Biblical and Christian Counseling in 19330: Cochranville, PA.

At REACH Counseling we believe in a strong link between our spiritual lives and our emotions. Emotions are a healthy part of God's plan for our lives and are not negative. Our staff includes ordained clergy who are trained in pastoral counseling and work from a faith perspective to help you rediscover what God's plan is for your life. Our approach to Christian counseling is integrative using a variety of techniques alongside of Christian values and scripture.

Everyone needs support and help with difficulties, and Christians are no different. Suffering affects every part of your life, including the way you view yourself and God. It can make your faith seem weak or inadequate, or cause you to judge yourself or others harshly. Therapy should be a place where you come to know yourself as deeply loved by God, right where you are in all the messiness of life. In the strength of that knowledge, you can gain the courage to see yourself more clearly and with more compassion. If you have lost your joy, if God seems distant and faith feels impossible, you are not alone. There is hope, strength and healing. Therapy can be one way to find it.

When approaching counseling and Christianity, I work diligently to keep the teachings and morals of Scripture at the center of the session for clients who ask for it. Although at times necessary to challenge those who are coming to see me with the truths of the Bible, I also understand that slapping a Bible verse on an issue rarely ever helps someone who is struggling. I take time to understand the place my clients are at when they are coming to me, promote self-discovery as they process with me, and gently and lovingly give truth when needed.

I'm not a Biblical Counselor but a Christian who is a Clinical Counselor. My faith informs my understanding of the therapeutic process & how I practice. This means that unlike many psychotherapists today, I will not pathologize your Christian beliefs or the role of your faith in healing. If you are willing, I would be glad to work with you in exploring your view of God & how that relates to your view of others & view of yourself. It may also involve understanding how your faith informs your choices, patterns & coping strategies or perhaps processing through any challenges & doubts you may be experiencing. I won't force you to talk about your faith, but will provide a safe space to do so.

As Christian counselors, we approach mental and emotional healing by integrating principles of psychology with the teachings and values of the Bible. We seek to provide individuals a safe space to explore their inner struggles, while drawing strength from their faith and relationship with God. This holistic approach addresses not only the psychological aspects of a person's well-being, but also their spiritual needs; fostering a sense of connection with God and promoting personal growth and resilience.

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus states “If your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.” This simple statement guides my approach to counseling. The light exists, and we sometimes need help to improve the soundness of our mental and emotional “eyes” to let more light into our personal awareness and influence our feelings, thoughts and behavior. I respect the sacred and unique way that each person experiences a relationship with God, especially during periods of mental, emotional, or relational distress. From my own study of the Bible, I am continually impressed by the applicability of Christian values and truth to issues of mental, emotional, and relational health.