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

"Not of this world," often found in the logo NOTW, is a common phrase many Christians identify with. There is a lot of truth to this given the teachings of Jesus Christ. In our culture, we are taught to produce, rush, ignore our feelings/truth, and say "Yes" when we really mean "No." According to Christian principles, love, trust, surrender, and forgiveness should be the norm in one's life. Unfortunately, we have all suffered wounds from our families as well as other relationships making it impossible at times to adhere to these principles. Counseling can enable us to reconnect with God in a way that fosters healing, clarity, and authenticity.

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.

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 have provided Christian/Biblical counseling for my clients my entire career. The spiritual aspect of humans cannot be omitted. A person's belief in God, in Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit is paramount to complete healing from all issues. I provide an integration of psychology sifted through biblical principles, the Bible being the final authority. I am well-versed in my knowledge of the Bible with decades of study, experience, ministry & commitment to Jesus. Forgiveness, divorce, church, children, end-of-days/prophecy, doctrine, gifts, are major topics. As joint heirs, therapist and client have a spiritual connection that enhances our ability to meet your goals.

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.

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.