Christian Counseling & the 12 Steps:
- Peter Hamm
- May 9
- 3 min read
Why They Work Beautifully Together
Recovery isn’t just about quitting something — it’s about healing from everything underneath. If you’ve ever tried to work the 12 Steps and still felt stuck, you’re not alone. A lot of us hit that wall, wondering, Why do I still feel this way if I’m doing the work?
That’s where Christian counseling can make all the difference. It’s not either/or — it’s both/and. When you pair the spiritual framework of the 12 Steps with the wisdom and guidance of a Christ-centered counselor, you get practical help and heart-level healing. Let’s talk about how these two work together, and why they’re such a powerful combination for lasting recovery.
The 12 Steps: A Map for the Journey
The 12 Steps are built around spiritual principles — honesty, humility, surrender, amends, service. They begin with that crucial realization: I can’t do this on my own.
That’s Step One.
By Step Two, we’re admitting we need a Power greater than ourselves to restore us. It’s spiritual, no doubt about it. Yet even with that solid spiritual map, you might find yourself running into patterns you can’t explain or wounds you’ve never fully faced. That’s where counseling comes in.
How Christian Counseling Helps
Think of Christian counseling like having a travel guide who knows both the terrain and the heart of the One who created it. A good counselor helps you unpack the things you might have buried years ago — trauma, false beliefs, family wounds, shame, or fear that still lingers. They do more than listen; they help you see where God is moving in your story, even in the painful parts.
Here are a few practical ways counseling can deepen your relationship with Christ in recovery:
Naming your wounds: Sometimes we don’t even realize what’s still hurting us. A counselor helps bring those things into the light, gently and prayerfully.
Replacing lies with truth: Maybe you’ve lived with beliefs like, I’m too far gone, or I’m not worthy of love.Counseling rooted in Scripture helps you trade those lies for God’s truth.
Learning to receive grace: So many of us know about grace but still live like we have to earn love. A counselor can walk with you as you learn to receive — not just understand — God’s love.
Breaking generational cycles: You might be carrying patterns from your family you never chose. A Christ-centered counselor can help you recognize those and walk in freedom. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." — Proverbs 15:22
Real Story:
I once talked with a man in recovery who had years of sobriety but still felt stuck emotionally. "I wasn’t drinking anymore," he said, "but I was angry, anxious, and still pushing people away. I thought that was just who I was." Then he started meeting with a Christian counselor. Over time, he began to understand how
past wounds — especially from his childhood — were still affecting him. His counselor helped him grieve those things, work through them, and see how Jesus was present in every part of his story. He didn’t just stay sober — he finally felt whole.
How to Get Started
If you’re thinking, Okay, I want that, here are a few next steps:
Pray for the right fit. Not all counselors are the same. Look for someone who shares your faith and understands recovery.
Ask for referrals. Talk to your pastor, recovery group, or trusted friends. Chances are, someone knows a great Christian counselor.
Be honest. It’s okay to start slow, but be real about where you’re struggling. That’s where healing begins.
Stick with it. Healing isn’t instant. But over time, you’ll begin to notice new freedom, new peace, and a deeper walk with God.
Closing:
Recovery is a journey. You wouldn’t climb a mountain without a map and a guide, you don’t have to walk this road without help. The 12 Steps and Christian counseling together create a powerful path — one that leads not just to sobriety, but to deep spiritual transformation. You don’t have to choose between faith and therapy. You can have both. When you do, you’ll discover just how near God is, and how much healing He still has in store for you.
Call to Action:
If this resonated with you, consider reaching out to a Christ-centered counselor this week. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Join us next time — we’ll be talking about daily faith practices that keep you grounded in recovery.
Comments