A Heartfelt Thank You and a Sweet Holiday Treat
As the year comes to a close, we at Cumberland Counseling Centers want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for you. Whether you’ve trusted us with your care, supported our mission with your generosity, or simply cheered us on from the sidelines, we are deeply thankful for you.
This year has been a remarkable journey of healing, hope, and growth—thanks to your belief in what we do. Your trust and contributions allow us to continue providing affordable, professional counseling and support to everyone who deserves high quality mental health care. From all of us at Cumberland Counseling Centers, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and goodness.
Additionally - want to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and growth of our clients. Each of you has faced challenges with courage, taken steps toward healing, and embraced the hard work of personal transformation. Your dedication to your mental health is truly inspiring, and it is an honor to walk alongside you on this journey.
Every breakthrough, every moment of self-compassion, and every step forward is a testament to your commitment to growth and wholeness. We applaud your success and are so proud of the progress you’ve made.
As we look ahead to a new year, know that we are here to continue supporting you, cheering you on, and believing in your ability to create a life filled with hope and fulfillment. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished—you are the heart of our mission.
In the spirit of gratitude and celebration, we’re sharing a little holiday cheer from one of our team leaders, Robert Vore. Did you know Robert loves making Christmas cookies? He’s not just a fantastic counselor but also a baking enthusiast! Below is his recipe for the perfect Christmas cookie—sure to bring a smile to your family’s table this holiday season.
Robert Vore’s Perfect Christmas Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp almond extract (optional, but it adds a festive flair!)
Assorted sprinkles or icing for decorating
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing well.
Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate with sprinkles, icing, or enjoy as is!
As you bake these cookies, we hope you’ll think of the warmth and care that unite all of us in this community. Thank you for being part of our story this year.
Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with joy, hope, and sweet memories,
The Cumberland Counseling Centers Team
Embracing Winter: Simple Ways to Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Spirit
Written by Vanessa Joseph, APC
All the goals you set out to accomplish may be unfinished or forgotten. Even simple things evade you like car cleaning and dentist appointments. Maybe you have gained a lot this year, but still, it feels like it was not enough. Perhaps as the days get shorter and the morning winter air brushes across your face, a little sadness trickles into your heart.
This sadness could be any number of things.
For some it's tied to the feelings that come with the holidays. Known more commonly as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) you could be experiencing major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. For others anxiety or other intense emotions begin to ramp up during the holidays/colder months of the year. Whether you’re experiencing the ebbs and flows of your natural temperament or a diagnosable disorder there are a multitude of ways to address pains that may come during this time of the year.
So, what might this look like? The way to address these concerns can be broken down into categories. Some things are easier for others to get to while others are often forgotten. For many these are not new, just not incorporated into your holiday rhythms, but maybe now they can be. Let’s begin!
Physical: As the days get shorter and cooler many people are susceptible to feeling the effects of the following: less vitamin D, less movement, and poor diet. Vitamin D mostly comes from direct sunlight and impacts your mood, energy levels, bone strength, immunity, brain and heart health. Incorporating things like cod liver oil or vitamin D pills into your daily routine could possibly be the difference someone needs to overcome harder days (but of course be sure to get the support of your doctor or health care professional before trying anything you are not sure about). To address movement, any number of things could work: it’s all about finding what works for you is key. You can join athletic classes or even go on walks with friends and or family with some level of regularity to encourage heart health. Alas there is good holiday eating. Splurging here and there is fair but adopting new bad habits that will stick around through every other season of the year can be detrimental. It’s important to be mindful that the mind body connection is strong and the things that we do to our bodies impacts our minds.
Social: Instead of isolation, gather with the people. Join a group, go to church, connect with trusted family and friends. Go ahead and reconnect with that person that you’ve been meaning to reconnect with or even seek out time with a trusted leader for some direction. Depression and anxiety often convince us that we need to be alone and “figure ourselves out”, but a lot of healing comes in connecting, sharing ideas, and oneness.
Mental/Emotional: Perhaps it's finally time to connect with a therapist that can help you grow into who you want to be, possibly, who God has created you to be. If you already have a therapist or that does not seem to be what you need right now, maybe you need to take time to intentionally journal on a weekly or daily basis. This will help you sort out all the thoughts swirling in your mind. Alternatively, there may be a book you have been wanting to read that you haven’t made time for. As things slow down at work or other areas of your life this may be a good time to really connect with mind and see how you’re really feeling and figuring out why you may be feeling this way. A lot of insight can come out of meditation and intentional reflection. You don’t have to be good at it to start—all elements of self-care are modal and expected to change as you begin to learn more about your personal needs.
Spiritual: Lastly, but most importantly, your feelings may be a sign to look towards the Eternal. For Christians this is why Christ calls us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Maybe doing the thing that is not immediately obvious to the flesh, is the thing to do this season. Instead of endless scrolling, consider reading that devotion or chapter He set in your heart to read. Instead of tirelessly trying to make everything come together, seek His will. Discover in His word what it is that He will have you do today. Maybe your soul needs rest. Or maybe He is leading you to do something completely different. Whatever it is that will restore you, how will you know it without first seeking Him?
As stated, before many of the things listed out here are things that you've heard of before and may have even probably planned to do. You don't have to change everything to improve your quality of life. So, my challenge for those who struggle during the holidays is to consider what one or two things you can add to your life today that could give you a more enjoyable winter season this year?
Written by Vanessa Joseph, APC
Faith-Based Family Counseling: Strengthening Families in Georgia
To read more about our approach to Faith-Based counseling, tap this link here.
In today’s fast-paced world, families face numerous challenges, from communication breakdowns to managing stress, conflict, and emotional strain. For Christian families, these issues can be particularly difficult to navigate when trying to balance faith and real-world problems. At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we offer faith-based family counseling in Georgia to help strengthen your family relationships while integrating Christian principles into the therapeutic process.
What is Faith-Based Family Counseling?
Faith-based family counseling blends psychological methods with Christian values to help families heal and grow. This form of counseling provides a unique opportunity for families to address relational issues while staying grounded in their faith. With an emphasis on love, forgiveness, and understanding, Christian family therapy focuses on strengthening the bonds within the family unit, offering a holistic approach to mental, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Benefits of Christian Family Counseling
1. Improved Communication
Many families struggle with effective communication, leading to misunderstandings and unresolved conflicts. Christian family counseling emphasizes open, honest, and respectful dialogue, helping family members express themselves in a way that honors God’s teachings. Counselors facilitate healthy discussions, allowing families to better understand one another’s perspectives.
2. Strengthened Emotional Bonds
Through the counseling process, families can experience deeper emotional connections. Biblical family counseling encourages empathy, compassion, and emotional vulnerability, helping family members build stronger, more meaningful relationships. By exploring these emotions in a faith-based setting, families can heal from past wounds and grow closer to one another.
3. Conflict Resolution Rooted in Faith
Conflict is a natural part of any family dynamic, but how it’s handled can make all the difference. In Christian family counseling, counselors guide families in resolving conflicts using principles of forgiveness, patience, and understanding as modeled by Christ. This approach can help families navigate difficult situations without compromising their faith or values.
4. Spiritual Growth and Support
Faith-based family therapy not only focuses on emotional and relational healing but also provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. Families can deepen their connection to God as they work through challenges together, gaining a better understanding of how their faith can guide them through life’s toughest moments.
Why Choose Faith-Based Family Counseling in Georgia?
If you are seeking family counseling that aligns with your Christian beliefs, Cumberland Counseling Centers provides compassionate, expert guidance. Our therapists understand the unique needs of Christian families and are dedicated to helping you apply Biblical principles to heal and strengthen your family.
With faith-based family therapy, your family will benefit from:
A therapeutic approach grounded in Biblical values
Practical tools for improving communication and resolving conflict
Emotional support that honors your faith
A safe space to discuss sensitive family issues with guidance from a Christian perspective
How Cumberland Counseling Centers Can Help
At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we are committed to helping families throughout Georgia find peace, healing, and strength through Christian family therapy. Our therapists are trained in both clinical and faith-based practices, offering a comprehensive approach to family counseling. Whether you’re facing a specific challenge or simply seeking to strengthen your family’s relationships, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today to learn more about how faith-based family counseling can help your family thrive.
5 Signs Your Teen Needs Therapy and How Christian Counseling Can Help
Teenage years can be challenging for both parents and teens. With the pressures of school, relationships, social media, and identity development, it can be hard to know when your teen is struggling. While it’s normal for teens to experience ups and downs, some signs indicate they might need extra support. In this blog, we will explore the key signs your teen may need therapy and how Christian counseling can provide a faith-based approach to their healing and growth.
1. Changes in Mood or Behavior
If your teen is experiencing drastic mood swings, irritability, or anger outbursts, this may be more than typical adolescent behavior. Consistent changes in mood or behavior, such as withdrawing from family and friends, could indicate underlying issues like depression or anxiety. Therapy can help them process their emotions in a healthy way and equip them with coping strategies.
2. Academic Decline
A sudden drop in academic performance can be a red flag. If your teen has always done well in school but is now struggling to complete assignments, missing school, or getting poor grades, it may be a sign of emotional distress or difficulty managing stress. A Christian counselor can work with your teen to identify stressors and provide them with practical and spiritual tools to manage them.
3. Loss of Interest in Activities
When a teen suddenly loses interest in activities they once enjoyed, it could be a sign of depression or another mental health issue. Hobbies, sports, and socializing are important parts of a teen’s development. Therapy offers a safe space to explore what’s contributing to their feelings and help them reengage in life with renewed energy.
4. Risky or Harmful Behaviors
Teens may experiment with risky behaviors like substance use, self-harm, or reckless actions when they are struggling emotionally. These behaviors are often coping mechanisms for deeper issues. Christian counseling not only addresses these behaviors but also integrates biblical principles to promote healing and guide your teen toward healthier choices grounded in their faith.
5. Persistent Sadness or Anxiety
If your teen seems sad, anxious, or overwhelmed most of the time, it may be a sign of depression or an anxiety disorder. While occasional sadness or worry is normal, persistent feelings of hopelessness or excessive worry can affect their quality of life. Therapy can help them develop strategies to manage anxiety and sadness while offering them a faith-based perspective that reminds them of their worth in God's eyes.
How Christian Counseling Can Help
At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we offer Christian counseling for teens that combines evidence-based therapy with biblical principles. Our therapists are trained to address the unique emotional and spiritual needs of teenagers, guiding them through their struggles while strengthening their faith. Whether your teen is dealing with depression, anxiety, identity issues, or behavioral challenges, our compassionate counselors can help them find hope and healing.
Start Your Teen’s Healing Journey Today
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your teen, it may be time to consider therapy. At Cumberland Counseling Centers, our Christian counseling services for teens in Atlanta offer a safe and supportive environment to help them navigate their challenges. With our professional guidance, your teen can grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, building resilience and confidence along the way.
How EMDR Therapy Can Help You Heal from Trauma in Atlanta
To read more on EMDR, tap here.
Trauma can leave lasting effects on your mental and emotional well-being, making it hard to navigate daily life. If you’re struggling with trauma-related symptoms, finding the right therapy is essential. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, highly effective treatment that has helped countless individuals heal from trauma. Whether you’ve experienced emotional, physical, or psychological trauma, EMDR therapy offered at Cumberland Counseling Centers in Atlanta may be the key to unlocking your healing journey.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is designed to help people recover from distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on helping your brain reprocess traumatic memories so that they no longer cause emotional distress. This form of therapy is particularly effective for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related symptoms.
How EMDR Works
In EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while recalling traumatic memories. This process helps to ‘unstick’ the memories from the emotional distress they cause and move them into more adaptive parts of your brain, allowing you to heal and feel more at peace with the past. Over time, many clients report significant reductions in trauma symptoms, including:
Decreased anxiety
Reduced flashbacks and nightmares
Improved emotional regulation
Better relationships and self-esteem
Why Choose EMDR for Trauma Therapy in Atlanta?
Living in a busy city like Atlanta can be overwhelming, and unaddressed trauma can make daily life even more challenging. EMDR is ideal for people in Atlanta looking for fast and effective trauma treatment. Because it doesn’t require you to talk extensively about your trauma, many people find EMDR therapy to be less intimidating than traditional talk therapy. Plus, you may start feeling relief after just a few sessions, making it a great option for those seeking faster recovery.
At Cumberland Counseling Centers in Atlanta, our therapists specialize in helping clients heal from trauma through EMDR therapy. We understand how trauma can impact every aspect of your life, and our goal is to provide compassionate, expert care to support you on your healing journey.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is not just for people diagnosed with PTSD. Many individuals who have experienced significant life stressors—such as abuse, neglect, loss, or difficult relationships—can benefit from EMDR. It is especially helpful for those who feel stuck in their healing process or who have tried other therapies without success.
If you live in Atlanta and are dealing with symptoms like panic attacks, chronic anxiety, depression, or emotional dysregulation, EMDR therapy may be right for you. Our team at Cumberland Counseling Centers is equipped to help clients heal from:
Childhood trauma
Relationship trauma
Loss and grief
Anxiety and panic disorders
Stress and overwhelm
Why Cumberland Counseling Centers?
At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we offer personalized care tailored to meet your needs. Our licensed therapists are trained in the latest trauma therapies, including EMDR, and we work to ensure that every client receives the highest quality care.
When you choose us for your EMDR therapy in Atlanta, you are choosing compassionate, evidence-based care. We help you navigate the complexities of trauma and mental health with a faith-based approach if desired, integrating Christian principles with clinical expertise for a holistic approach to healing.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healing journey, Cumberland Counseling Centers is here to help. Our team of skilled therapists is committed to helping you heal from trauma using EMDR therapy. Don’t let past trauma define your future—take control of your mental health today.
Contact Us for EMDR Therapy in Atlanta
Are you interested in learning more about how EMDR therapy can help you heal from trauma? Contact Cumberland Counseling Centers in Atlanta today to schedule an initial consultation. We are here to support you every step of the way as you find peace, healing, and restoration.
Why Choosing Affordable Christian Therapy in Georgia is Important
Mental health care can often be out of reach for many families and individuals due to cost barriers. At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we are committed to providing affordable Christian counseling in Georgia so that everyone has access to the support they need, regardless of their financial situation.
The Importance of Affordable Therapy
Many people put off seeking therapy due to the high costs, even though their emotional and mental well-being is at stake. Our mission is to ensure that mental health care is both accessible and affordable, particularly for those seeking faith-based care. Affordable counseling in Georgia allows individuals and families to get the support they need without sacrificing their financial stability.
Why Christian Counseling?
For those seeking healing that is both emotional and spiritual, Christian counseling in Atlanta provides a holistic approach. Our therapists are equipped to integrate your faith into therapy, helping clients find peace and direction through both clinical and biblical support.
Affordable and Faith-Based: The Best of Both Worlds
We understand that finding affordable Christian counseling in Georgia can be difficult, but at Cumberland Counseling Centers, we strive to make quality care available to everyone. Whether you're seeking couples therapy in Atlanta or individual therapy, our goal is to help you grow emotionally and spiritually without the financial burden.
Keywords: Affordable Christian counseling Georgia, Christian counseling Atlanta, Affordable counseling in Georgia, Couples therapy in Atlanta, Faith-based therapy Georgia.
The Benefits of Faith-Based Family Therapy in Georgia
Maintaining healthy family relationships can be challenging, but when conflict arises, faith-based family therapy in Georgia can help families work through their struggles while drawing on shared values and beliefs.
What is Faith-Based Family Therapy?
Faith-based family therapy integrates Christian principles with therapeutic techniques to help families communicate better, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships. Whether you are dealing with parenting challenges, marital conflict, or family dynamics that feel out of control, family therapy in Atlanta that honors your faith can bring healing and hope.
Healing Through Faith and Communication
Our therapists at Cumberland Counseling Centers approach family therapy with a deep understanding of how faith can be a resource for healing. Families learn how to communicate more effectively, navigate forgiveness, and grow together in faith. This approach is especially helpful for families facing crises, as it offers both practical solutions and spiritual support.
Why Choose Faith-Based Family Therapy?
When families work with therapists who respect their faith, they are more likely to feel understood and supported. Faith-based therapy in Georgia addresses not just the psychological needs of families but also their spiritual growth. Our mission at Cumberland Counseling Centers is to help families heal while strengthening their bond with one another and with God.
Keywords: Faith-based family therapy Georgia, Family therapy Atlanta, Couples therapy in Atlanta, Faith-based therapy Georgia.
How Christian Counseling Can Help You Heal from Trauma
Trauma is an emotional wound that can affect every aspect of your life, making it challenging to navigate relationships, work, and even your faith. At Cumberland Counseling Centers, we believe in the power of integrating faith with professional trauma therapy to guide individuals toward healing and restoration.
What is Trauma-Informed Christian Counseling?
Trauma-informed Christian counseling offers a compassionate and holistic approach that combines clinical techniques with biblical principles. This form of therapy addresses the deep emotional pain caused by past events while helping clients reconnect with their faith. Through Christian counseling in Atlanta, we use evidence-based techniques like EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while drawing on the wisdom of scripture.
Healing Through Faith
Many individuals who have experienced trauma struggle with questions about their faith and why they suffered. Atlanta trauma therapy that is faith-based allows clients to explore these questions in a supportive environment that acknowledges the role of spirituality in the healing process. By integrating Christian teachings, trauma survivors find new meaning in their pain and can lean on their faith as they heal.
Why Choose Cumberland Counseling Centers?
Our therapists are specially trained in trauma-informed Christian counseling to ensure that each client receives care that is both professional and spiritually grounded. We serve individuals and families across Georgia and are committed to providing affordable, high-quality care.
Keywords: Christian counseling Atlanta, Atlanta trauma therapy, Trauma-informed Christian counseling, Affordable Christian counseling Georgia.
Embracing Solitude, Overcoming Loneliness: A Christian and Psychological Perspective
Confident female standing alone, embracing solitude with a serene expression, symbolizing inner strength and peace.
Written by Andrea Paiva, LPC
In today’s fast-paced world, the words “loneliness” and “solitude” are often used interchangeably, yet they represent two very different experiences. Understanding the distinction between them is essential for our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. As Christians, we are called to navigate these feelings with wisdom, drawing on both spiritual insights and psychological understanding.
Loneliness: The Ache of Isolation
Loneliness is the deep, often painful sense of being disconnected from others. It’s an emotional experience that can strike even in a room full of people. From a psychological perspective, loneliness stems from unmet social needs, a lack of meaningful connections, or feeling misunderstood. It can lead to feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and even despair.
Spiritually, loneliness can feel like a wilderness—an isolating place where we struggle to feel God’s presence. The Bible acknowledges this human experience. David, a man after God’s own heart, frequently poured out his feelings of loneliness and abandonment in the Psalms. For instance, in Psalm 25:16, he cries out, "Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted."
However, the Christian faith teaches us that we are never truly alone. Jesus, who experienced profound loneliness on the cross, reminds us of His abiding presence: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). This promise invites us to turn to God in our loneliness, finding comfort and strength in His unwavering presence.
Solitude: The Gift of Sacred Space
While loneliness is marked by a painful sense of disconnection, solitude is the intentional choice to be alone, often for the purpose of spiritual and personal renewal. Solitude is not about isolation; rather, it is about communion with God and oneself. Psychologically, solitude provides a necessary break from the noise of daily life, allowing us to reflect, recharge, and gain clarity.
The Bible illustrates the importance of solitude in Jesus’ life. Before beginning His ministry, Jesus spent forty days alone in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2). Throughout His ministry, He often withdrew to solitary places to pray (Luke 5:16). These moments of solitude were not escapes from reality but intentional times of renewal and deep connection with the Father.
From a psychological standpoint, solitude can be incredibly beneficial. It allows us to process our emotions, deepen our self-awareness, and cultivate creativity. Unlike loneliness, which can drain our spirits, solitude fills us up, preparing us to re-engage with the world with renewed strength and purpose.
Choosing Solitude Over Loneliness
So how do we move from loneliness to solitude? The transition begins with a shift in perspective and intention. Instead of viewing time alone as something to fear, we can embrace it as an opportunity for growth and connection with God.
Seek God in Your Aloneness: When you feel lonely, turn your heart toward God in prayer. Share your feelings with Him, knowing that He listens and cares. Use this time to deepen your relationship with Him, remembering that He is always near.
Intentionally Create Space for Solitude: Set aside time each day to be alone with God, free from distractions. Whether through prayer, meditation, or simply sitting in His presence, let solitude become a time of spiritual renewal.
Reflect and Journal: Use moments of solitude to reflect on your life, your emotions, and your relationship with God. Journaling can be a powerful tool to process your thoughts and discern God’s direction for your life.
Connect with Others: If loneliness persists, it’s important to reach out. Join a small group, engage in community activities, or talk with a trusted friend or counselor. God created us for community, and healthy connections with others are vital to our well-being.
Cultivate Gratitude: In solitude, practice gratitude for the relationships and blessings you do have. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance God has already provided.
The Sacred Balance
Understanding the difference between loneliness and solitude helps us to navigate our emotions with grace and wisdom. Loneliness can be a painful experience, but it also invites us to draw closer to God and others. Solitude, on the other hand, is a sacred space where we find renewal, peace, and a deeper connection with our Creator.
As we embrace the gift of solitude and seek God’s presence in our alone times, we can transform loneliness into an opportunity for spiritual growth and emotional healing. In doing so, we align our hearts with the Psalmist’s declaration: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him" (Psalm 62:1).
Embracing Faith-Based Counseling: A Path for All
In today's diverse world, mental health support is crucial for everyone. But for many, the search for therapy involves navigating a landscape where faith and personal beliefs intersect with professional expertise. Faith-based counseling offers a unique approach that integrates spiritual guidance with psychological support. However, it's essential to recognize that this approach isn't limited to those who share the counselor's faith.
The Intersection of Faith and Therapy
Faith-based counseling is grounded in the belief that mental and emotional well-being is deeply connected to spiritual health. Therapists who are passionate about their faith, whether Christian or otherwise, bring a unique perspective to their practice. They offer more than just professional expertise—they provide support that aligns with their spiritual values and principles. This approach can be incredibly enriching, especially for clients who find comfort in discussing spiritual matters alongside their mental health concerns.
However, a truly effective faith-based counselor understands the importance of inclusivity. They know that the therapeutic process should be open to everyone, regardless of their religious or spiritual background. Their goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive environment where individuals can explore their mental health without feeling pressured to conform to specific religious beliefs.
A Commitment to Inclusivity
Faith-based counselors who love the Lord and hold strong spiritual convictions often see their work as a calling to serve all individuals, not just those who share their faith. This commitment to inclusivity is crucial in ensuring that therapy is accessible and beneficial for a diverse range of clients.
Respect for All Beliefs: A professional therapist with a strong faith background respects and values the beliefs of all clients. They understand that spiritual beliefs are deeply personal and vary widely. This respect fosters a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe and understood, regardless of their own faith or lack thereof.
Focus on Common Human Experiences: While faith-based therapists may incorporate their spiritual insights into their practice, they also focus on universal human experiences—emotions, struggles, and growth. This approach helps bridge the gap between faith and non-faith perspectives, making therapy relevant and effective for everyone.
Ethical and Professional Standards: Faith-based counselors adhere to the same ethical and professional standards as any other mental health professional. Their commitment to confidentiality, respect, and competence remains unwavering, ensuring that clients receive high-quality care.
The Benefits of Faith-Based Counseling
For many, the integration of faith and therapy provides a holistic approach to mental health. It offers a framework for understanding life's challenges that aligns with their personal values and beliefs. However, even for those who do not share the counselor's faith, the benefits of faith-based counseling can be profound:
Holistic Healing: Faith-based counseling often incorporates a comprehensive view of well-being, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach can be especially beneficial for individuals seeking a more integrated form of support.
Compassion and Empathy: Counselors who are guided by their faith often bring a deep sense of compassion and empathy to their practice. This nurturing environment can enhance the therapeutic experience for all clients.
Personal Growth and Reflection: Engaging with a therapist who integrates faith into their practice can encourage clients to explore their own values and beliefs, promoting personal growth and self-reflection.
Finding the Right Fit
The key to successful therapy is finding a counselor who meets your needs and aligns with your values. If you're considering faith-based counseling, look for therapists who emphasize their commitment to working with individuals from all backgrounds. Open communication about your expectations and preferences can help ensure that the therapeutic relationship is both supportive and effective.
In conclusion, faith-based counseling by professional therapists who love the Lord but are dedicated to working with everyone is a valuable and inclusive approach. It blends spiritual insights with professional expertise, offering a compassionate and holistic path to mental well-being. Whether you share the therapist's faith or not, this approach can provide meaningful support and guidance on your journey to mental and emotional health.
Let’s talk about…attachment.
Written by: Andrea Paiva, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor
One of the follow up questions I get asked when telling people what I do for a living is “what made you want to get into that?” I normally have a moment of pause and inner dialogue. Hmm…how much should I share? It’s always fun to be two minutes into a conversation with someone new or a big group of people and all of the sudden I am sharing my life’s testimony of inner healing. Truly, I never mind it. It’s a joy to share what God has done. Some variation of how I was someone who lived with hopelessness, depression, anxiety, and low self esteem, and then Christ, along with the community of believers and therapy helped me to heal emotionally and spiritually. I always add, “How could I experience this healing and not share this hope with others?” It’s the greatest joy to walk in my God-given purpose as a mental health counselor.
It’s so like Him to use our greatest areas of suffering and make it into our ministry to others.
A lot like my own story, healing often happens when we have corrective emotional experiences with others. When the brain has a moment and says, oh, I thought things were this way, but this new experience is allowing me to see things differently. For me, my relationship with God, with the body of believers and with my therapist was pivotal. In the context of counseling, the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist (the attachment) is the greatest predictor of change and healing. To put it plainly, relationships are empowering. Whereas, trauma produces a sense of powerlessness within us.
1 Corinthians 13:3 highlights the importance of faith, hope and love in our walk with the Lord. These are the very things that trauma steals from people. It distorts the very vision of the person where it’s difficult to see how hope can come in once again. It warps the way we view ourselves, God, others and the world. Trauma seeks to isolate us. In that void, dark and alone, Is the breeding ground for the voices in our head to whisper “You’re all alone,” “Something is wrong with you,” “This is all your fault.” Where trauma paralyzes us, faith, hope and love empower us to move forward. When we are unable to hold that kind of hope, our therapist can, our community can, God can.
2 Corinthians 1:4 states, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
As therapists, we get to play the role of new attachment figures for our clients. Having experienced the comfort that we receive from God as His children, we get to provide that comfort back to our clients in the context of the therapeutic relationship.
Attachment is a psychology term that means the emotional bond between a human and its parent figure or caregiver; it is developed as a step in establishing a feeling of security and demonstrated by calmness while in the parent's or caregiver's presence.
Unfortunately, not all of us got to experience that kind of attachment from our caregivers growing up.
To some of us, it’s the most foreign thing we could imagine.
Forming this secure attachment with our clients in their suffering and pouring out the comfort God has given to us is an honor. To sit across from our clients in their most vulnerable moments and hold on to hope when their hope has been shattered makes this really sacred work. The psychology phrase “unconditional positive regard” is one of the skills that makes a therapist great and leads to the best outcomes for their clients. It’s the same unconditional love that God gives us, right in the middle of where we are, no matter what we’ve done, and who we’ve been that is healing. This kind of love says, “I see you, I believe in you and I’m not going anywhere.” This is attachment. This is empowering. Where trauma sought to disempower and discourage, this new relationship between client and therapist has the ability to restore faith, hope and love as God had originally intended in the beginning.
In my own experience, as a therapist who works with trauma, seeing my clients recognize when trauma memories no longer have a hold on them, seeing them no longer live with distorted thoughts of themselves and watching them walk in new found freedom is one of my favorite parts of this work. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
Written by: Andrea Paiva, Licensed Associate Professional Counselor