- Attaining a better understanding of God’s love, yourself, and godyl goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures in ways that glorify God
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones, walking in the new nature
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence, through a deeper understanding of your value to God
What’s the difference between Mental Health Counseling and Christian Counseling?
Mental Health Counseling allows a therapist to diagnose and treat a mental illness, as well as work with patients through life issues that do not require diagnosis. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are licensed through their state and may bill your insurance provider, if applicable, for mental health services if a diagnosis is made.
Christian Counseling is based in the Word of God, the deliverance from shame that Jesus brought us, the grace of God that empowers us to walk like Christ, and the agape love of God reaching out to heal hurting people. The Christian Counseling you will receive at In His Image, includes tools and therapy models that allow us to address the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. Our counselors are licensed as Licensed Clinical Christian Counselors, licensed through the National Christian Counselors Association, and ordained as Pastoral Counselors. Payment from insurance providers is not guaranteed, as Christian Counselors do not bill providers directly. However, an invoice can be supplied for patients to submit to their insurance carrier.
Do I really need counseling? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking counseling. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
What about medication vs. counseling and therapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Unresolved issues push forward in us and many end up having to increase doses or change medications. We will partner with your present medical team, and provide referrals for any team members needed, such as psychiatrists for meds, or natural health doctors for a more natural approach to brain health. Instead of just treating the symptom, counseling addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. In all cases where is medication or supplements are being used for mental health, the combination of these and therapy is the right course of action.
Why do people seek counseling and how do I know if it’s right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to counseling. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creativity blocks. Christian counseling can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills that lead to a more fulfilled, healed and productive life. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking Christian counseling are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.