Christian Counseling Golden Hills, CA. Find a Christian Therapist Near You.

As a Christian counselor and pastor for the past 30 years, I talk with people about matters of faith, the human spirit, and God. There are many important questions for us to consider as we grow in our faith and love of Christ. A most powerful question that I have had to consider is this, "Do I truly believe that Jesus Christ loves me?" Our answer to this one question - "yes," or "no" - will determine to a great extent how we feel about our selves, where we find meaning or purpose in life, where we get our own sense of legitimacy, and how close we will ever grow to God.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.