While there are many different types of marriage counselors, each with varying qualifications, they can be broadly categorized into secular and pastoral.
Secular counselors are usually the ones most people are familiar with, but that doesn't automatically make them the most qualified to give you advice on your marriage (or any relationship for that matter).
One of the problems with secular marriage counselors is that they tend to focus on the individual parts of the marriagea nd then try to make them fit together.
This can certainly work in some cases, but when you think about it, you can understand how such an approach has a built-in element of conflict from the very beginning. Now, a cynic may say that it's designed that way so a couple will be in a constant state of conflict, and in a constant state of having to spend money on counseling.
To be clear, I'm not saying that at all.
The secular counselor is only relying on his or her training, and believes they are doing what is best.
Pastoral marriage counseling differs from the secular variety in another major way: it relies on the ultimate authority of God, and not a university.
Of course a pastor may have a degree in psychology, but it's the degree in theology that really counts. Most pastors will take a course or to in psychology, so they will have an understanding of the basic principles.
These principles tend to be used as a framework for the problem, but they will take a backseat when it comes to solving problems in a marriage.
A couple that already believes in the ability of a pastor to solve problems, and believes in God, won't have much of an issue when it comes to pastoral marriage counseling, but what about a couple who doesn't believe in those things? The y can benefit from pastoral counseling too!
Regardless of your faith, the Bible contains principles that have helped people for centuries. The principles really work, and a pastor can help you to apply them to your current situation. Some people may think that the ideas are old-fashioned, or don't make sense, but that's not the point. The point is whether the ideas work or not, and they do work.
Now, it has to be said that there is a catch to all of this: it will only work if you follow through on all of the advice you are given.
Going to pastoral marriage counseling won't do you much good if you only nod in agreement during a session and then quickly ignore everything once you get home. It's sort of like people who are "good" for one hour in church each week, but then don't act in Christian way the rest of the week.
That is not meant to sound judgmental, but rather to serve as a friendly suggestion for getting the most out of seeing a marriage counselor.
So, take a step out in faith and see a pastoral marriage counselor to help you have a stronger and more loving relationship with your spouse.
Source :-- http://www.articlesbase.com/dating-articles/pastoral-marriage-counseling-based-from-theology-5856973.html
Secular counselors are usually the ones most people are familiar with, but that doesn't automatically make them the most qualified to give you advice on your marriage (or any relationship for that matter).
One of the problems with secular marriage counselors is that they tend to focus on the individual parts of the marriagea nd then try to make them fit together.
This can certainly work in some cases, but when you think about it, you can understand how such an approach has a built-in element of conflict from the very beginning. Now, a cynic may say that it's designed that way so a couple will be in a constant state of conflict, and in a constant state of having to spend money on counseling.
To be clear, I'm not saying that at all.
The secular counselor is only relying on his or her training, and believes they are doing what is best.
Pastoral marriage counseling differs from the secular variety in another major way: it relies on the ultimate authority of God, and not a university.
Of course a pastor may have a degree in psychology, but it's the degree in theology that really counts. Most pastors will take a course or to in psychology, so they will have an understanding of the basic principles.
These principles tend to be used as a framework for the problem, but they will take a backseat when it comes to solving problems in a marriage.
A couple that already believes in the ability of a pastor to solve problems, and believes in God, won't have much of an issue when it comes to pastoral marriage counseling, but what about a couple who doesn't believe in those things? The y can benefit from pastoral counseling too!
Regardless of your faith, the Bible contains principles that have helped people for centuries. The principles really work, and a pastor can help you to apply them to your current situation. Some people may think that the ideas are old-fashioned, or don't make sense, but that's not the point. The point is whether the ideas work or not, and they do work.
Now, it has to be said that there is a catch to all of this: it will only work if you follow through on all of the advice you are given.
Going to pastoral marriage counseling won't do you much good if you only nod in agreement during a session and then quickly ignore everything once you get home. It's sort of like people who are "good" for one hour in church each week, but then don't act in Christian way the rest of the week.
That is not meant to sound judgmental, but rather to serve as a friendly suggestion for getting the most out of seeing a marriage counselor.
So, take a step out in faith and see a pastoral marriage counselor to help you have a stronger and more loving relationship with your spouse.
Source :-- http://www.articlesbase.com/dating-articles/pastoral-marriage-counseling-based-from-theology-5856973.html
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