5 Misconceptions About Christian Therapy (and the Truth)
“Therapy Means You Don’t Have Enough Faith” — What a Christian Therapist in Houston Wants You to Know
As a Christian Therapist in Houston, I often hear women say they feel guilty about needing therapy — but seeking help doesn’t mean your faith is weak; it means you’re trusting God to restore you through every resource He provides. And sometimes, a therapist is the resource you need. You wouldn’t feel guilt about needing a doctor to help you with a physical challenge, so why feel guilty about being a woman who needs some counseling to help work you through life’s difficulties? It’s okay to be human. Sometimes, humans have struggles and we need help from professionals. It’s important to know that God sometimes works through His people. And some of His people happen to be mental health professionals.
“Christian Therapy Is Only About Prayer” — Why Faith and Psychology Work Beautifully Together
Faith is at the center of Christian therapy, but it’s not the only tool we use. In my Houston practice, I often combine prayer with approaches like Brainspotting and the Gottman Method to help clients heal emotionally and spiritually. And I’m not saying that prayer isn’t a powerful tool- it is the most powerful tool. Therapy isn’t just about having some listen to you as she nods and smiles. Therapy is about giving you practical skills to move forward from your troubles. Like how to process trauma and anxiety through brainspotting, so that thoughts about the difficult things that have happened to you in the past stop creeping up on you. Imagine being able to do things that used to be fun for you, or hang out with loved ones without a care in the world. Prayer and neuroscience can work hand in hand to help provide lasting change. Give Christian counseling in Houston a try.
“Therapists Won’t Understand My Faith” — The Truth About Working with a Christian Counselor
One of the biggest fears Christians have about therapy is feeling misunderstood — but as a Christian Therapist in Houston, I make faith an essential part of every conversation, not something you have to set aside. Because I really believe that your Christian faith is the bedrock of who you are. We cannot separate you from your identity in Christ. At least we shouldn't have to. Working with a Christian counselor means that you will be understood on a spiritual level and not judged for your beliefs. Therapy becomes a safe space where you can both express yourself emotionally, gain new coping tools to anchor you through life, and all the while providing room for spiritual reflection.
“Christian Therapy Is Just for Women” — How Couples Benefit from Faith-Based Counseling
While many women find healing through Christian therapy, couples can experience transformation too. Through Christian marriage counseling in Houston, I help partners rebuild emotional safety and strengthen their faith together. In counseling, you will learn how to support one another during times of stress. I do this specifically by using the Gottman Method, which I pair with biblical principles. Therapy can help you rebuilt trust, deepen your connection and strengthen your shared faith. You get to learn what healthy communication looks like, how to air your opinions and feelings in a kind, but assertive way, as well as what to do when the inevitable conflict shows up. You’ll also learn how to strengthen friendship, intimacy and connection.
“Therapy Takes Forever” — Why Christian Counseling in Houston Can Bring Real Change Sooner Than You Think
Many people assume Christian counseling in Houston will take years before they feel better — but with brainspotting and a faith-based approach, I’ve seen Houston clients experience real peace in far less time. Therapy does not have to drag on forever- at least that’s not my approach. We create specific and flexible goals, and once those goals have been met, you get to graduate from therapy. This is also why I love brainspotting so much. It cuts down on your time in therapy because we bypass the cit chat and guessing. You get to work on deeper layers of your brain- resulting in faster outcomes. And once we top this off with an invitation to God to take control of each session, you have success.
If you’ve been unsure about trying therapy because of what you’ve heard, now’s the time to see the truth for yourself. As a Christian Therapist in Houston, I help women and couples find healing that honors both their faith and their emotional health.
You don’t have to keep wondering what peace feels like — schedule your free consultation for counseling in Houston today and start your journey toward the calm and clarity God designed you to have.
About
My name is Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. I help women who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and insomnia. I also help couples learn how to speak each other’s language, date each other again and manage conflict in a non-painful way.
Many of my clients are:
