Christian Counseling Hollywood, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near You.

I am a Christian and I am a psychologist. I do not separate these two identities, nor do I believe that you need to separate out your faith and spirituality from your present counseling needs and goals. In fact, I believe the values and beliefs that shape your worldview are integral in psychotherapy -- and I work to take this holistic approach in my therapeutic services. I earned my doctorate at a Christian university (Azusa Pacific University) and the integration of psychology and spirituality was a vital part of my training. I invite you to explore how your faith is impacting your current issues and challenges.

What do you want to stand for? This is what the heart of my work is as well as the heart of travelers of spiritual journeys. I want to help you take action that you take with full awareness, openness to experience and fully engaged. I specialize in moving towards what's important, and as a former minister I can help you view the spiritual inside of the dark and shadowy places as well as the light.

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."

Very often negative thinking, anxiety, depression, trauma, broken relationships and anger can get in the way of God’s plan for us to live wholly and fully. For those seeking a faith-based alternative to traditional therapy, Christian Counseling provides a safe, non-judgmental setting where you can wrestle with life challenges, while having the added support of exploring scripture and bringing it to bear on your current struggles. Whether you are seeking to discuss your faith in depth, or simply want peace of mind in knowing that your therapist “gets” your faith, I would be honored to help guide you on your journey to a fuller understanding of your challenges and how you can best meet them both as a human being and a person of God.

Faith and spirituality can provide comfort and meaning to those guided by their beliefs. I was raised in a Christian household myself so I have an appreciation for the values instilled by religion, the importance of tradition, and the strength of community. My approach to counseling is humanistic and welcoming of all spiritualities. Though I do not incorporate any specific pastoral counsel, I encourage my spiritual clients to draw on their beliefs during the counseling process.

If you're "equally yoked," why do you experience conflict or heartache? You made a commitment before God, and you want to keep Him in the room as your relationship progresses into something you can call Holy. At CCRG, you'll find Biblical counsel from licensed therapists who can teach you what God wants for you generally, and how you can apply His Word to your life specifically.

Some persons are concerned that couples counseling or psychotherapy may challenge their faith and they want to work with someone who supports, understands and even shares the importance of faith. Dr. Brainerd also holds a Masters degree in Christian Theology along with his doctorate in Clinical Psychology and not only values faith but can also help with persons who have found that sometime in their life, religion has hurt them.

Do you want to run your life based on what Jesus would expect from you as a Christian? Do you feel that you want what is expected of you from a Christian point-of-view? Currently, at ASJ Family Counseling, we have a Christian based counselor that will help you find the tools you need to have a better and more complete life based on Biblical scriptures and according to His expectations from you. Also, at ASJ Family Counseling, we have an intern who can help by providing Jewish counseling.

It is important to integrate your thoughts, beliefs, emotions and values in order to achieve a sense of well being. When one of those gets out of alignment it can create great internal conflict and even a spiritual crisis. The focus of therapy is primarily about your relationships and emotional life, however, if you choose to explore it, we will also consider the role your faith plays in who you are.

If spirituality is an important part of your life and you would like talk about it in your therapy sessions, then Transpersonal counseling can be very helpful for you. I incorporate prayer, meditation, dreams, mystical and shamanic experiences in my practice. Feel comfortable to talk about spiritual matters with a spiritually oriented psychologist.

Many people struggle with their faith or struggle with a hurtful event that happened to them in their church. It is very meaningful to work through these events. My specialty is Panic Disorder and this causes much guilt in my Christian clients because they feel they "should" be able to "faith" their way out of it. As a fellow Christian, I feel I can help you deal with your faith issues, and it is not just because you do not have enough faith. Please use your faith, but there is also help.

As a Christian who is also a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I chose to receive my undergraduate and graduate degree from a Christian university. I did this because I believe that God has designed all of the proven therapeutic priniciples and truly wants to help hurting people. This training has helped me to utilize a Christian World View to solve psychological problems. As most of my clients are Christians, I pray for them before each session and with them if they desire.

My Christian faith informs the way I view and practice counseling. God is the ultimate Counselor, and he is the one who brings about healing, change, and growth. I believe God uses counselors to help people experience the freedom, love, and joy he offers. Sharing openly about your faith and your feelings toward God is not only helpful but vital. I create a safe space for you to talk about all aspects of your faith journey--the good and the not so good. I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead me so that our work together will reflect his purposes for your life and ultimately his Kingdom.