Scripture and Healing: The Connection Between Faith and Therapy

In my journey of healing, growing, and transformation, I have often found that the principles underlying modalities like Root Cause Therapy (RCT) and Embodied Processing (EP) align deeply with scripture. The more I expand my conscious awareness, the more I see scripture come to life beyond the pages. Today, as I study the history of counseling as part of my naturopathy degree, I am reminded again of these connections,particularly through the work of Carl Rogers and the foundations of person-centered therapy.

Person-Centered Therapy and Christ’s Teachings

Carl Rogers, a pioneer in psychotherapy and a Nobel Prize winner in the 1950s, developed a revolutionary approach to therapy that, by 1980, became known as “person-centered therapy.” While the name might initially seem secular, its foundational principles echo biblical teachings. Rogers emphasised that individuals are capable of facilitating their own healing and transformation, something that aligns with Christ’s teachings about self-examination and growth.

The Bible teaches us to take responsibility for our own spiritual and emotional development:

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realise this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Furthermore, person-centered therapy is built on unconditional positive regard, meeting individuals with kindness, empathy, and acceptance. Christ models this throughout the Gospels,

loving us despite our flaws and calling us to extend that same grace to others:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31, NIV)

Emotion-Focused Therapy and Biblical Wisdom

Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), which stems from Rogers’ work, emphasises self-awareness, emotional regulation, and strengthening the self. It encourages individuals to process emotions rather than suppress them, a concept found throughout scripture.

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26, ESV)

This passage underscores that emotions themselves are not sinful or wrong. They are meant to be acknowledged, understood, and moved through. The Bible does not call us to suppress our emotions but to process them in a way that leads to transformation.

Embracing Uncertainty and Trusting the Journey

One of the most profound connections between scripture and therapeutic practices is the capacity to welcome uncertainty. In therapy, we do not have all the answers for our clients, we act as facilitators, holding space and providing tools to support their journey. Likewise, scripture reminds us that growth comes from stepping into the unknown with faith:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Transformation requires faith in the process. Christ assures us that we are never alone, just as a therapist provides a safe and supportive presence for those navigating their healing.

The Power to Change Lies Within You

Healing is an active journey. While Christ is always present to guide us, we are called to participate in our own transformation:

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)

As a practitioner, I do not claim to have all the answers, but I hold space for individuals to uncover the strength already within them. The ability to change, heal, and grow is divinely woven into us.

This renewal is what therapy, healing work, and scripture all point us toward:

an intentional process of moving beyond old patterns, embracing growth, and stepping into a fuller, healthier version of ourselves.

I love supporting others in their journey to “heal within,” knowing that they, too, hold the power to create change. Healing is not about perfection, it is about presence, awareness, and a willingness to engage in the process. And in that journey, scripture continues to reveal its timeless wisdom, guiding us toward a life of deeper understanding, compassion, and faith.

In short, their experience in therapy is like throwing off the self-imposed shackles that had kept them in a psychological prison. With increased freedom, they tend to become more mature psychologically and move toward increased.

Corey, Gerald. Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Cengage Learning US, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/endeavour/detail.action?docID=4643533.

If you are a Christian, you can't help but be drawn to Hebrews 12:1 in the CPDV version:

“Set aside every burden & sin which may surround us, and advance through patience, to the struggle offered to us.”

Want to learn more? Read our blog: "You Are Loved, Not Just Enough" or learn more about Embodied Processing (EP) here.