Christian Counseling Sierra Madre, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near You.

The presence of God in therapy can be experienced when there is a more direct and open dialogue. As we become more present to each other a sacred space is created. The "space between" where we meet each other and the possibility of the Divine presence. This healing presence has power to transform you and your circumstances. As the philosopher Martin Buber once said,"Religion is Presence."

I received both my masters and doctoral degrees, along with related training, at Rosemead School of Psychology, one of the leading schools in the country focused on the integration of Christian faith and understanding of human nature with clinical counseling. Our faith can be an important, even central part of our lives. For many people having a therapeutic relationship where this part of themselves can be explored and where they can be open about their faith and relationship with God is hugely important. I understand this importance and so I provide an open, understanding space for addressing challenges, fears, and fostering personal and spiritual growth in a Christian context.

I've been following Jesus for over 30 years. I'm not about Bible-bashing or quoting Scripture you already know ("Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.") with the belief you should just be able to do it because it's in the Bible - if you *really* love God. But instead I show my clients how they can live out what God and the Bible have to say about their life and relationships in realistic ways that you can actually do. My clients learn to personally experience the love, grace, mercy, gentleness, self-control, kindness, compassion, peace, and forgiveness, the Bible promises - and how to offer these experiences in their relationships with others.

Our deepest wounds are often those that are at the hands of another person. Human brokenness is the root of our need for redemption. This holds true in therapy and growth work as well. When we encounter our deep wounds, we encounter our need for our Big God. Here, we are able to reconcile the broken our hurt parts of our ourselves. Dr. Vanes been a pastor's wife for 15 years and is trained in integrated counseling with Masters degrees in Theology, Clinical Psychology, and Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master's in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific Universality. Jace Draper is an LMFT with an MA from Azusa Pacific.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, we learn about the importance of religion and spirituality in the lives of our clients. I treat clients of all faiths and backgrounds and do not specialize in one particular faith. Instead, I am open to my clients teaching me about their beliefs and the important role that faith plays in their lives. From the very first session, I will ask about your religious practices, if there is a faith community that is important to you, as well as determine if there is room for growth in this area. Some people find their closest friends and family in faith communities, so having a therapist who understands this is a vital piece of the therapy experience.

In Christian life, the goal is to become more real; more fully all you were created to be in relationship to God and to other people. I will help you access all that is available to you in the Christian faith that can help you in your journey and relationships. Whether you struggle with faith itself, trauma, relational conflict, or other life issues, I provide a safe environment for you to struggle and be authentic without fear of judgement. I also support you in maintaining your autonomy and freedom of choice in your decisions. I draw on the wealth of psychological knowledge in the Christian faith and in psychology and science to help you become a healthier, more fulfilled relational being.