FAQ: What is Biblical counselling?

Biblical counselling is the personal application of God’s Word, addressing life’s challenges through the lens of the gospel within the framework of God’s redemptive narrative—Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Renewal.

What it is not:It is not about offering quick fixes or methods, but about growing in wisdom and love for God and others. Rooted in Scripture, Biblical counselling helps individuals recognize their need for Christ, confront sin and suffering with faith, and find direction in walking with God. Biblical counselling is about glorifying God and trusting His purposes by embracing weakness, boasting in Christ rather than self-sufficiency (2 Cor 12:9). At its core, Biblical counselling is face-to-face gospel ministry. It is helping people walk in faith through their struggles, equipping them with the truth of God’s Word, and pointing them to Christ as their ultimate hope and healer. 

FAQ: What should I expect during biblical counselling sessions?

Biblical counselling is a collaborative and prayerful process where God’s Word is shared and applied through meaningful conversations. Because biblical counselling is a collaborative process, active participation is essential. In order to experience growth and healing, each counsellee must engage wholeheartedly in the counselling process to deepen their relationship with the Lord.

FAQ: What about the relationship between modern psychology and biblical counselling?

We firmly believe it is wise to approach the relationship between psychology and Christianity with discernment, recognizing the limitations of psychological science. While psychology can provide valuable insights into human behaviour, thoughts, and emotions, it cannot address every question about life, meaning or the human soul. Likewise, while the doctrine of Scriptural inerrancy establishes that Scripture in the original manuscript does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact, it also does not give complete details on every topic, which is why observation, inquiry, and learning are valuable. Therefore, we believe that psychology and theology should be examined with humility, always rooted in the biblical truth that God's wisdom and truth is absolute. We believe that, like medicine, psychological science evolves and develops over time through new insights and discoveries, making ongoing discussions with Christianity essential.

What does this mean? Acknowledging humanity’s ability to learn and grow does not diminish Christ’s authority. This means that psychological insights can complement biblical counselling, with the acknowledgement that while God created natural law, he is not bound by it. Therefore, empirical evidence does not take precedence over Scripture.

In other words, while psychology offers valuable tools for understanding human behaviour and supporting emotional and mental well-being, it must always be approached through the lens of Scripture. When used with discernment and humility, psychological insights can complement the work of biblical counselling, but must never override or replace the authority of God’s Word.

FAQ: What is the difference between biblical counselling and Christian psychotherapy?

Some counsellors personally identify as Christians while practicing within regulated psychotherapy professions. These professionals are required to follow professional standards and Canadian law, which establish specific boundaries for how counselling must be conducted. Because of these regulations, licensed professionals must work within frameworks that prioritize therapeutic neutrality, client autonomy, and non-discrimination standards defined by their profession.

Many Christian therapists sincerely desire to integrate faith into their work. In practice, this may include prayer, spiritual encouragement, or discussing a client’s beliefs as part of their well-being. However, they must still operate within professional and legal guidelines that may limit the extent to which Scripture can function as the primary guiding authority in counselling practice.

For this reason, some individuals who desire counselling that is intentionally and consistently guided by Scripture choose to work with a biblical counsellor outside of regulated psychotherapy systems. Because this care is faith-based rather than medical or clinical, it is typically not eligible for insurance reimbursement.

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

Some clients wonder whether working with a biblical counsellor outside of a provincial regulatory system is safe or appropriate.

Biblical counselling differs from clinical psychotherapy in that it is grounded in Scripture as the primary authority for understanding the human heart, suffering, and lasting change. While services are not eligible for insurance reimbursement, biblical counsellors seek to practice responsibly through theological training, ethical standards, and accountability within church and biblical counselling communities.

Biblical counsellors are trained to provide compassionate and careful guidance for life challenges, relational struggles, and spiritual concerns while encouraging appropriate collaboration or referral to clinical professionals when needed.

Many clients choose this approach because they desire counselling that is explicitly rooted in God’s Word and aligned with their Christian convictions.

Ultimately, choosing a biblical counsellor is a decision about the framework of care a person desires, as well as practical considerations such as insurance coverage.

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 certified as a biblical counsellor with the Association of Biblical Counsellors (ABC) which requires ongoing learning and adherence ethical standards. She holds a Master of Theology (MTS) and a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Care and Counselling, and has completed training (Tracks 1-4) through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).  She additionally is a Level II Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider(CCTCP-II).

This training equips her to provide careful, compassionate, and Scripture-centered counselling while maintaining professional responsibility and appropriate referral when needed.