What is Lay Counseling?

Lay counseling is a form of Christ-centered spiritual care offered by trained, compassionate believers who come alongside others during seasons of difficulty, transition, or uncertainty. IT provides a space to be heard, prayed with, and encouraged through biblical wisdom and attentive presence.

Rather than offer quick answers or clinical solutions, lay counseling emphasizes listening, discernment, and relational support rooted in Christian faith. At its heart, lay counseling is about walking with someone and offering guidance grounded in Scripture.

How is Lay Counseling Different than Professional Counseling?

Lay counseling and professional counseling serve different but complimentary roles.

Lay counseling:

  • focuses on spiritual care and encouragement

  • is relational rather than clinical

  • emphasizes prayer, Scripture, and discernment

  • does not diagnose or trat mental health conditions

Professional Counseling:

  • Is provided by licensed clinicians

  • Addresses clinical mental health concerns

  • Includes diagnosis and evidence-based treatments

  • May involve medical or therapeutic interventions

Both forms of care can be valuable. In some situations, professional counseling is the most appropriate next step, and we gladly support individuals in making those connections when needed.

Is Lay Counseling Right for You?

If you are unsure whether or lay counseling is the right fit, that’s okay. Many people begin simply by starting a conversation.

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Together, we can discern what kind of support would be most helpful for you in this season. If you’d like to take the next step, we invite you to request care or begin a conversation.

Request Care

Reaching out can feel difficult. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you do.