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

The greatest counselor anyone could ever have is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am a Christian therapist who will serve as God's assistant to help you embrace new behaviors designed to improve your emotional and psychological health. I do not provide traditional pastoral counseling. We will not pray or read the Bible in sessions. I will, however, work to help you become the best version of yourself so you in turn can reflect God's love in all you do and joyfully align yourself to His holy will for your life. Our shared Christian faith will provide a healing atmosphere of shared values and commonality of purpose.

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.

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.

Even Christians need a little help sometimes. And when we do, we want someone who shares our values, can give us a biblical view on what we are going through and support our spiritual beliefs. While the Bible teaches us how worry, depression, grief, abuse and other troubling problems can be addressed scripturally, Christian Counseling seeks to use God’s Word as a foundation for overcoming these thoughts and situations. Are you struggling with your faith, feeling like God has left you or is punishing you? Upset about unanswered prayers? Need help with life's problems? Want to talk to someone about it, but don't want to compromise your faith or values? We are here for 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 have a background in biblical studies which is helpful in dealing with the spiritual dimension of life. Because the spiritual part of life is so important, I want to help clients with spiritual issues to the extent they are willing. The bible is rich in words of counsel and deals with every imaginable situation in life, and particularly speaks to spiritual issues. Therefore, I appreciate any opportunity I have to use it with my clients.

In some churches, psychology is viewed as humanistic and leads people away from God. Conversely, psychological theorists viewed Christianity as harmful and results in psychopathology. As a Christian Psychologist, these views are rejected. Instead, a Christian psychologist understands the value of scripture and disciplines that encourage growth in a relationship with God. A relationship with Jesus is vital in helping a person struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. The goal of Christian counseling is in helping a person to understanding the thoughts and emotions that can limit a person from thriving and encouraging growth in a relationship with God and 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.

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'm able to integrate Christian spirituality into counseling and explore how your picture of God helps or hurts you. Your picture of God is often influenced by others. Christianity is valuable in finding forgiveness, removing shame and giving us hope for the future. I also respect your right to live consistently with your religious values and I support your marriage. I do not impose my beliefs, but try to understand the world through YOUR belief system. I have worked with people of ALL religions, including those that are very different from my own.

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.