PHILOSOPHY

CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

What is Christian (biblical) Counseling?

The form of counseling that I do I refer to as Christian counseling. Some people call it biblical counseling. Simply put, I am a Christ-follower who believes the Bible is God’s Word. I interpret the world and human behavior through the grid of the teachings of the Bible.

What is biblical counseling? David Powlison, the late Executive Director of CCEF and former WTS professor, once gave this answer: "Biblical counseling is just this: an intentional conversation between a person of wisdom and a person who is suffering, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ." I agree with Dr. Powlison. Biblical counseling isn't a form of therapeutic magic. It isn't self-help. It isn't wellness coaching. Biblical counseling is a rich, robust, and heart-transformative back-and-forth conversation between a counselor and a hurting individual, couple, or group. I use the Bible to enlighten both the content of my counsel and the methodology according to which I practice. I believe that the Bible speaks into every area of our lives, particularly the painful areas. While God's Word is not an instruction manual on how to handle every possible scenario in life, it ultimately points us to a relationship with Jesus Christ, the one who also suffered, walks with us in the midst of our suffering, and promises to one day heal all things and make them new. It is in the context of this relationship with Jesus that I believe you can experience lasting change.

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

I subscribe to the Doctrinal Statement of the Biblical Counseling Coalition. If you would like to read this document, click on the button below.

FOUR AXIOMS OF CORRECT THINKING (FACT)

FAQs

Q. Will I just be given lots of Bible verses to memorize?

A. Scripture memory may be one of the tools I use, but it is only one of many tools and techniques I may employ in counseling.

Q. What counseling issues do you address?

A. I address a host of issues. They include, but are not limited to:

  • Addiction

  • Anger

  • Anxiety

  • Communication

  • Conflict-resolution

  • Dating

  • Depression

  • Emotional Abuse

  • Family of Origin

  • Grief

  • Guilt

  • Identity

  • Boundaries

  • Marriage

  • OCD

  • Premarital

  • Relationship issues

  • Shame

  • Spiritual abuse

  • Doubt

  • Trauma

Q. Are you opposed to the use of medication?

A. No. I believe a person is a unity of body and soul. When a person is experiencing suffering in life, it may be physical, mental, or spiritual. But most likely it is a combination of all three. I strive to identify all issues and treat the whole person. This may certainly include the use of medications prescribed by doctors.

Q. Do I have to be a Christian to benefit from seeing you?

A. I am persuaded that your greatest chance of real change is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. However, you do not have to be a Christian to benefit from Christian counseling. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, I would be honored to walk with you as you seek answers.