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

As a Christian therapist I understand and appreciate the importance of a Biblical focused world view when dealing with life's concerns. In an atmosphere of acceptance, trust, honesty and support, I seek to integrate a Christ-Centered theology with the very best clinical psychology has to offer. Because we are a wonderful integration of spirit, mind, body and emotion, I believe psychotherapy must attend to the complete human being just as Christ taught us through His example. Your relationship with God is the most central part of your life around which everything else revolves. Biblical based therapy can help deepen that relationship and help you find your needed answers.

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.

Are you experiencing issues in your life? Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" We believe that true healing comes straight from His throne. We are trained counselors who understand the human condition while using the Bible as our foundation. We create a custom made system that fits your life to bring the greatest results. Call us now to see how we can help you.

There are certain advantages Christian's have over non-Christians in terms of overcoming problems. There is a framework that is developed through the reading and application of scriptures in your life that helps us connect to the ways, God the Creator has intended us to live. This enables us to produce the "Fruits of the Spirit" as mentioned in Galatians 5 such as love, joy and peace. The answers are in the bible, but sometimes it is difficult to apply it to our everyday lives and problems. It is helpful to have an expert to guide the process in releasing God's best for you.

I graduated from Biola University, which stands for Bible Institute of Los Angeles. I attended Biola because I believe it provides the very, best integration of Psychology and Theology available anywhere in the world. I see how clients can grow deeper when they request I integrate their Christian faith with therapy. It is a privilege to help clients resolve their problems as they develop a better relationship with God, family, and friends.

My personal approach to counseling is grounded in my own personal faith. God has a process from taking us from broken and hurting and redeeming us through a beautiful transformation experience. As believers we trust in the process of how God uses real people and relationships to help us heal. There is a plan and purpose for your life, together in the safety of the session we can create goals aligned with God's will.

Each therapist at Relate has training and experience with integrating psychology and spirituality in psychotherapy. While our training has primarily been focused on integrating Christian theology with psychology, we work with people from all faith backgrounds. Additionally, we focus on religious/spiritual issues in therapy if that is an important part of our clients' lives. If religion/spirituality is not an important area of focus, it will not be a focus of treatment.

When we are hurting, we often seek Christ, our primary Healer, last. We helplessly flounder, grasping for healing via harmful people or things, when His healing is as close as His Word. Alas, we fail to tap into that power. My goal is to help you tap into that power. The same power that resurrected Christ from the dead dwells in us as believers, yet we fail to utilize that God-given power in our lives. Often it takes someone who has studied the Bible well to help you navigate its healing power. I am that person for you.

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.

My doctoral studies at Biola University, working at various Christian counseling centers, and teaching at Christian universities have combined to help me understand and appreciate how psychology and theology are intimately connected. Often times our experience of God is intertwined with our experience of others, and both need to be explored and understood simultaneously. Even if your current struggles seem unrelated to your relationship with God, you may still seek a place where your faith is an integral part of your healing. I have extensive experience counseling those with psychological and/or spiritual concerns, so my clients do not have to sacrifice or ignore any part of themselves.

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.

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.

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.