Christian Counseling Arcadia, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near You.

Our deepest wounds are often those that are at the hands of another person. Human brokenness is the root of our need for redemption. This holds true in therapy and growth work as well. When we encounter our deep wounds, we encounter our need for our Big God. Here, we are able to reconcile the broken our hurt parts of our ourselves. Dr. Vanes been a pastor's wife for 15 years and is trained in integrated counseling with Masters degrees in Theology, Clinical Psychology, and Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a Master's in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific Universality. Jace Draper is an LMFT with an MA from Azusa Pacific.

I've been following Jesus for over 30 years. I'm not about Bible-bashing or quoting Scripture you already know ("Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.") with the belief you should just be able to do it because it's in the Bible - if you *really* love God. But instead I show my clients how they can live out what God and the Bible have to say about their life and relationships in realistic ways that you can actually do. My clients learn to personally experience the love, grace, mercy, gentleness, self-control, kindness, compassion, peace, and forgiveness, the Bible promises - and how to offer these experiences in their relationships with others.

I specialize in counseling for Christian married couples, specifically those of the LDS faith. Using a faith-based therapy model, I am able to meet clients within their own belief system and help them navigate the challenges of it while tapping into the goodness it provides them. This is particularly helpful for clients who are navigating sexuality and intimacy issues.

Some persons are concerned that couples counseling or psychotherapy may challenge their faith and they want to work with someone who supports, understands and even shares the importance of faith. Dr. Brainerd also holds a Masters degree in Christian Theology along with his doctorate in Clinical Psychology and not only values faith but can also help with persons who have found that sometime in their life, religion has hurt them.

For many of us, our relationship with God is a primary part of our lives. During difficult times, God is an anchor and a comfort for some. For others, even if we have a relationship with God, He may seem distant or withholding. No matter where you are in this process, your faith story matters. God desires for us to be in relationship with others...and he knows the deep pain of broken relationships. Knowing that you will not be judged for your thoughts or actions, and having a counselor who supports your faith can lead to a deep emotional and spiritual healing.

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 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 also support you in maintaining your autonomy and freedom of choice in your decisions. 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.

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 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."

I hold a masters degree in psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary and am committed to the integration of faith and psychology. I, however, do not provide pastoral counseling. I am committed to walking with individuals and couples in any stage of their faith journey, believers and non-believers alike, to facilitate a process of authentic self-discovery and freedom. I am interested in how your faith has informed who you are what you are wrestling with today. The whole range of human emotions, longings and desires are validated and explored in my practice in order to participate fully in the journey of healing.

I am a professional therapist who knows the importance of living my life according to my role model Jesus Christ. I have had my share of troubles in my life and have found that talking to someone who has valuable scriptural knowledge that I trusted and respected made a significant difference in my life. Combining my Christian Worldview with the principles of psychology provides help to those who suffer and want to be respected for their Christian beliefs, it is my desire to help you to trust God and His help in our work together.