What to Expect in Your First Online Christian Therapy Session
Starting Christian Therapy can feel like standing at the edge of something new—hopeful, yet uncertain. For many Christian women, that first step toward counseling brings up both relief and nerves, as if someone is finally shining a flashlight at what you’ve known was there for so long and longed for help navigating, but now you’re seeing it all exposed. You might feel drawn to seek help, yet wonder what it will be like to open up about your pain, past trauma, or faith struggles through a computer screen.
If you’ve ever found yourself searching “Christian therapist near me” or “online counseling in Columbus, OH,” you’re not alone. Even after the pandemic, women have continued to discover the beauty of online Christian counseling — a safe space where emotional healing and spiritual growth intertwine.
I’m a licensed Christian therapist serving women across Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, and Florida, and I specialize in helping those navigating trauma, anxiety, and faith-based wounds find calm and clarity through Christ. I understand how tender this first step feels because I’ve walked it with hundreds of women who wanted to heal — and wanted to honor God in the process. I’ve walked the path as both client and therapist. I get it.
In this article we’ll explore exactly what to expect in your first online Christian counseling session — from how it works to what happens during your time together. My hope is that by the end, you’ll feel both informed and encouraged, ready to take that next small but incredibly valuable step toward healing.
Why Does Starting Christian Therapy Feel So Hard?
For many women of faith, the hardest part of therapy is simply starting. You may have been raised to be strong, to keep family matters private, or to “just pray about it” when things felt heavy. Understandably, the thought of opening up to a stranger — even a Christian therapist — can feel daunting.
Common fears sound like:
“What if I don’t know what to say?”
“Will my therapist judge me?”
“What if my Pastor finds out?”
“What if this person expects me to know stuff about the Bible, and I look like a bad Christian?”
If those thoughts have crossed your mind, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you’re not weak for having these thoughts. Your willingness to seek healing is one of the most courageous things you can do. I see that and highly value authenticity without judgement.
Therapy is not about “having it all together.” It’s about bringing your whole self — your questions, tears, hopes, and faith — into a space that honors both your humanity and your spirituality. As Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
That’s the beauty of faith-based counseling: you don’t have to have the perfect words, infinite knowledge, or the answers. You simply bring a willing heart, and God meets you there.
How Online Christian Counseling Works
If you’ve never experienced online counseling before, you might be surprised at how personal and connected it feels.
Your session takes place on a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform called Zoom. You’ll receive the Zoom room meeting ID and Password. You can join from your phone, tablet, or computer. Most clients log in from a quiet, comfortable space at home — often with a cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, furry friend, or a journal nearby.
From there, we meet face-to-face virtually. I listen, guide, and help you process what’s on your heart, all while integrating Biblical truth and trauma-informed care. Some sessions begin or end with prayer (only if you’d like), and faith remains central without ever feeling forced.
Online counseling is especially convenient for women across Columbus suburbs like Dublin, Worthington, Hilliard, and Westerville, who may juggle work, motherhood, ministry, and busy schedules. You can meet from your home, office, or even your parked car — as long as it’s private.
And yes, research shows online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for most mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, and emotional regulation. Many clients even find it easier to open up from the comfort of their own space.
What Happens in My First Christian Therapy Session?
The first session often brings both nerves and relief. Here’s what you can expect — step by step.
1. Warm Welcome and Grounding
We begin with reassurance and a brief review of confidentiality. This is your time, your safe space. I’ll invite you to take a deep breath and settle in.
2. Optional Prayer
If you’d like, we can open or close the session in prayer — inviting the Holy Spirit to guide our time. This is always your choice.
3. Getting to Know Each Other
You’ll share a bit about your story — what led you to counseling, your faith background, and your hopes for healing. I’ll also explain how I work, what therapy looks like, and how we can tailor it to your unique needs.
4. Exploring Present Concerns
You don’t have to dive into everything at once. Because you’ll complete paperwork before our first session, the time we meet is about filling in any gaps and beginning to look at the tip of the iceberg of your story. We’ll start with what you are desiring to explore and work on.
5. Clarifying Next Steps
We’ll discuss session frequency, possible approaches (like EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or many other faith-based interventions), and create a treatment plan for moving forward.
Most women leave their first session feeling lighter, saying things like, “I didn’t realize how much I needed to say that.” We then close with scheduling, Biblical insights, prayer, or homework. Because therapy is specific to your needs, desires, and comfort-this is a tailored space-just for you.
What You Don’t Have to Do
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions about therapy.
You don’t have to:
Have everything figured out.
Know exactly what you need.
Have your goals specifically stated.
Say things “the right way” with all the proper Christian talk.
Hide your emotions.
Have scripture memorized.
Be perfect.
Therapy is not a performance; it’s a partnership with God in your healing.
Matthew 11:28–30 reminds us of Jesus’ invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
You are welcome to come exactly as you are. I think it's kind of cool that God made me a super judgement free person. I invite you to be whoever you are, dressed however you are, hair a mess, or pristine make-up applied, with all the parts of you. — messy, tired, hopeful, and seeking peace. That’s where true transformation begins.
What is the Role of Faith in Christian Counseling?
Faith-based therapy is different because it integrates Biblical truth with professional counseling methods.
In Christian counseling, we might use:
Prayer and Scripture reflection
Mindfulness rooted in Christ’s presence
Bringing Beliefs under Submission to Christ
Faith integration is always collaborative. If prayer feels comforting, we include it. If you need to process spiritual doubts or wounds, we hold that space without judgment.
Psalm 139:23–24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart… lead me in the way everlasting.” Therapy can be a living expression of that prayer — allowing God to reveal what’s hurting and restore peace.
Many women in Columbus and throughout Ohio long for counseling that reflects their beliefs. Faith-based therapy ensures you never have to separate your healing from your walk with Christ.
What You Can Expect Emotionally
Emotional healing often begins with honesty. You might feel relief, peace, or even tears after your first session. Some women describe feeling lighter, while others feel tender or tired.
All of this is normal. Healing isn’t linear — it’s a space where God is restoring you moment by moment. Sometimes God gently stirs up what’s been buried so that it can finally be healed.
One client once said, “I was so nervous I almost canceled, but afterward, I felt like I exhaled for the first time in years.”
Psalm 147:3 reminds us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That’s what therapy looks like — a steady process of God binding up what’s been hurting for too long.
Practical Tips for Your First Online Session
A few small steps can make your first session smoother and more meaningful:
Find a quiet, private space where you feel emotionally safe.
Bring your Bible, journal, or comfort item (tea, diffuser, blanket, chocolate, or any other sensory friendly item).
Test your video link and internet connection ahead of time.
Write down questions or goals you’d like to discuss.
Pray beforehand, inviting the Holy Spirit to be present.
And if something goes different than expected — a tech issue, a child interrupting, a dog barking — extend yourself grace. Therapy is about being real, not perfect. God’s presence isn’t limited by a screen or a glitch.
Why So Many Women in Columbus, OH Are Choosing Online Counseling
In Columbus, life moves fast. Between work, family, ministry, and home responsibilities, finding time for in-person therapy can feel impossible.
Those are some of the reasons so many women are turning to online Christian counseling in Columbus, OH — a flexible, faith-centered option that fits real life.
Whether you’re a mom in Dublin, a ministry leader in Grove City, or a professional in Worthington, online therapy allows you to meet without commuting or finding childcare.
Beyond convenience, online counseling provides privacy, comfort., and the ability to choose the provider you want to work with, not based on location, but based on specialization and niched areas. You can process your emotions freely — from the safety of your own space — while knowing your therapist shares your faith foundation, and with someone specifically trained in your areas of need.
Common Questions About the First Session
Do we pray together?
Only if you want to. Prayer is always optional and guided by your comfort level.
Will I have to talk about trauma right away?
Not until YOU are ready. The first session focuses on safety and trust, exploring your goals, and looking deeper into some of the details shared in your intake forms, as I spend about two hours with your paperwork before we meet the first time.
Can I meet from my car or office?
Yes — as long as privacy is maintained.
How long is the session?
We typically meet for 50–55 minutes, with time included to look at schedule needs and answer any business related questions you may have.
What if I cry?
That’s completely okay. Tears are often a sign that something sensitive and deeply valuable is surfacing. You’re safe to be real here.
Take the First Step Toward Faith-Based Healing
You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable to begin healing. Sometimes, the first step of courage is simply reaching out.
If your heart feels that gentle nudge, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute consultation to explore whether Christian counseling feels like the right fit. You’ll have space to ask questions, share what’s been on your heart, and sense if this next step is what God is inviting you into.
If you get a sense that THIS space isn’t for you, that’s okay too. This is a no pressure consultation and I invite you to further explore more Christian counselor options through Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor Directory
Whether you’re in Columbus, OH, or anywhere in Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, or Florida, you can experience Holy Spirit-led healing from the comfort of your own home. Pray about the direction, read more on other blogs, and reach out when God prompts you to do so.
Other Services
In addition to Online Christian Counseling, I offer specialized care for women carrying the weight of Trauma, Anxiety, or the unique pressures that come with serving in Ministry or the Church. Many of the women I work with grew up in homes where emotions weren’t safe, needs were minimized, or faith was used in confusing ways. When those wounds follow you into adulthood, they can show up as irritability, overwhelm, panic, or feeling spiritually disconnected even when you love Jesus deeply.
I provide EMDR, faith-integrated trauma therapy, and practical tools to help you regulate your emotions, build healthy boundaries, and reconnect with God in a way that feels personal again. If you’re in ministry—either in your own home and family, or working in the community, or married to someone who is—you’ll receive support that honors both your calling and your humanity. These services are designed to help you heal deeply, grow spiritually, and move forward with clarity and peace.
