How is counseling “scientific”? How is it evidence-based? Isn’t it just talking out my problems and getting advice?

If professional psychotherapy were a simple matter of giving advice, your in-laws could do it. Our modalities of professional psychotherapy are rooted in the science of mental health, which is a systematic study of the human mind (intellect and will) and human behavior. Our agency applies this science in our work with clients, as we value each person we encounter as a child of God, made in His image and likeness.

Our work is evidence-based because we utilize psychotherapy modalities that have already worked with thousands of others, have been peer-reviewed in professional journals, are taught in universities around the world, and are accepted general practices in the mental health community. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, systems therapy (for relationships), humanistic (Person-centered) therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (especially for emotion regulation and control issues), and Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (especially for substance use disorder). We are multi-modal based on the needs of the specific client, so we may utilize other evidence-based approaches as needed.

The most important aspect of a counselor-client relationship is just that: the relationship, or therapeutic rapport, in the treatment process. The modality used is a way for the counselor to apply his practice, and thus both counselor and client may have confidence and rely on the approach.

In some occasions psychotherapy involves giving advice, but typically involves helping you explore and identify helpful ways to find your own answers, which help you feel more connected to yourself, to God, and to others.

cf. Wampold’s various studies on therapeutic rapport, here and also the APA article here.