Psychologist urges churches to embrace professional counseling
A counselling psychologist at P.O.B Counselling & Harmonia Wellness Center, Bukola Seyi Owa-Ajiboye, has called on churches to embrace the role of professional counsellors in addressing marital and family issues.
A counselling psychologist at P.O.B Counselling & Harmonia Wellness Center, Bukola Seyi Owa-Ajiboye, has called on churches to embrace the role of professional counsellors in addressing marital and family issues.
Her appeal comes amid growing concern over a common belief within some Christian circles that individuals who have the Holy Spirit do not need professional counselling.
According to Owa-Ajiboye, this assumption is not only misleading but can also be harmful to relationships.
She explained that dismissing counselling on spiritual grounds is similar to suggesting that formal education is unnecessary because one has access to divine wisdom, or that pastoral teaching is redundant because the Bible already serves as a complete guide.
Speaking further, she stressed the importance of recognising the distinct role of trained professionals. Marriage and family counsellors, she noted, are equipped with specific therapeutic tools and evidence-based psychological methods that help them assess, diagnose, and address interpersonal challenges. Their approach involves working closely with clients to identify root causes and develop practical, tailored solutions.
Owa-Ajiboye also pointed to a common practice in some church settings where individuals without formal training take on counselling roles. While acknowledging the value of experience, she cautioned that marital experience alone does not qualify someone to handle complex relationship issues. According to her, personality differences and individual circumstances mean that no single solution works for everyone.
Read Also: Amid Soaring Inflation Worldwide, Nigeria’s Retail Sector is Booming
She further emphasised that many challenges faced in marriage are not spiritual in nature. Instead, they stem from psychological and behavioural factors that require structured intervention.
To illustrate her point, she noted that people typically consult tax professionals for financial matters rather than relying solely on spiritual guidance, and relationships should be treated with the same level of practicality.
The psychologist warned that seeking help from unqualified sources often allows minor disagreements to grow into serious conflicts that could have been resolved early with proper guidance.
She recommended a balanced approach, encouraging individuals and couples to seek professional counseling, preferably from Christian counsellors who combine biblical principles with psychological expertise. This, she said, allows people to maintain their faith while benefiting from proven methods of care.
Owa-Ajiboye concluded by encouraging couples to stay committed to growth and healing, expressing hope that many will experience positive change and return with testimonies of progress.
