Integrating Christian faith and counselling/psychotherapy
Integrating Christian faith and counselling/psychotherapy
Research shows that for some clients, the integration of their faith in therapy is important to them. Over the years, there has been resistance by some within the counselling profession to any notion of the concept of integrating Christian faith/religion/spirituality with the practice of counselling/psychotherapy. Whilst in recent times, it appears the profession has become more open to this, nevertheless, many practitioners in the counselling world remain uncomfortable and/or unsure as to how to address issues of Christian faith/religion/spirituality in clinical practice. The avoidance and/or discomfort can be due to a lack of knowledge and understanding and this programme therefore aims to provide attendees with a firm foundation and framework as to how to ethically, professionally, and competently integrate Christian faith/religion/spirituality into their personal philosophy and practice of counselling/psychotherapy.
Learning outcomes
The course will enable delegates to understand:
- The history and background to the integration of Christian faith/religion/spirituality and counselling/psychotherapy.
- The key principles to adhere to in order to ensure the competent and ethical use of Christian faith/religious/spiritual interventions in counselling practice.
- The danger and potential harmful use of Christian faith/religious/spiritual interventions in counselling practice.
- How to develop a personal philosophy of counselling which demonstrates how Christian faith can inform the practice of counselling.
- How to ethically and competently address value conflicts in counselling.
- The use of the Churchill Framework when working with clients’ faith/religious/spiritual issues in clinical practice.
- Dynamics of ‘koinonic’ power in counselling practice when integrating faith.
- Understanding the therapeutic relationship in the Christian dyad.
- Power dynamics and working ethically with spiritual interventions.
- Reflecting on integrating faith in counselling.
Suitable for: Student counsellors, qualified counsellors and counselling supervisors
Timetable: click here
The course is led by Dr Heather Churchill and Dr Janet Penny.
Dr Heather Churchill
DPsych (Middlesex), MTh (Middlesex), BA (Hons) (Brunel)
Registered and Senior Accredited Member and Fellow of the Association of Christians in Counselling and Linked Professions (ACC). Registered Member BACP (Senior Accred, Counsellor/Psychotherapist, aligned competence level C).
Heather is a senior lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy for Waverley Abbey College and has over twenty years’ experience as a trainer, psychotherapist and supervisor. She has co-authored two books and has published a number of articles in the accord journal. Her doctorate was entitled: “From pastoral care to professional counselling: the development of higher education counselling training underpinned by a Christian worldview and in dialogue with Christian faith/religion/spirituality”.
Dr Janet Penny
Dr Janet Penny is a counselling psychologist whose doctoral research was on the integration of faith and therapy, focusing on power and relational dynamics in Christian counselling. She has taught in higher education over the last 22 years at Waverley Abbey College and London School of Theology. Janet currently works in private practice, does consultancy work, and is a research supervisor at the Metanoia Institute. She also enjoys working at the creative edges of therapy using therapeutic photography and creative writing. As well as being involved with prayer ministry at her local church, she is a keen amateur photographer.
Ticket options
Standard
Non Members cost £180
Members cost £150 (please login to access your discount)
Thursday 10th Sep, 2026, 09:15 - 16:15
Friday 11th Sep, 2026, 09:15 - 16:15
Saturday 12th Sep, 2026, 09:15 - 16:15
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Please note that the price specified is for one person. If you are from the same organisation/household, please book separately and use separate devices to join the course.
Please also note we do not offer refunds; in exceptional circumstances, please email office@acc-uk.org (this does not affect your statutory rights).
These sessions will not be recorded.