Biblical and Christian Counseling in 92646: Huntington Beach, CA.

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.

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."

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).

I offer this service to inter-faith marriages (Judaeo-Christian) True spirituality expresses itself in the deepest and most profound aspects of our lives, that which affects us in the depths of our personal existence. Both in terms of the communities of faith to which we belong and the personal beliefs to which we are committed, we are guided and informed by the sacred values and spiritual teachings of our personal faith. As such, faith can be a foundation element of the help offered in therapeutic work. For whatever is important in determining the path of one's life must also be reflected in the practices of one's therapy.

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.

The greatest counselor anyone could ever have is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am a Christian therapist who will serve as God's assistant to help you embrace new behaviors designed to improve your emotional and psychological health. I do not provide traditional pastoral counseling. We will not pray or read the Bible in sessions. I will, however, work to help you become the best version of yourself so you in turn can reflect God's love in all you do and joyfully align yourself to His holy will for your life. Our shared Christian faith will provide a healing atmosphere of shared values and commonality of purpose.

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.

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 provide Christian Counseling in Los Angeles. 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 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.