Why You May Not Need a Christian Therapist: A Theological, Ethical, and Psychological Case for Secular Psychotherapy

Abstract

Christians can have reservations about psychotherapy, perceiving that non-Christian therapists or psychological services may disregard or demean their faith. While Christian mental health providers are an invaluable resource, this article seeks to address why and how Christians can benefit from psychological services that are not overtly Christian. Fear of psychology is first contextualized within the integration literature with reference to worldviews and historical, epistemological, and methodological distinctions between theology and psychology. Three pillars provide support for Christians to explore the benefit of psychotherapy from non-Christian therapists. The theological pillar explains how Christians can confidently engage with secular culture through principles of God’s common grace, natural revelation, and providence. The ethical pillar explains how psychological practice is rooted in legal and ethical accountability, promoting respect towards clients with religious beliefs. The psychological pillar reviews principles (e.g., evidence-based practice, heuristics, competence) and research suggesting that meeting with a Christian therapist or incorporating faith elements into psychotherapy does not lead to improved treatment outcomes. These pillars are used to discuss the ways in which faith can and should be incorporated into psychotherapy to honour client preference even when the therapist does not share the client’s faith. Recommendations are made for the psychological and Christian communities.