Although psychiatry can assist individuals with genuine, organically-based problems, and temporary medical support to help address root issues, the Christ-centered counselor does not seek to merely alleviate the counselee’s symptoms or help them strengthen their coping mechanisms.  In fact, often, the believer’s desperation best prepares them to give up on themselves and trust Christ absolutely as their source of living! (Rom. 7:15-8:11).

It is fascinating to see how people’s lives begin to change for the better when Galatians 2:20 is appropriated: 



“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 

Turmoil in the soul is replaced by peace, joy, and contentment to the extent that the believer is focused on Christ as Savior, Lord, and Life (2 Cor. 12:9).  This approach is simply profound and profoundly simple.

People can also expect to recover from stress related health problems when the Christ-life resolves the root causes—namely, the self-life.  Such psychologically-induced conditions may include tension headache, nervous stomach, ulcers, hives, skin rashes, allergies, asthma, spastic colon, heart palpitations, breathing ailments, fatigue, insomnia etc.

While writing this article I received a phone call from a counselee who had a dramatic deeper life experience.  He had a history of chronic tension headaches and was always popping Tylenols.  However, in the year since he appropriated his identification with Christ, he has had no more headaches!  Then he counseled a brother who was hospitalized with symptoms of Crohn’s disease who rapidly improved—to the amazement of the doctors.
Spirituotherapy credits the Holy Spirit Who uses the Word of God to progressively sanctify the believer, illumining the fuller implications of the disciple’s union with Christ.  God’s Spirit can give care and cure; He indwells every true believer (John 16:12-15).  Truly the Doctor is IN.

Presenting counseling seminars internationally, I often hear believers testify of the radical benefits they experience as the truths of their identification with Christ begins to sink in.  One sister who attended an event in Romania was depressed to the extent of suicidal thoughts.  The following day—after being led to the foot of the Cross to appropriate her spiritual identity in Christ—she was radiant with His joy and Life!
All glory for restoring the soul goes to the Spirit of God.  Cheydleur testified,

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 “The better we become at spiritual counseling, the less pride we will take in it.  Every time God uses us to release joy in a previously troubled person, we will realize that the power that has healed the person is of God and does not stem from our righteousness or ability.  It is most effective when we empty ourselves and allow God to bring healing and wholeness through us.”10

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In counseling, consider the how the physical, psychological, and spiritual parts of a person are involved.  Seek the Lord’s wisdom and His abundant provision in Christ.  The Doctor is IN!  There is hope because of our Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6).