So what's the difference?

So what is the difference between a Nouthetic counseling program and one that equips for state licensure?  What about a secular licensed counselor and a licensed christian counselor?  And what about an integrationist?  There are certainly significant differences, and these differences can lead to pretty heated discussions!  Ultimately it comes down to conviction.  I am going to explain the differences and also talk a little about how I came to make the decision to pursue the Nouthetic path.
 
In 2005 I began a masters degree in marriage and family therapy at New Orleans Baptist Seminary that would allow me to apply for state licensure when I finished school and the other requirements.  New Orleans and 2005 may ring a bell, that was the same year Katrina hit, to say the least our plans were slightly adjusted!  Four months later we were in Louisville KY at Southern Seminary and I was hoping to continue my degree in counseling.  It was at that time that I came to realize there was no licensure available through the program because it was a "Nouthetic" or "Biblical" program, so what's the difference?  Basically,  a licensed counselor has studied the state required secular theories, and will use those theories in the counseling process.  A licensed Christian counselor will still study and use those same theories, but will attempt to intigrate the Bible and Christian principles as well.  There is also a possibility that the Bible will be absent, but things like divorce would not be considered as part of the process, and that's where the Christian part would come in.

When I first started out in New Orleans, I wanted to be licensed.  I saw potential value in the secular theories, and also saw an ministerial advantage to being licensed and being able to counsel with more unbelievers than without one.  Over time, and a continually growing love and understanding of the power of the Word of God (developed largely at Southern), God has shaped my coniviction to pursue a method of counseling that depends soley upon His Word.  I simply no longer see a way to intigrate secular theories and Biblical truths due to their drastically different presuppositions when approaching life and its messiness.  As you can imagine, that statement is what invites a number of criticisms and points of discussion.

I would like to invite further discussion and provide further explanation to anyone who would request it.  I think "pushing back" is necessary and beneficial, and does not need to breed arguments or dissention.  I hope this has been beneficial whether you agree, disagree, or are in the process of developing your own convictions on the matter.
 

My first blog...ever.

I was talking with a friend last night and mentioned to him that I must be the most technologically unsavy 32 year old in America; I don't tweet or facebook or myspace and seldom check an email...and to say the least, this is my first blog post.

I am excited though, as I believe that God is fulfilling a dream of mine and, I pray, will use me for His glory through it.  I have loved counseling since earning a BA in psychology at UF in 01'.  I have been passionate about Christian counseling since beginning a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy at New Orleans Baptist Seminary in 05', only to be set off track by Katrina a couple of months later.  Finally, 6 years later, God has shown me what has become one of my deepest passions and convictions;  His ability through the redemption of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to offer a person hope, peace and love, and newness of life.  That is the power of Nouthetic counseling.  It is nothing less than the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed through Scripture.  The passage in Luke written at the top of the page explains what I mean, Jesus says of Himself:  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."  

All of us know what it means to be poor, blind, held captive and oppressed spiritually because of our sin, and many of us have experienced those things mentally or physically as well, I know I have.  My purpose in this blog is join Jesus in "proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor"...because to the poor, He brings good news; to those held captive by sins and disorders, He brings liberty; to those who are blind to the truth that sets you free, He restores sight; and to those who are oppressed, He is able to liberate!  That is good news, that is the gospel, that is the power of Nouthetic counseling.