ABOUT N.C.C.A.

A faith-centered framework for understanding people.

The National Christian Counselors Association provides a temperament-based approach designed to help Christian counselors better understand the people they serve and support meaningful progress in the counseling process.

THE FOUNDATION

Research created to support Christian counseling.

The National Christian Counselors Association was established in 1981 by Drs. Richard and Phyllis Arno. Their work focused on creating a counseling system that combined Christian principles with temperament research.

According to the information presented by MY HOPE TO COPE, the Arnos developed the system through research involving thousands of individuals seeking help with concerns such as depression, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family dysfunction, and anxiety.

The goal was to give Christian counselors a practical framework for understanding people more deeply and using counseling time more effectively.
THREE ORIGINAL GOALS

Designed to make counseling insight more accessible and useful.

01

Learn the System

Enable counseling candidates to understand and learn the system in a practical, structured way.

02

Use Time Wisely

Help pastors and Christian counselors use counseling time more effectively by identifying key areas of need earlier.

03

Support Progress

Work toward counseling outcomes that are positive, focused, and meaningful for the person receiving care.

HOW IT CONNECTS

Temperament is one tool for deeper understanding.

Within MY HOPE TO COPE, temperament awareness is used as part of a broader counseling conversation. The goal is not to place people in a box, but to create useful language for understanding needs, reactions, relationships, and areas of growth.

01

Understand Patterns

Recognize recurring emotional, relational, and behavioral patterns that may influence everyday life.

02

Identify Needs

Explore personal needs and how they can affect communication, relationships, boundaries, and responses to stress.

03

Support Growth

Use greater self-awareness as a starting point for healthier choices, clearer communication, and meaningful progress.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOURSELF

Explore how temperament may help you better understand your needs.

Visit the Self Assessment page to learn more about the five temperament descriptions, or contact Dr. Deborah Heyward to discuss counseling and next steps.