Biblical and Christian Counseling in 60184: Wayne, IL.

Though raised Christian/Catholic, I now am a practicing Buddhist. I continue to carry, use and incorporate Christian beliefs to my personal life and my professional work. I find that Buddhist concepts can enhance all faith styles. For example, I frequently teach, if desired, mindfulness, meditation and laughter yoga concepts and strategies to clients and they find them very helpful (and fun !!)

Is God really there for me? This common question is not meant to be answered alone. Originally in training as a pastor, I sought to understand how the truth in God's Word affects mental health and contributes to healthy relationships. The wisdom in the Bible needs to be mined. But Christian counseling is not merely wisdom, it is knowing Christ. It is something real, an interaction that has to be experienced. The Bible gives us the guidance we need.

My relationship with God is who I am. I began going to Willow Creek Community Church when it was only 500 people. Today it hosts over 30,000 on a weekend. I have a strong biblical background as I also attended a small Christian college, Azusa Pacific University, for my bachelor's degree where I took many theology classes. At Willow Creek my husband & I helped launch the DuPage campus, led the Marriage Matters ministry for 4 years, and have served in many other areas. My goal is as a Christian counselor is to create an safe place where you know you matter to God so that you can work through you pains, hurts, and relationship concerns.

As a devoted Christian myself, our goal with patients who seek christian counseling may get sessions that help bring christian values while also addressing their issues at hand. Our goal is to put God at the center of their healing as well as helping patients work through any questions they may have with their faith, or help them uncover various strategies to express their faith and try to integrate it into their day to day life.

When you are seeking counseling it can help to have someone that shares your faith. It is important to be able to incorporate your beliefs with someone you can trust. Some of the ways Christian Counseling is helpful are: Having someone that focuses on all aspects of a person: Mind, body and Spirit Having someone that can help guide you with your relationship with God The option to share God's word and how it applies to current situations

Why is it so hard to find a good therapist? Finding a therapist that has similar beliefs and values as you can be disheartening. I am a therapist who is also a Christian. I specialize in working with youth ages 3-25 who have experienced something stressful like a divorce, bullying, self-harm or abuse. I also work with adult relationships, and grief and loss. I practice from my values and beliefs, but use my knowledge of human behaviors to help families and youth. Spiritual components are mainly client-directed. Don't hesitate to call today to see if we are a good match!