I have been a Christian my whole life, serving the Lord since I was a child, volunteering in ministry alongside my husband, and raising my children to follow after Jesus. I attended Christian undergraduate and graduate school to gain a Biblical perspective of mental health that aligns with my Christian worldview. Growing up in the church, I have seen both the blessings and challenges that comes along with ministering to others, including church hurt, asking God hard questions, and maintaining faith in a fallen world.

My life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your path. This verse has continually pointed me back to God and encouraged me to look to Him for wisdom, guidance, and comfort. In counseling, we must fully trust the Lord and the counselor to work all things together for good and God’s glory. Counseling is also beneficial for the renewing of our minds as stated in Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. This aligns with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as it works to take thoughts captive and reframe them producing a positive, healthy mind.

I utilize scripture, prayer, and Biblical principles into therapy with all clients who desire it. I often suggest praise and worship songs that will resonate with my clients to encourage them. I talk about the Bible in context, pointing out God’s promises, and speaking the Word over circumstances. Because faith without works is dead, I encourage clients to combine CBT interventions with their spiritual disciplines as an effective approach to mental health.