A Brief Look into the Increasing Need of Counselling in the Church Setting: Mental, Social, Emotional and Spiritual Well-being.

The other day, I was relaxedly having a cup of organic mint tea after dinner on the terrace, (when) a gentleman, who is a neighbour, came to visit me. During our after-dinner-chat, he raised concern about the importance of counselling in both the secular and church settings, which prompted my personal curiosity and resulted in this article.

The dictionary meaning of “counselling” is the professional guidance provided by a trained individual to help a person manage and resolve personal, social, or psychological problems. It often involves talking through issues, exploring feelings, and developing strategies to cope with challenges.

Counselling has a long history that spans both religious and secular contexts. In ancient times, it often took the shape of spiritual and moral guidance, with religious leaders in various cultures providing counsel to their followers. In the Christian tradition, early forms of counselling were cantered around confession and spiritual direction.

The secular development of counselling began in the early 19th century with the emergence of psychology as a formal discipline. Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis laid the groundwork for modern therapeutic practices. Throughout the 20th century, counselling evolved with the development of various psychological theories and techniques, such as cognitive behavioural therapy and humanistic approach.

Today, counselling girdles a wide range of methods and practices, addressing mental, emotional, and spiritual needs, and is offered in both religious and secular settings.

In today’s world, sickness and ailments extend far beyond just physical health, encompassing mental health, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions. This broader understanding reflects a more holistic view of health and wellness, recognising that physical symptoms often have interconnected psychological, social and spiritual roots or consequences. Having professional counsellors can address the multifaceted aspects of health within a church community.

Mental health problems like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and burnout are increasingly recognised as significant health concerns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that depression is now a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions of people. Mental health disorders often manifest physically through symptoms such as fatigue, headache or digestive problems, blurring the lines between physical and mental health.

Emotional well-being is critical to overall health. Stress, grief, unresolved trauma, and emotional neglect can lead to both mental and physical health problems. Chronic stress, for example, has been linked to various physical ailments, including heart disease, hypertension, and immune dysfunction. Emotional health issues often require interventions beyond just medical treatment, by offering a listening ear and therapeutic interventions, counsellors can support emotional healing, which in turn can improve both mental and physical health.

Social determinants of health- such as relationships, community support, socio-economic status, and access to healthcare- play a crucial role in overall well-being. Loneliness and social isolation have been linked to increased risk for heart disease, dementia, and early mortality. Professional counsellors can rightly play a key role in addressing this problem.

Spiritual well-being, or the sense of meaning and purpose in life, is another essential component of health. Spiritual distress or existential crises can exacerbate physical and mental health problems. Spiritual practices, meditation, prayer and mindfulness, have been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress. Expert counsellors can give timely guidance.

Psychosomatic disorders, where psychological stress causes or exacerbates physical symptoms, are increasingly recognised in healthcare. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome often have both physical and psychological components, requiring counsellors and an integrated approach to treatment.

Modern lifestyles have contributed to the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. These are often related to behavioural factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Addressing these conditions often requires not just medical treatment but also changes in behaviour, mindset and lifestyle which, professional counsellors can appropriately help.

Importance, Roles and Responsibilities of Counsellors in Churches

1. Counsellor can offer spiritual guidance that aligns with the church’s teachings, helping individuals navigate personal challenges, moral dilemmas, and life transition. Provide one-on-one counselling sessions to church members, addressing personal, spiritual, and psychological issues.

2. With rising awareness of mental health, church counsellors can provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their emotional struggles, offering support for issues like anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship problems, personal loss, family conflict, or community emergencies.

3. Counsellors can facilitate support groups, workshops, on mental health, wellness, relationships, and spiritual growth, integrating psychological principles with faith teachings. Organise community activities that foster a sense of belonging and strengthen the church community. Leading support groups or workshops for various topics, such as grief counselling, addiction recovery, pre and post marriage enrichment, and youth counselling

4. In times of personal or communal crisis (such as loss, trauma, or natural disasters), having professional counsellors on staff can provide immediate and effective support to those in need. Assist individuals in exploring their faith, dealing with spiritual doubts, and deepening their relationship with God.

5. Regular counselling services can help identify issues before they become more severe, providing early intervention that can prevent crises and promote overall well-being.

6. They can help members understand and apply the church’s teachings to real-life situations, providing moral guidance on ethical and moral decisions. Working closely with pastors, priests, and other church leaders to address the needs of the congregation and develop programme that support spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

7. Recognising when a congregant’s needs are beyond the scope of the counsellor’s expertise and providing referrals to external mental health professionals or specialised services.

8. Maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to professional ethical standards in all interactions with church members.

Research findings indicate that a significant portion of individuals seeks mental health support through religious institutions. A study by the Stanford University (2017) found that nearly 25% of individuals with mental health problems first turn to clergy rather than medical professionals.  Without professional counsellors, these needs may go unmet, leading to prolonged suffering or worsening of conditions. *A survey published in the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counselling (2018) revealed that most pastors feel unprepared to manage severe mental health issues like depression, anxiety and trauma. *Another study in the Journal of Psychology and Theology (2019) demonstrated that churches with access to professional counsellors reported better overall congregational well-being. The presence of trained counsellors was associated with improved mental health outcomes and stronger community support, underscoring the importance of having professional counselling services within church settings. *A study published in the American Journal of Community Psychology (2015) found that the absence of professional counsellors in church settings can increase stigma around mental health issues. The research showed that when churches do not have trained counsellors, members are more likely to perceive mental health problems as spiritual or moral failings, which discourages them from seeking help. All these research findings emphasise the critical need for professional counsellors in church settings. Creating a permanent post for professional counsellors, (male and female) with a minimum qualification of Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling, social work, or specific training in pastoral counselling or theology, within a church establishment can be of great importance for several reasons. The position of counsellors in churches allows to providing comprehensive care for their congregations, addressing both spiritual and psychological needs in a holistic manner. “The Best Gift is to give counsel”

Z. Libenthung Murry

Wokha

libenloth10@gmail.com