and kill you while also not allowing you to engage in sex without infecting your partner. By staying pure, we ensure that we will also stay strong and healthy.  

Besides avoiding impure sexual activity, we can also keep our Temples strong by exercising and eating healthy. Many of us believe that taking time to care for our bodies by exercising and preparing nutritious meals for ourselves is selfish, when in fact, the opposite is true. Jesus commands us to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31 NLT). So think about this simple illustration for a moment. If you want to communicate love to your neighbor, what would show the most love - bringing them a fast-food hamburger and french fries, or inviting them to sit down at your table with you to enjoy a meal of grilled salmon with greek salad and wild rice?

We can easily see that a balanced, nutritious meal communicates love more effectively than a quick and easy one. As we think about loving our neighbors, we mustn't forget to also love ourselves in the sense of caring properly for our own bodies. 

If you often find yourself making excuses for living an unhealthy lifestyle, consider the fact that your body does not even belong to you. If you have a dog, you do not allow that pet to eat anything it wants. Instead, you purchase quality food made just for dogs and you take the dog on walks or throw a ball for her so she can get out of the house and get some exercise.

In the same way, you must take care of yourself by preparing meals that are nutritiously balanced for your body. And you must engage in activities that strengthen your body.

So if you tell yourself that taking a walk after dinner or chopping vegetables and marinading some meat is not important, you might want to reevaluate your priorities, because keeping your temple in good shape is essential if you want to continue to effectively serve God. 

The price God paid for you was His one and only Son. How would you feel if you purchased an expensive new car for your brother, only to see that he did not take care of it. What if he never bothered to clean it, failed to perform basic maintenance like routine oil changes, and drove it recklessly, causing it to get dents and scrapes? Your brother's car would not last long, and it would not be a good example to others during it's useful lifetime either.

In the same way, if we don't take care of our bodies by exercising, eating healthy, abstaining from reckless sexual behavior, and even visiting the doctor when we need to, our ability to serve God will be limited.

In 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Paul warns his readers to stay sexually pure, reminding them that their bodies are not their own, but are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Our heavenly father knows what is best for us. He loves us so much that He purchased us with His own son. As believers, we should honor God by obeying His commandments, even those that our culture has tried to convince us are unimportant.

We must keep our bodies strong by living pure lives, eating healthy and exercising so that we can effectively serve God.

Are you struggling with staying sexually pure? Are you suffering from guilt over past relationships? Is your physical health preventing you from effectively serving God? Are you living an unhealthy lifestyle void of nutrition and physical exercise that causes you to get sick often, leaves you feeling tired or that you worry may have consequences later in life?

These are all real issues that could be holding you back from being the person God designed you to be. If you are looking for biblical answers, please reach out to one of our counselors. We are here to help you discover Christ-centered solutions that work for you!