Federal Association of
Christian Counselors & Therapists
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Just the
Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Free Speech for Counselors in Chiles v. Salazar
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True story. I once gave a full session on boundaries while wearing mismatched shoes. Not on purpose. One was navy. One was black. Both were flats, if that counts for anything. The client didn’t notice, praise the Lord, but I couldn’t help but laugh afterward. There I was, professionally trained, spiritually grounded, deeply compassionate~and walking through Target afterward like a very confused fashion statement. If that doesn’t sum up the therapist life, I don’t know what does.
We are the ones who teach others how to find peace, set limits, process grief, recognize burnout, and rediscover joy. And meanwhile, some of us are hanging on by a thread made entirely of dry shampoo and silent prayers. We’ve got color-coded calendars, endless HIPAA-compliant platforms, and at least one inspirational mug that’s permanently stained. And don’t forget the client who says, “Wow, you always seem so calm,” while you’re wondering if they can hear your stomach growling because you forgot to eat lunch. Again.
Here’s the thing. You don’t have to have it all together to make a difference. You just have to show up. The beauty of what we do is not in being perfect. It’s in being present. We bring the Word of God into real pain. We walk with people in the mess. And we do it with Jesus in one hand and a therapy worksheet in the other. Sometimes we feel like we’re behind the scenes trying to duct tape our own life together. But God still works through us. “But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (2 Corinthians 12:9). So if you’re weak, hungry, and wearing two different socks~you’re right where He can use you.
To my fellow counselors, chaplains, coaches, and mental health miracle workers: don’t lose heart. You are not alone. We may not have time for daily affirmations, but we do have each other. We are a holy little army of hope-bringers, joke-makers, and trauma-holders. So keep showing up, keep laughing, keep preaching peace even when you have no idea where you last saw yours. And if you ever need a smile, come hang out at Joy Restored Christian Counseling on Facebook or Instagram. No filters. Just faith, honesty, and probably coffee spilled on my keyboard.
By Joy Schattschneider, Owner & Pastoral Counselor at Joy Restored Christian Counseling, LLC – Dallas, TX
Newsletter
Spring 2026 Edition
As spring is upon us, we are reminded of the beautiful time as creation leaves behind the slumber of winter. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not." In a world that often measures success in what we keep, the blessing of giving invites us to experience God's abundance through selfless support of His work.
It's more than a donation—it's an investment in the Kingdom, reaping eternal blessings for those we serve and the givers themselves. As Jesus said in Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Will you join us in cheerful giving today?
The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant victory for licensed mental health professionals and client self-determination on March 31, 2026, in Chiles v. Salazar. In an 8-1 decision written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, the Court held that Colorado’s law banning “conversion therapy” with minors regulates speech based on viewpoint when applied to talk therapy. The ruling reverses the Tenth Circuit and remands the case for review under rigorous First Amendment scrutiny.
Kaley Chiles, a licensed professional counselor in Colorado, challenged the 2019 state law after it restricted her ability to engage in client-directed talk therapy. Chiles practices without predetermined goals, respecting each client’s right to self-determination. Some minor clients seek help reducing unwanted same-sex attractions, changing behaviors, or aligning gender identity with their biological sex, while others pursue different objectives. The Colorado statute prohibited practices aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity but permitted affirmative support for identity exploration or gender transition—creating a clear viewpoint-based distinction in allowable speech.
The Court emphasized that the law does not merely regulate professional conduct but targets the content of conversations between counselors and clients. Lower courts had applied only rational basis review, treating the restriction as incidental to professional regulation. The Supreme Court rejected this approach, finding that talk therapy constitutes protected speech and that states cannot selectively silence counselors whose perspectives or client goals conflict with state-approved viewpoints.
This decision underscores core First Amendment principles: the government may not compel or prohibit speech simply because it disapproves of the message. For Christian counselors and therapists who integrate faith-informed approaches, the ruling protects the ability to walk alongside clients exploring a full range of goals—including those consistent with biblical understandings of sexuality, gender, and human flourishing—without fear of professional discipline for viewpoint discrimination.
The case returns to the lower courts to apply strict scrutiny. While the immediate impact is limited to Colorado’s law as applied to Chiles’s talk therapy, the reasoning offers important protections for counselors nationwide who prioritize client autonomy over ideological mandates.
At the Federal Association of Christian Counselors and Therapists (FACCT), we celebrate this affirmation of conscience, free speech, and ethical client-centered care. We remain committed to equipping members with biblically faithful, professionally excellent resources to serve those seeking help in alignment with their deeply held beliefs and personal goals.
The Florida Legislature has taken a major step to expand options for court-ordered Batterers’ Intervention Programs (BIPs) by passing House Bill 491. The bill, which allows certified programs to offer supplemental faith-based activities as voluntary electives while explicitly prohibiting any requirement to participate, passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature. If signed, the measure will take effect July 1, 2026.
This legislation restores flexibility for faith-based providers and participants by codifying the ability to include optional spiritual components alongside the required psychoeducational or cognitive behavioral therapy model. It protects client autonomy by ensuring no one is compelled to engage in religious activities, while removing previous barriers that limited faith-informed approaches in these important rehabilitative programs.
FACCT played an active role in advocating for this commonsense reform. In Tallahassee, our members provided powerful testimony in support of HB 491, including:
- FACCT President Dr. Buddy Morrow
- FACCT Licensed Pastoral Counselor Rev. Doug Humanes
- FACCT Administrator & Licensed Pastoral Counselor Rev. Kevin Drinka
- FACCT Treasurer & Licensed Pastoral Counselor Mrs. Beth Gearhart
Their clear, professional voices helped lawmakers understand the value of offering voluntary faith-based content to those who desire it as part of their path toward accountability, behavioral change, and restored relationships.We extend heartfelt thanks to all FACCT members and supporters who took time to write letters to their State Senators and State Representatives, urging passage of this bill. Your collective advocacy demonstrated the broad support within the Christian counseling community for preserving conscience rights and expanding effective, client-centered options in domestic violence intervention.At the Federal Association of Christian Counselors and Therapists (FACCT), we rejoice in this victory for religious liberty and client self-determination. By allowing voluntary faith-based activities, Florida is affirming that effective rehabilitation can honor the whole person—including deeply held spiritual convictions—without violating the rights of others.We will continue monitoring the bill’s progress and will provide updates and guidance to members on how this restored option may strengthen faith-informed counseling practices in Florida. For those interested in faith-based BIP opportunities or integrating biblical principles into their work with families affected by domestic violence, FACCT remains committed to equipping you with biblically faithful, professionally sound resources.Thank you again to every member who stood with us in this effort. Together, we are advancing care that respects both public safety and the freedom of conscience.
Faith-based Batterers Intervention Programs Poised to Return in Florida
“I Can’t Even Find My Own Peace, but Sure, Let’s Talk About Yours”
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