Christian Counseling West Covina, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near You.

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.

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."

As Christians, we are called to live a life of greatness. With that, we face a multitude of social, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges. My approach to Christian Counseling is simple: "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." -Romans 12:2 NIV. In our work together I want to help you become all that God has made you be, in every facet of your life (family, friends, career, etc). Part of the work is seeing where God is uniquely calling you, the other part of the work is seeing what God is calling you out of (aka. understanding what is holding you back). If you're ready to renew--take the first step and reach out. I'd love to meet you and see how I can help you in your journey.

In some churches, psychology is viewed as humanistic and leads people away from God. Conversely, psychological theorists viewed Christianity as harmful and results in psychopathology. As a Christian Psychologist, these views are rejected. Instead, a Christian psychologist understands the value of scripture and disciplines that encourage growth in a relationship with God. A relationship with Jesus is vital in helping a person struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. The goal of Christian counseling is in helping a person to understanding the thoughts and emotions that can limit a person from thriving and encouraging growth in a relationship with God and others.

I am a Christian faith-based therapist with my office at my church. Everything we go through is a spiritual challenge. Our ability to handle life is based on our connection with God. When we are tight, (in vertical alignment), we are able to handle our challenges and follow as He requires. When we not as tight, we fight, control, argue, decieve ourselves and don't allow God to lead us as He needs. Surrender is vital to Christian life and therapy.

All of my counseling is grounded in God's word - the Bible. The Bible verses that form the cornerstone of my approach to therapy are:. "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7, and "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Phil 4:13.. All healing ultimately comes from God.and God wants the best for us - healing, love, joy and peace.

Many Christians looking for psychotherapy or couple counseling want to have the input of another Christian, having reassurance that the individual helping them answers to the same Biblical concepts as they themselves believe. A therapist who also practices Christian Counseling will have a criteria aligned with the Bible and will have a spiritual accountability.

Are you in need of counseling from a Christian, Biblically based spiritual perspective? I hold a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and bring an extensive history of experience in spiritually and Biblically based healing ministry. With over twenty years of church ministry experience, I have a unique understanding of the needs of Christian families. I have served on prayer ministry and leadership discernment teams for a number of churches and Christian organizations. My desire is to partner with Jesus as He binds up the broken-hearted and sets the captives free to love (Luke 4:18).

Christian Counseling is important when seeking growth in the faith as followers of Jesus Christ in a therapeutic setting. By the use of counseling and connecting to the scriptures or prayer therapists can encourage the client not only during their current life challenges but in future stages of life after treatment has been successfully terminated.

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.