Christian Counseling Diamond Springs, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near You.

Our daily struggles are opportunities for emotional and spiritual growth. They are literally faith builders. When situations get too uncomfortable, one either reacts or escapes, or does both. Some times these daily trials can become too large to navigate alone. I find great joy in assisting people during trying times back into a healthier and happier life. I have a warm and non-judgmental approach that provides an opportunity to address both short and long term goals, crisis situations, and long-term underlying issues. I help my clients explore their past and how it is showing up in their present. “…be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” ~(NIV) 2 Chronicles 15:7

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.

I received both my masters and doctoral degrees, along with related training, at Rosemead School of Psychology, one of the leading schools in the country focused on the integration of Christian faith and understanding of human nature with clinical counseling. Our faith can be an important, even central part of our lives. For many people having a therapeutic relationship where this part of themselves can be explored and where they can be open about their faith and relationship with God is hugely important. I understand this importance and so I provide an open, understanding space for addressing challenges, fears, and fostering personal and spiritual growth in a Christian context.

In addition to a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution, I hold a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. I have served as a pastor for 10 years. Later, I went on to develop the "Reconciliation Model of Peacemaking" for my doctoral dissertation. Each stage of the model, which correlates to modern peacemaking practice, finds its roots in Biblical theology. I integrate best practices and a Biblical perspective to help couples reduce conflict, rebuild their emotional bond, and experience peace.

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.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, we learn about the importance of religion and spirituality in the lives of our clients. I treat clients of all faiths and backgrounds and do not specialize in one particular faith. Instead, I am open to my clients teaching me about their beliefs and the important role that faith plays in their lives. From the very first session, I will ask about your religious practices, if there is a faith community that is important to you, as well as determine if there is room for growth in this area. Some people find their closest friends and family in faith communities, so having a therapist who understands this is a vital piece of the therapy experience.

Although I am not a strictly biblically based therapist, I am deeply steeped in Christian, Jewish & Buddhist traditions. My personal life is deeply contemplative and guided by a spiritually passionate commitment to aligning myself with the G-D within and who holds us in spiritual unity. I am fluent in many traditions but was raised Christian with strong faith as a core abiding principle in our home life. I carry this forward today and am committed to helping myself and others evolve spiritually. For Christian couples who seek counseling, and wonder how the Gottman Method works with their faith, I use the Biblical Reference Guide to help support the spiritual application of this method.