Good or Bad: Biblical Counseling Stigmas According to AI

As counselors and pastors, we encounter individuals on a daily basis who require assistance with a range of issues. However, it is noteworthy that not all individuals seek help. For various reasons, many individuals tend to avoid any form of counseling. Through my own discussions, I have observed that stigma and genuine concerns frequently deter individuals from seeking assistance, irrespective of whether such support is offered in a secular or religious framework. Given that I am a Biblical counselor, the focus of this article will primarily be on Biblical counseling.

Artificial Intelligence can be utilized in numerous constructive ways, and I have been increasingly exploring Grok. This week, I pondered, “What are Grok’s perspectives on the stigmas surrounding Biblical counseling? ” Thus, I inquired of Grok, ” What are the four most significant stigmas hindering individuals from obtaining assistance through Biblical counseling?” To my surprise, I found that I was not particularly astonished by the responses. Below is a compilation of the four stigmas identified by Grok during its research process, which was informed by approximately 10 to 15 different sources, that deter individuals from reaching out to Biblical counselors.

Stigmas According to Grok

Stigma #1 for Biblical Counseling

Perceived Ineffectiveness for Mental Health

It’s common for folks to think that biblical counseling might not take into account the physiological and psychological aspects when addressing issues. In essence, some argue that biblical counselors may simplify complex situations down to just a spiritual matter or perhaps only try to apply a handful of Bible verses to a problem.

The Truth

Biblical counseling holds the beautiful belief that the Bible speaks to both our physical and emotional struggles, along with the spiritual aspects of our daily lives. For example, panic attacks are genuine experiences that can impact us in profound ways- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Instead of overlooking these important issues, biblical counseling embraces their reality and strives to tackle them just as the Bible guides us to do. The timeless wisdom of the Bible reaches out to us today, offering insight into our challenges and helping us find peace.

Stigma #2 for Biblical Counseling

Lack of Professional Training

Some people think that if the state doesn’t license a biblical counselor, they may not fully grasp how to navigate tough counseling/life situations. This perception of not having formal training or a license can sometimes suggest a risk of unethical practices or less-than-stellar counseling. But is this true?

The Truth

Getting certified in biblical counseling can be accomplished through various organizations like ABC, ACBC, and CCEF, each with its own thorough process for aspiring counselors. This journey typically includes taking a detailed counseling and theological exam, as well as completing a specific number of hours (50-100), both supervised and unsupervised, before earning that certification. To ensure that certified counselors stay up-to-date, some organizations also require annual CET credits, fostering ongoing education for these professionals. Many certified biblical counselors further enhance their expertise by holding degrees such as MA, MAC, or PhD in counseling from reputable universities or seminaries. Claiming that Biblical counselors don’t understand tough situations due to a lack of education is simply untrue.

Stigma #3 for Biblical Counseling

Confidentiality

Many individuals often have worries about liability and confidentiality. It’s common to feel that since a Biblical counselor isn’t licensed by the state, there might be no assurance of confidentiality and that important information could potentially be disclosed to church leadership or other counselors.

The Truth

Biblical counselors are committed to maintaining your privacy and ensuring that personal information shared during sessions stays confidential. They often ask you to sign intake paperwork, which includes a confidentiality statement, to reassure you that your information won’t be shared without your consent. If there ever comes a time when it’s necessary to share that information with others- like a doctor, a church leader, or another counselor- you’ll always be informed first, so you’re in the loop!

Stigma #4 for Biblical Counseling

Judgmental Tones

Many people might think that Biblical counseling is just a tough and critical teaching experience, where the counselor mainly highlights what went wrong and urges you to improve. This approach can make the counselee feel blamed and overlooked, which isn’t the most helpful feeling.

The Truth

Biblical counselors are wonderful individuals who truly care for others. They chose this path because of their deep love for people. Their goal is to help us see our own sin and suffering while guiding us to become more like Jesus Christ. Sometimes, this means addressing difficult truths, and other times, it’s about being a compassionate listener and a comforting presence. Accountability can be challenging; many people perceive it as judgmental and harsh. Yet, it’s important to remember that those who hold us accountable do so out of love and a genuine desire for our growth.

Moving Forward

This list does not come as a surprise to me, as I have engaged in discussions with individuals regarding Biblical counseling, and these concerns are frequently raised. Therefore, how can we transform the prevailing culture and stigma associated with Biblical counseling? First, it is essential to comprehend the underlying issues. As Biblical counselors, we must actively participate in dialogues with individuals to identify the barriers that hinder them from seeking counseling. It is imperative to acknowledge the existing problems in order to address them effectively. Second, we must respond to these issues with both truth and compassion. As Biblical counselors, our aim should be to exemplify the utmost qualities of love and honesty within our churches and communities. Fostering growth in truth and love for all people.

Although this list is not exhaustive, it accurately represents the genuine concerns articulated by members of your church and community, derived from various sources of information. How are you assisting them in overcoming these stigmas? What other concerns have you recently encountered that hinder individuals from pursuing Biblical counseling? In what ways have you facilitated changes in the culture and stigmas associated with these issues? We are not isolated in this matter; these challenges are prevalent among all individuals in every location, and discussing them fosters community growth. Leave your comments if you have experienced these types of issues.