Christian Counseling
I work with clients of all faiths or no faith at all. But if you’re a Christian and ASK for Christian counseling,
I can give you what you’re looking for.
No moral dictation, no Bible-thumping…
Christian counseling is for those who want their Christian faith tradition and beliefs acknowledged and used for healing.
It’s about drawing strength from the authentic Christian expression of who God is in your life. It’s not about telling you what you ought to do or banging you over the head with scripture.
I respect the beliefs (or lack of beliefs) of all my clients, so…
We’ll only do Christian counseling if you request it.
Finding a “spiritual match” isn’t easy.
Many people with strong Christian convictions can’t find a therapist who matches well with them concerning spirituality. Consider John’s* story:
John sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel… frustrated with his search to find a Christian therapist. He’d been searching for months for someone who could align his faith with his treatment.
But after every initial phone consultation, he felt more discouraged than the last. Many therapists identified as Christian, yet as they described their approaches, he couldn’t connect. They just didn’t resonate with his distinctive beliefs.
Some made passing references to issues related to morality, which left John questioning: “Where is there a therapist who can help me heal in a way that I’m completely comfortable with?”
Churches can sometimes hurt as well as heal.
Sometimes church leaders inflict damage and break trust.
This may cause alienation from one’s faith community, personal trauma, and spiritual demoralization.
This kind of harm can be healed.
Tell me your story and let me help you find closure.
Your spiritual perspective and needs should come first.
That’s why I listen intently and ask you probing questions so I can understand where you’re coming from and what you need from counseling.
I learn all about your faith tradition. I have an education in church history and theology, and I’m knowledgeable about many denominations within the Christian faith.
But that’s just background knowledge. I don’t presume to know anything about YOU. I want to make sure I understand exactly where you’re coming from so that I can honor and respect YOUR Christian expression.
These are the key elements…
Faith Integration
The Christian faith is a guiding force in your life, so therapy should incorporate your religious beliefs, prayer, and scripture in the healing process.
Biblical Worldview
The Bible frames your worldview, so we’ll understand and address emotional and relational struggles through a biblical lens.
Christian Ethics
To overcome problems, we’ll promote the practice of Christian virtues, such as forgiveness, grace, and love.
Holistic Approach
Since Christians believe that we are made in God’s image, we’ll address your well-being as a whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Pastoral Support
Faith communities can offer friendship and emotional support while you face difficult issues and therapy and beyond. If you wish, I will collaborate with your pastor.
Healing from Guilt
We will address your feelings of shame and guilt in a way that aligns with Christian teachings of redemption and forgiveness.
I’m here for you.
If you’re a Christian and would like to talk more about how I approach Christian counseling…
Or if you have any questions at all…
Call me at (757) 967-7342 for a free consultation.
*Name and story are composite narratives and do not reflect an actual client.