For many people, faith isn’t a side issue. It shapes how they understand suffering, relationships, guilt, forgiveness and hope. So it makes sense to wonder whether a psychologist will understand that, or whether you’ll have to leave an important part of yourself at the door.
You don’t have to choose between your faith and good psychological care. Here’s what that can look like.
Common worries Christians have about therapy
- “Will my psychologist dismiss my beliefs?” Psychologists in Australia work under a code of ethics that requires them to respect clients’ religious and spiritual beliefs. Your faith is part of your life, so it’s part of the conversation if you want it to be.
- “Does needing therapy mean my faith isn’t strong enough?” No. Anxiety, depression and trauma affect people of every faith. Seeing a psychologist is like seeing a doctor for a physical illness. Many Christians see it as one of the ways they look after the life they’ve been given.
- “Will I be pushed to change my values?” Good therapy works within your values. A psychologist’s role is to help you live in line with what matters to you, not to replace it.
How faith can be part of therapy
How much faith features is up to you. For some people it’s simply knowing their psychologist respects it. For others it’s a more active part of therapy, for example:
- drawing on prayer, Scripture or church community as sources of strength and support
- working through guilt, shame or perfectionism, including beliefs about what God expects
- exploring forgiveness, after a betrayal or hurt
- making sense of grief, illness or loss, and questions such as “Why did this happen?”
- untangling worries that have taken on a religious form, such as fears of having sinned that keep repeating, which can be a form of OCD.
The therapy itself is still evidence-based: usually Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or related approaches, with your beliefs woven in.
Does it work?
Yes. A meta-analysis of 97 studies with more than 7,000 clients found that therapy adapted to clients’ religion or spirituality worked as well as standard therapy for psychological distress, and led to greater gains in spiritual wellbeing.
What to ask when you contact a practice
- “Are any of your psychologists Christians, or comfortable including Christian faith in therapy?”
- “Can I talk about my faith openly in sessions?”
- “How would you approach my concern for someone with my beliefs?”
It’s fine to ask these before booking. A good fit with your psychologist matters, and feeling understood is part of that.
Faith and therapy at MindBox Psychology
At MindBox Psychology in St Leonards, several of our psychologists are Christians and bring this perspective into therapy when clients would like that. Monique Shipp, Hannah Reid and Mimi van Wyk see children, teenagers and adults, and Chloe Kim sees adults. All of our psychologists respect each client’s faith and values. If you’d prefer a psychologist who shares your Christian faith, let us know when you book. Read more on our Christians and Psychology page.
Sessions are face-to-face or through online counselling anywhere in Australia. You don’t need a referral to book. Medicare rebates may be available with a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP or paediatrician. Private health funds and self-managed NDIS may also cover some costs.
If you need help now: call 000 in an emergency, or Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7).
