Hope Counseling and Consultation Services is a Christian counseling practice in Lorain County, Ohio.
09/15/2025
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
As we step into changing seasons 🍂—back-to-school routines 🎒, new family rhythms 👪, and shifts in our own hearts and minds—we are reminded that change is a natural part of life. Yet in the midst of fluorescent lights 💡, packed schedules 🗓️, and constant demands, it can be easy to lose touch with the healthy ebb and flow God has woven into His creation.
Many of us struggle to honor the natural rhythms of rest and renewal. Work and school often press into downtime, leaving little space to breathe. One way to counter this is by practicing small moments of presence. Pause to notice the sound of the car 🚙 gliding along the road, the hum of the refrigerator, the call of summer insects 🦗, the rise and fall of your own breath 🫁, or where you may be holding tension in your body.
These simple practices can help anchor us in the present, reminding us that even in the busyness, God has given us the gift of rhythms and seasons to steady our hearts.
09/14/2025
“The Lord is my shepherd 🐑; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul 🕯️” — Psalm 23:1-3a
What do our conversations with ourselves look like day to day? For most of us, there are phrases we tell ourselves when we’re feeling stressed, joyful, angry, or any other emotion 😡🙂. Some of these phrases are harsh (“I’m so stupid!”) and others are hopeful (“I’m so grateful to be here!”).
In the Bible, we hear repeated refrains reminding us that God cares for us, watches over us, and that He is the Author of every good thing. The things we say to ourselves begin to feel more true the more we repeat them. God calls us to live in His Truth—and we can practice replacing negative ruminations with His Word. ✝️
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 🙏
🌿✨
09/11/2025
🌎✨ Even when the world feels heavy with darkness, God is still on the throne. He is not shaken, not afraid, and never confused. He sees, He knows, and He is working all things for His glory and the good of His people.
🩵 Our Heavenly Father draws near to those who draw near to Him. He invites us to cast every burden on Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). One day, He will wipe away every tear, and sorrow will be no more (Revelation 21:4).
🙌 Until then, we walk by faith, trusting His sovereign hand and resting in His love.
Even so—come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Boundaries are a popular topic in both Christian ✝️ and secular circles. It’s a term we use often, but what does it really mean? Boundaries are like dividing lines 🚧—they create space that keeps some things close to us, and others at a healthy distance.
What is the line between love 💞 and enabling, or between maintaining healthy distance and becoming cold toward others?
Cloud and Townsend, in their Boundaries 📖 book series, explore Christian practices of boundaries and building trust 💬. There are seven books in the series, covering areas like family 🏡, romance 💞, and leadership 💡.
“Above all else, guard your heart ❤️, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23, NIV ✝️
09/05/2025
🤲✨ At the heart of Christianity is serving others. Jesus Himself modeled this for us, reminding His disciples that “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
God calls His people to serve- in our churches, neighborhoods, and communities-bringing His love and light to those around us. 🌟 When we serve, we reflect Christ’s humility and obedience, and we discover the joy of living for something greater than ourselves.
📖 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. -1 Peter 4:10
This week, let’s look for ways, big or small, to live out the love of Christ through service. Whether it’s encouraging a neighbor, volunteering at church, or helping someone in need, every act of service points others back to Him. 🕊️🩵
✝️✨
09/04/2025
🍕✨ Family Pizza Night Idea ✨🍕
One of the sweetest gifts God gives us is the blessing of family time. A simple activity like making pizza together can create space for laughter, teamwork, and meaningful conversation around the table.
👉 Here are some fun ways to make your family pizza night special:
DIY Pizza Bar: Set out a variety of toppings (cheese, veggies, pepperoni, even pineapple!) and let each person create their own masterpiece.
Prayer & Gratitude: Before enjoying your meal, invite each family member to share something they are thankful for. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! -Psalm 34:8
Memory Maker: Snap a picture of everyone’s unique pizzas to look back on later.
Story Time: While the pizzas bake, read a short Bible story together or talk about how God has shown His goodness during the week.
Family traditions, no matter how simple, strengthen bonds and provide opportunities to model Christ’s love in the everyday moments. 🩵
🍕🙏🩵
09/04/2025
Finding Healing Through EMDR Therapy 🕊️🩵
Did you know that 77-90% of people with trauma experience significant relief after just a few EMDR sessions? 🙌 This powerful therapy helps process painful memories, calm the nervous system, and restore peace—because our God is a God of healing (Psalm 147:3). 💙
Whether you're struggling with past trauma, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions, EMDR can be a tool God uses to bring renewal and restoration. If you're ready to take the next step toward healing, Hope Counseling is here for you!
📖 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
🩵
09/02/2025
🌿 What to Expect at Your First Visit to a Licensed Christian Counselor 🌿
Taking the step to meet with a counselor can feel a little overwhelming, but at Hope Counseling we want you to feel comfortable and cared for from the very beginning. 🩵 During your first visit, you’ll receive a warm welcome, have the chance to share your goals for counseling, and learn how faith can be integrated into the process if you choose. ✝️ We’ll also go over confidentiality, answer your questions, and help you take the first steps toward hope and healing.
📍 Our Amherst office is easy to find, cozy, and has coffee, tea, and water waiting for you.
📅 Ready to begin? Call us at (440) 370-3007 or request an appointment online today!
🌱
09/02/2025
🌻✨ Welcome, September! ✨🌻
A new month brings fresh opportunities to grow, heal, and draw closer to the Lord. Whether this season finds you busy with new routines or slowing down to enjoy the crisp autumn air, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning—and His peace is available in every circumstance.
At Hope Counseling, we’re here to walk alongside you through life’s challenges, offering Christ-centered counseling to help you find hope, healing, and direction. 🩵
📖 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23
Here’s to a September filled with grace, growth, and God’s goodness. 🌾
🕊️
09/01/2025
☀️ As summer begins to wind down, it’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy God’s creation!
Spending time in nature can calm anxious thoughts, lift our mood, and bring us back to gratitude in Him. 🌿 A few of the highest-rated parks in and around Amherst, include Miller Nature Preserve, Beaver Creek Reservation, and Lakeview Park 🌳🌸. These beautiful places are perfect for walking, picnics, or simply slowing down to breathe in fresh air.
Consider heading to the lake to watch the sunset. It's another peaceful way to be reminded of God’s presence and goodness. 🌅
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)
🩵
08/30/2025
⛪️🩵 At Hope Counseling, we believe that healing and growth flourish best when we are connected to Christ and His people. Church isn’t just a place- it’s a family where we are encouraged, strengthened, and reminded of God’s faithfulness.
📖 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25
Take time this week to gather with fellow believers- you don’t have to walk this journey alone. 🕊️
✝️
08/30/2025
✨ Friday is here!
For some, a holiday weekend means slowing down and relaxing, while for others it can feel even busier than the week. Whatever your schedule looks like, remember to make time for what matters most- resting, reading God’s Word, praying, and being with family. 🩵
May your weekend be filled with peace and joy in Him. 🌿
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Hope Counseling & Consultation Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Practice
Send a message to Hope Counseling & Consultation Services:
We Are Changing Our Name And Adding Counselors To Serve You!
We have some exciting news! Good news is always best in the form of a story, so we wanted to give you some background to what is happening.
For years Christy Samms, LPCC-S has been seeing clients in Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. A few years ago she started her own practice, Christy Samms Counseling and Consultation Services off Oak Point Road on the Lorain/Amherst border. She rented an office and got her husband to create a website send out some referral letters, and market her counseling services.
Business quickly grew as word got out about Christy’s counseling. She started with a goal to see ten clients a week, but that ten clients per week quickly turned into 15 or 2o! After about a year, Christy was at capacity and was having to turn clients away. Sometimes as many as 2 potential clients per day would have to be turned away simply because we didn’t have any more capacity.
Clearly, the practice needed to expand.
It so happens that Christy’s husband, Daniel (me) is a marketing and business growth consultant. After a few conversations about Christy’s long-term vision for the practice, we (she and I) developed a plan to bring that vision into reality.
We are initiating two key steps for that plan right now.
We have changed the name of the practice from “Christy Samms Counseling and Consultation Services” to “Hope Counseling and Consultation Services.” The name has two purposes. First, we wanted a name that reflected the fact Christy is not the only counselor. Second, we want to send the message that wholeness is possible. There is always hope. That’s why we are here.
We are hiring more counselors! The vision for Hope Counseling is about more than just expansion. We want to grow in quality as we expand our capacity. We want counselors that share our vision and values, licensed consolers with unique skill sets to provide premium care to our clients. So, we have taken great care in selecting our first new hire. You’ll find out about that person soon. For now, we just want you to know we are hiring, and that we are committed to hiring only counselors that bring the same level of quality care Christy has been providing for years.
We still have some really exciting news to share, but we’re saving that for the next story. For now, have a look at our new website https://hopecounselingcs.com/ and help us spread the word!
