Biblical and Christian Counseling in 97048: Rainier, OR.

As a general rule, both Christian counseling and secular counseling share the same desire to help people overcome their problems, find meaning and joy in life, and become healthy and well-adjusted individuals, both mentally and emotionally. Most counselors have graduate degrees and have spent years learning their craft. The word "counseling" can have multiple meanings, including offering advice and encouragement, sharing wisdom and skills, setting goals, resolving conflict, etc. Counselors usually probe the past (whether the problem happened a week ago or during childhood) in an attempt to repair the present.

Through the dynamic of the Holy Spirit I will seek to mine, define and refine the gold that has been placed in each one of us. Over the decades of my life, this has become clearer as my calling. Biblical Scripture guides, forms and refines me and I am honored to share this with those placed in this time and space with me. My undergrad degree is in Christian Education and I served as a professional in parish settings for a number of years before returning to school for my Masters.

I am a lifelong Christian and being a counselor is how I see myself living out Jesus' call for me to be in the world. I help my clients to find God's grace and peace at work in their lives. The parables that Jesus taught are powerful inspirations for deep reflection and application to clients' lives. The Psalms convey God's love, compassion and commitment to His people. Faith and spirituality are tremendous supports in people's lives and knowing that we have a loving God enables us to deal with great challenges in life.

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.