my beliefs

As you search for a counselor who is a good fit for you, you will want to know the basic beliefs and worldview from which your therapist operates.  Although it's not necessary to agree on every topic in order to have an effective therapeutic relationship, it's always helpful to know what your counselor believes about the important issues in life.  So here goes.

 I believe that God is the Creator of life and the author of love and redemption. That His son, Jesus Christ, came to earth to be the sacrifice for our sins so that, through faith in Him, we can have the gift of eternal life in heaven with Him. That the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Helper and Advocate who dwells within us when we put our faith in Christ.  I recognize the Bible as the living and active Word of God.  I believe it provides the wisdom and insight we need for navigating through life, comfort and encouragement for the dark times, peace during troubling times, and hope beyond measure as we are invited into a lasting, unshakeable relationship with our Maker.

 I believe we were made for connection.  To live in communion, or connectedness, with God (through prayer, reading and meditating on His Word, and worship) and with others (community) and that joy eludes us and loneliness persists when we live in emotional isolation.

I believe there is an enemy of our souls whose goal is to steal, kill and destroy.  That there is a battle raging around us over the hearts of men, women and children. The Lover of our souls is fighting for us but out of His great love He has given us the freedom to choose how we will live our lives and whom we will serve.  

 I believe God has created us with a capacity to feel pleasure, to delight and marvel and discover and create because we're created in His image.  That He invites us to come as we are, to bring our true selves to Him - even the ugly parts - so that He can shine light in the darkness and make us whole.  I believe that the true, deep soul satisfaction we all long for can only be found living richly connected to the One who created us, knows us intimately, and loves us unconditionally.  That my role as your counselor is not to "fix" you or heal you, but to lead you to the One who can.