Christian Counseling San Fernando, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near 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.

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.

My approach to Christian Counseling is to identify with people who value being a Christian. I was raised in a Christian home, have attended Bible College and Seminary, and am a licensed minister and a licensed therapist. I do utilize the theories of growth and healing from my mentors Henry Cloud and John Townsend, especially their books Changes That Heal, Boundaries and Loving People. You will beneift from my approach by helping you learn how to love and bond with God and others, where to set boundaries, how to resolve guilt, shame and badness, and learn how to use God's power and authority for your life. You will also benefit from learning how to let God fix others versus you doing this.

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.

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.

I do not specialize in treating Christian clients, however I do work with Christians whose background in line with teachings of tolerance. I deal with Christians who are struggling with sexual and/or gender identity issues. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore one's beliefs in God, the church, and their sexual identity or gender identity. I am have worked with these issues for over 25 years and identity issues are a specialty of mine. I am also a specialist and certified expert in the treatment of childhood abuse, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual trauma of males and females. I offer both individual and group therapy along with a variety of different approaches. I CAN HELP!

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.

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.

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."

Faith based therapy brings Christian values into indivual, couples and family therapy. I am with the Episcopal Church Holy Nativity in Westchester. Reverend Peter Rood presides over the congregation. I believe in a loving God who created man in his image. I believe love, peace, acceptance and tolerance are essential qualities for any Christian to embrace and we will discuss the importance of these values in daily life, especially in relationships and marriage. Christ forgives. Forgiveness is essential to anger issues, family cutoffs, marital infidelity, children who act out, or are oppositional and defiant. A strong marital unit with faith in God is essential to effective parenting.

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.

I hold a masters degree in psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary and am committed to the integration of faith and psychology. I, however, do not provide pastoral counseling. I am committed to walking with individuals and couples in any stage of their faith journey, believers and non-believers alike, to facilitate a process of authentic self-discovery and freedom. I am interested in how your faith has informed who you are what you are wrestling with today. The whole range of human emotions, longings and desires are validated and explored in my practice in order to participate fully in the journey of healing.