When Christian Family Institute chose it’s name, it was not intended to exclude those who are not Christians. The name was chosen to inform clients of a number of things. For those who are Christians, it serves to let them know that their faith will be respected, encouraged and harnessed as a resource in helping them solve their issues. For those who are not Christians, it serves as a way of being honest about what our worldview is. We believe that is difficult to be value-neutral in the therapy office. That does not mean it is appropriate to impose our values on our clients. In fact that would be unethical and even unchristian. However to deny our worldview would be deceptive.

If a non-Christian comes to CFI, they have a general idea of what we believe. Early in the process we will usually discuss the role faith plays in a client’s life. Part of that discussion will help the therapist and client determine if and how faith elements will be handled. Sometimes even Christians don’t want much faith talk in their therapy sessions for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are in a spiritual crisis or they have grown tired of simplistic faith talk and have been turned off by it.

We have seen clients from all faith perspectives. That includes a wide variety of Christian faiths, other faiths, and those with atheistic and agnostic viewpoints. Part of our motivation to be helpers is rooted in our faith, however, that does not mean we will force our faith on our clients. We will respect our client’s desire about the role of faith in therapy.