FAQ: Can a Christian counsellor under a regulated body provide fully biblical counselling?

Even if a counsellor personally identifies as a Christian, if they are registered with a governing body such as the CRPO, CCPA, or CPCA, they are legally and ethically required to follow professional standards and Canadian law. This includes prohibitions on conversion therapy, requirements to affirm client diversity, and mandates to avoid discriminatory or harmful practices.

Many Christian therapists may sincerely wish to provide biblical guidance or integrate Scripture into counselling. While they can offer pastoral encouragement, prayer, and faith-informed support, they cannot direct clients to change sexual orientation or gender identity, or apply Scripture in ways that conflict with professional regulations. Even well-intentioned interventions can be deemed misconduct if they violate these standards.

While the heart behind may be pure, many may underestimate the restrictions. It is possible that a Christian professional may think:

• “I can still integrate faith in a loving way”

• “I can do more good if I subtly guide my client according to Scripture”

…and in some ways, they can integrate faith in pastoral, supportive ways (ex: praying with a client, discussing spiritual hope, using Scripture for encouragement).

But the boundaries are clear:

• They cannot impose personal change on a client’s sexual orientation or gender identity, even when seeking to guide them in accordance with biblical truth, because professional and legal standards define limits to such interventions.

• They cannot impose a moral judgment in a therapeutic context that would be construed as discriminatory.

• Even if done with “good intentions,” they could face professional misconduct complaints or legal consequences.

In practical terms, this means that Christian counsellors under a regulated body are:

• Bound by law and ethics, even if they personally believe they could do more in a biblical context.

• Limited in how they can integrate Scripture, needing to avoid interventions deemed discriminatory or unsafe.

• Able to provide faith-informed support in ways that are legal and ethical, such as prayer, encouragement, spiritual reflection, and discussing hope and meaning within the client’s faith framework.

Because of these boundaries, clients seeking counselling that is intentionally and consistently rooted in God’s Word may choose to work with a counsellor outside of regulated frameworks. This allows for counselling fully guided by Scripture within a faith-based context—but such services are not eligible for insurance coverage.

FAQ: Why choose a biblical counsellor who is not under a provincial governing body?

Some clients wonder whether working with a biblical counsellor who is not registered with a provincial governing body is safe or appropriate. Here are the main considerations and how they are addressed:

Common concerns:

• Insurance coverage: Services are not reimbursable through insurance.

• Professional oversight: There is no provincial body monitoring practice or investigating complaints.

• Formal mental health training: Counsellors may not have licensure in psychotherapy or clinical psychology.

• Legal liability: The counsellor may not have the same legal protections as a regulated professional.

• Evidence-based interventions: Counselling may not follow mainstream psychological models.

• Potential bias or narrow worldview: Counselling is explicitly Scripture-based.

• High-risk situations: Unregulated counsellors may not be formally certified to manage acute crises in the same way as licensed therapists.

How these are addressed in biblical counselling:

• Biblical counsellors prioritize Scriptural truth while also adhering to rigorous ethical standards, mentorship, and accountability within the church and theological communities.

• They are trained to provide careful, compassionate, and responsible guidance for life challenges, relational difficulties, and emotional struggles from a biblical perspective, while referring to medical or mental health professionals when appropriate.

• Many clients choose this approach because it allows for counselling fully guided by Scripture while maintaining responsible and ethical care.

• While insurance coverage is not available, biblical counselling offers personalized, Scripture-rooted support that aligns fully with the client’s values and desire for faithfulness to God’s Word.

In short: Choosing a biblical counsellor outside a governing body is a decision about prioritizing spiritual faithfulness and theological integrity, while still practicing care responsibly and ethically. Clients are encouraged to weigh their needs, financial considerations, and the importance of Scripture in counselling when making this choice.

About the owner’s training and credentials:
To provide this care responsibly, Alysia brings comprehensive theological and biblical counselling training and accountability to this practice. She is ABC-certified as a biblical counsellor with active membership requiring ongoing learning and ethical standards. She holds a Master of Theology (M.Th.) and a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Care and Counselling, and has completed training (Tracks 1-4) through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). This equips her to provide careful, Scripture-centered counselling in a professional, responsible, and accountable manner.