Lay counseling as defined by Clinton and Ohlschlanger (2002, p. 424), refers to the ‘caregiving by nonprofessionals or paraprofessional helpers who have limited or no training in counseling skills’, but who are eager to help their fellow church members by acting as shepherds and helpers in particular issues. In recent years, it is becoming particularly popular as it can help people who do not have access to professional counseling or cannot afford to do so (Clinton and Ohlschlager, 2002, p. 113). It is an important part of the church and Clinton and Ohlschlager (2002, p. 436) expect that it will become even more so in the next years. On the contrary, clinical counseling refers to individuals who have completed specific studies (undergraduate and postgraduate) in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, professional counseling, social work, pastoral counseling or marriage and family therapy (Clinton and Ohlschlager, 2002, p. 80). These are people who are licensed in different states to practice mental health counseling. Unlike lay counselors who offer their services for free and usually in the church, clinical counselors charge a fee and often see their patients in their own offices (although recently an increasing number of professional counselors establish their practice in local churches), (Clinton and Ohlschlager, 2002, p. 684).
Both lay and clinical counselors play a very important role in Christian counseling. Personally, I would be more inclined to follow the path of clinical counseling and more specifically that of a professional psychologist. My next steps towards this goal will be first to obtain a degree in psychology and then a master’s degree in professional counseling. I would then be interested in partnering with my local church and offer my services to my fellow parishioners on the site of the church, as this would allow me to practice my profession close to the house of God, while at the same time keeping my fees to a minimum.
Reference
Clinton, T. & Ohlschlager, G. (2002). Competent Christian Counseling. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Waterbrook Press.
