Not Apples to Apples: Why “Counseling” Needs a Clear Definition

<p>One word is carrying way too much weight right now—and the confusion is hurting people.</p><p>In this episode of <strong>The Steadfast Podcast</strong>, Jessie Evans responds to a recent Gospel Coalition article (“Why Women Are Going to Therapy Instead of Church”) and makes the case for a needed distinction: <strong>pastoral care/discipleship and clinical counseling are not the same thing.</strong> We’re not comparing apples to apples.</p><p>Jessie breaks down why <strong>scope of practice</strong> matters, why licensure exists (education, board oversight, ethics, continuing education, evidence-based care), and how well-meaning church “counseling” can unintentionally cause harm—especially when someone is facing anxiety, trauma, postpartum intrusive thoughts, OCD, abuse dynamics, or suicidality.</p><p>You’ll also hear what “Christian counseling” means at <strong>Steadfast Christian Counseling</strong>: we are <strong>clinically grounded and trauma-informed</strong>, and for clients who desire it, we integrate faith <strong>ethically and client-led</strong>—guided by professional ethics and client autonomy. In other words: evidence-based therapy with a counselor who understands Christian culture and can hold the faith pieces of your story with care—without pressure or agenda.</p><p>📍 <a href="www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Visit our Website</a><br><a href="https://sccandcic.janeapp.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Book a free consultation</a>: <br>✉️ <a href="https://link.mytherapyflow.com/widget/form/Zmgwx48V1NL9CkMdudLv" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Join the <strong>Steadfast Friday Email Club</strong> </a>(weekly encouragement + practical tools): <br>⛪ Trauma-Informed Church Training: <a href="" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">connect@steadfastcc.com</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://steadfastchristiancounseling.com/podcast/steadfast-podcast-when-to-refer-to-counseling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Webpage for this episode</a></p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://baremarriage.com/2026/01/podcast-why-marriage-isnt-like-being-on-the-back-of-a-tandem-bike/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Bare Marriage — Episode 310</strong>.</a></p><p><a href="https://baremarriage.com/2026/01/podcast-why-marriage-isnt-like-being-on-the-back-of-a-tandem-bike/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Title:</strong> <em>Episode 310: Desiring God Thinks Marriage Is Like Peddling Furiously on the Back of a Tandem Bike</em> </a></p><p><br></p>