Biblical and Christian Counseling in 60152: Marengo, IL.

As a Christian I have seen first hand how God and his principles provide transformation and redemption in my life and in others' lives. In my practice, I utilize a Grace-based, Biblical approach as I believe Jesus provides true change and freedom. Often, it is our inadequate understanding of how God views us that leads to problems of poor self- worth, anxiety and depression. Many times, we can get caught up with "doing" for God rather than "abiding in Him". In our work together we will explore your relationship with God and identify how to strengthen it as well as how to apply Biblical truths to experience true freedom and healing.

My Christian faith is integrated into my life and work, and who I am as a person. My years of experience in pastoral care in various church settings, as well as my graduate training at Wheaton College in Illinois, has enabled me to competently discuss, and explore issues of faith and application with a broad range of believers. I am familiar with many denominations and faith practices, and welcome including the Bible in our work together, if desired. Know that I pray privately for all my clients each day, and am open to including prayer in our session as well. Let me know if you have further questions about my faith and how you would like me to work with you.

Originally in training as a pastor, I sought to understand how the truth in God's Word affects mental health and contributes to healthy relationships. The wisdom in the Bible needs to be mined. But Christian counseling is not merely wisdom, it is knowing Christ. It is something real, an interaction that has to be experienced. The Bible gives us the guidance we need.

Learning what God's word says in the area of marriage, parenting, worry, sadness and relationships can be life changing. Applying what His word says is sure to be one of the most affective tools to live a life that will be God honoring and living in obedience to what God wants for our lives. Having a strong prayer life and someone to hold us accountable will allow effect change to take place that is consistent and long lasting. Realizing that God creates a God size hole in our hearts that only He can fill may be a game changer for many.

I feel God connects me to people I am meant to help. My primary goal is to create a safe place for people to explore whatever is challenging them without fear of being judged and in complete confidentiality. By providing a safe place I can gently guide my clients through their pain and challenges to a place where they feel understood and validated. From that place we can begin to explore goals and work toward accomplishing them. I help people use their relationship with God to guide them to where they want to be and to where He intends for them to be. We enter this spiritual journey together.

Offering support and counseling under the guidance of Christ's word, your therapist will work with you to connect the principals in the bible with your personal life. You'll benefit from a reduction of symptoms, and a renewed relationship with Jesus and yourself. I believe that by allowing ourselves to ask Christ to help us with our problems, combined with spiritually focused, problem solving counseling, you can begin to find a renewed sense of purpose, spirituality and inner happiness.

For clients that place importance in spiritually, biblically based counseling can be beneficial. Faith based counseling can assist a wide range of clients including couples, families, and individuals while using religion to help guide the way. Clients will gain empowerment as they learn to incorporate their beliefs and values to direct the counseling process. Faith based counseling can be effective in coping with a wide variety of life’s issues while using the holistic approach to improve a client’s mind, body and spirit.