Christian Science is a religious belief system established by Mary baker adder during the 19th century, and practiced most prominently by members of the church of Christ, which she founded. Christian Science asserts that, correctly understood, humanity and the universe as a whole are spiritual rather than material; that truth and good are real and therefore evil and error are unreal, and that through prayer and spiritual comprehension, through knowing and understanding God, these facts can be spiritually achieved and demonstrated.



Christian Science has no connection with scientology, and it should not be confused with theological, material or physical science or philosophy. Christian Science is distinct from Christian fundamentalism. Despite apparent similarities with some of the following, specifically in the beliefs on healing, Christian Scientists do not identify with new thought, religious science theosophy, eastern, holisiic thinking.

Christian counseling is faith-based counseling which draws upon the science of Psychology filtered through the biblical foundations of Christian teaching. The unifying factor is the therapist, him or herself, who has integrated a combination of Christianity, psychology, and psychotherapy into an applied program. Clients may see Christian counseling as a relationship with a caring counselor directed toward increased awareness of themselves, others, the societies and cultures in which they live, and their understanding of the Christian God. It is often focused on solving the individual problems of the patient.

Christian Counseling is the process of integrating current psychological methods and processes with behavioral standards promulgated by Scripture. The point of Christianity is the healing of relationships: Relationships between man and God and relationships between people. Christian Counselors typically have more education than traditional therapists, since they receive training from both the secular and the religious world. From both the secular and the religious world. Many Christian Counselors will use powerful analytical tools such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Others prefer the Arno Profile System (APS) which is based on the theory of Five Temperaments. Using these powerful analytical tools, many Christian Counselors can offer an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment plan within a relatively short time from their first encounter with their subjects.

Depending on the clinical perspective informing any given Christian counselor's integration, this process may take various avenues and target diverse goals. The therapy may take an ad hoc approach, focusing simply on the therapy session itself. Clients may be more comfortable with a Christian counselor, and they may feel such a person's advice is more sensitive to their personal or religious needs. Some clients also wish to use the Christian Bible as a reference for their therapy. For some, prayer enters into the counseling process as well. A degree in "Christian Counseling" is not required; however, ethical and professional standards suggest that someone holding him or herself out to be a Christian Counselor would have become competent. Some schools offer a Masters of Arts in Professional Counseling while teaching Christian Counseling through the classes. There are about 19 programs currently offering teaching in integration on the subject matters.