I have a heart to serve others with an integrated approach using counseling theory/techniques and a Christian worldview. I define myself as a therapist who is Christian, rather than exclusively a Christian therapist. However, you are welcome to use what’s comfortable to you. The title in itself can be nuanced, but what is most important to me is to clarify my approach. When people hear "Christian Counseling," the assumption often centers on the use of Christian disciplines like Bible study, prayer, confession, and similar practices. While my worldview is rooted entirely in the Christian perspective, I embrace an integrative counseling approach. I strongly believe in a wholistic approach to counseling, which allows us, as individuals, to seamlessly integrate all aspects of ourselves into the healing journey—spirit, soul, mind and body. In Mark 12:30, Christ states the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart (spirit), soul (life), mind (thoughts) and strength (body). (added emphasis). To be our fully, healed self, all of these aspects of our human self need to be included, but under the umbrella of our love for God. God’s love, through His son Christ, knits our being together in this world of chaos and evil. When we rely solely on ourselves, we open ourselves up to confusion, division, hopelessness and pride. We can only build ourselves up so much before we rely on someone or something else for validation and support, because we were created to be in relationship with God. When that relationship is broken, we seek to fix it. The Bible, from my experience, offers practical guidance for navigating life's everyday challenges and even the toughest situations. I confidently assert that God is ultimate both within and beyond my counseling sessions. Nonetheless, I also acknowledge the existence of psychological theories and techniques that offer unique pathways to healing, growth, and freedom not explicitly outlined in the Bible. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and other trauma-informed theories, in my sessions, to treat the effects of trauma in one’s life. I utilize mental and physical mindfulness skills to teach individuals how to regulate their emotions and body. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and techniques to help renew the mind for accurate and optimal living. I can tailor make treatments to incorporate Biblical principles and psychological techniques to treat the whole individual. Often, I am able to see the Sovereignty of God in and through these techniques as well. In essence, God illuminates everything on Earth, but not everything on Earth illuminates God.
