Biblical and Christian Counseling in Marina Del Rey, Marina del Rey.

I do not specialize in treating Christian clients, however I do work with Christians whose background in line with teachings of tolerance. I deal with Christians who are struggling with sexual and/or gender identity issues. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore one's beliefs in God, the church, and their sexual identity or gender identity. I am have worked with these issues for over 25 years and identity issues are a specialty of mine. I am also a specialist and certified expert in the treatment of childhood abuse, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual trauma of males and females. I offer both individual and group therapy along with a variety of different approaches. I CAN HELP!

Working with a higher power or a belief in a higher power can be a powerful tool in the therapeutic process. My approach to counseling incorporates an understanding and respect for the role that faith and spirituality may play in an individual's life. We will work together to explore how your beliefs can be integrated into the therapeutic process and utilized as a source of strength and guidance. Together, we will address the issues that bring you to counseling and develop a personalized plan to achieve your goals and improve your overall well-being. Whether you are seeking support for personal growth, coping with difficult life transitions, or healing from past trauma, I am here to provide

As a Christian who is also a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, I chose to receive my undergraduate and graduate degree from a Christian university. I did this because I believe that God has designed all of the proven therapeutic priniciples and truly wants to help hurting people. This training has helped me to utilize a Christian World View to solve psychological problems. As most of my clients are Christians, I pray for them before each session and with them if they desire.

Very often negative thinking, anxiety, depression, trauma, broken relationships and anger can get in the way of God’s plan for us to live wholly and fully. For those seeking a faith-based alternative to traditional therapy, Christian Counseling provides a safe, non-judgmental setting where you can wrestle with life challenges, while having the added support of exploring scripture and bringing it to bear on your current struggles. Whether you are seeking to discuss your faith in depth, or simply want peace of mind in knowing that your therapist “gets” your faith, I would be honored to help guide you on your journey to a fuller understanding of your challenges and how you can best meet them both as a human being and a person of God.

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.

Embark on a journey of holistic healing and spiritual awakening with a therapist who integrates spirituality into therapy. As a spiritual therapist, I honor the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, offering a sacred space for individuals to explore their innermost selves and connect with their divine essence. Through a blend of traditional therapeutic techniques and spiritual practices such as meditation, energy work, and mindfulness, I guide clients on a path of self-discovery, empowerment, and growth. Whether you're seeking guidance through life's challenges, healing from past wounds, or a deeper connection to your spiritual purpose, I am here to support you.

Are you in need of counseling from a Christian, Biblically based spiritual perspective? I hold a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary and bring an extensive history of experience in spiritually and Biblically based healing ministry. With over twenty years of church ministry experience, I have a unique understanding of the needs of Christian families. I have served on prayer ministry and leadership discernment teams for a number of churches and Christian organizations. My desire is to partner with Jesus as He binds up the broken-hearted and sets the captives free to love (Luke 4:18).

I am a Christian and I am a psychologist. I do not separate these two identities, nor do I believe that you need to separate out your faith and spirituality from your present counseling needs and goals. In fact, I believe the values and beliefs that shape your worldview are integral in psychotherapy -- and I work to take this holistic approach in my therapeutic services. I earned my doctorate at a Christian university (Azusa Pacific University) and the integration of psychology and spirituality was a vital part of my training. I invite you to explore how your faith is impacting your current issues and challenges.

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.

My personal approach to counseling is grounded in my own personal faith. God has a process from taking us from broken and hurting and redeeming us through a beautiful transformation experience. As believers we trust in the process of how God uses real people and relationships to help us heal. There is a plan and purpose for your life, together in the safety of the session we can create goals aligned with God's will.

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."

Every therapist at La Vie is a Christian and many of our therapists have advanced degrees in Theology and have spent years integrating the best of psychological research with sound Christian principles. We affirm the importance of faith in living healthy lives and welcome open conversations about this in therapy. Our approach to counseling from a Christian perspective has been so well received that Dr. Baker's book, "Jesus the Greatest Therapist Who Ever Lived" has sold over a million copies worldwide.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is a Christian. Life can have its ups and downs. However, I believe that it is our faith that gives us hope in the midst of trials. Sometimes we need someone to come along side of us to encourage us that we are not alone and to know that God has not left us. God can do the transformation He needs to do within us if we are willing. He can transform us in unique ways so that we can see that we have a future and a hope in Him.