What Does Coming To Counseling Look Like?

Counseling usually begins with me listening.  Then you explain to me what you want to accomplish.  Even if you don't know exactly what you want or need, together we figure out a plan. Counseling is about learning new ways of handling problems. Sometimes it involves thinking about things differently.  Often it involves doing something differently.  You get to decide what you want to achieve and I help you get there.


What If I’m a prominent person in the church? Will anyone see me?

I counsel with prominent Christians regularly. My office is located in a large professional building with many other businesses, i.e., insurance and mortgage companies and other professions. No one will know which office you are going to. Please voice your concerns and I will ensure scheduling to meet your requirements. If your fears are still not alleviated, please email (via encrypted email) or call; technology now allows alternative counseling options such as Skype or email. As with every client, complete confidentiality is my ethical responsibility. Note that even your first contact can be through Hushmail. Hushmail encrypts your email.


Even though I’m a Christian, I can’t figure this problem out. I want to react differently but most of the time I don’t.

Our reactions are going to be exactly the same response as we had to every past situation unless something interrupts the process causing a change.


Isn’t therapy wrong for Christians?

Some therapies are based in Christian principles, some are not. I am personally very conservative and use very conservative concepts. An example of a very conservative therapy would be, Cognitive Therapy. Cognitive Therapy looks at what a person is thinking that causes them to keep doing the same thing repeatedly despite wanting to do something differently. However, I have found that even those therapies considered unacceptable have elements that are of value.


“The hurts that I have are FROM “Christians.” But I think that the Bible is true. Can you help me?

I especially can help you. I believe in meeting people where they are. Some people have been hurt enough that they can’t even speak, let alone talk about God, that’s O.K! And I also know A LOT about Christian hurts.


Can I be of help with other issues?

Yes. I have worked predominately with trauma issues. Often, issues we struggle with as adults have roots back into childhood. Sometimes, by looking at what occurred in the past can free us up in the present. I have helped many individuals with a wide range of issues, including some who’ve been sexually abused, some who cut themselves, some who might be sex addicts. Everyone is welcome.


I prefer that the counselor would ONLY use Scripture? Can I do this?

Absolutely! Please know that I have 7 years of formal Bible training from college and graduate school.


Other Questions:

Please contact me on the Contact Page or telephone me at (616) 977-5700.