I’ve always been curious about others. I would wonder about the life behind the scenes of people I would meet, with questions in my mind. Over time I learned that this curiosity and genuine concern for others was a gift from God, in the form of counseling. 1 Peter 4:10 and Romans 12:6-8 highlight that these gifts from God should be used “to serve one another.” As the reciever of these gifts, we are to do our part to hone them over time. Becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor involves six years of college and another two years of supervised work, as well as a really tough exam. Phew! And the learning never really stops.

All worth it; the commuting, raising babies, doing all the wife and mom stuff while studying at night after the kids were in bed, often with one in a bassinette beside me 🙂

I love this work! However, it’s definitely emotionally challenging at times. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”. I see Christian Counseling as following this verse. Counselors help those in pain to carry the burdens while offering Biblical wisdom (and accountability) as tools our clients can use to better manage life.

Isaiah 9:6 states “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” What an honor to be the vessel that sits with clients while listening to the whispers of the Holy Spirit as they speak. I never start a session without praying over it before hand and am always honored to pray with others.