CLIENT RESOURCES
Mental Health Links & Resources.
The following links are listed to provide you with additional online mental health care information and counseling resources. Note: Open to Healing Christian Counseling is not responsible for the content, claims, or representations of the listed sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can counseling help me?
My counseling approach can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find therapy beneficial to managing personal growth, improving interpersonal relationships, and addressing family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. I can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution as we explore your life along with behaviors and personal thoughts and beliefs, and, possibly, replace them with the best ones for you. Furthermore, at the heart of my practice is a commitment to meet each client where they are in life and go from there whether they want a faith-based approach or not. Additionally, I am dedicated to implementing a Christ-centered approach along with evidence-based therapeutic techniques, ensuring a holistic healing experience to help with life’s struggles.
While the benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn, some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Getting closer with God
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your 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
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. Even though you may have successfully navigated through previous difficulties you many now find you need extra support. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; in fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand. This is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting your position in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome the challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy?
Each person’s therapy experience will be slightly different based on the presenting issue and goals you have for therapy. Generally, you can expect your therapist to ask questions about the current events occurring in your life that has led you to seek therapy and any personal history relevant to the presenting problem. Depending on your specific needs, the therapy process may be short with 6 to 8 sessions, or longer with 12 to 16 sessions as you work toward reaching your therapeutic goals. Typically, we see progress occur at a faster pace when clients schedule weekly sessions with their therapist. Additionally, you can expect your therapist to ask you to do things outside the weekly session that may involve reading a pertinent book, journaling about specific topics, reflecting on certain behaviors, and taking specific steps to reach your goals.
What is therapy like?
Because people have different issues and goals for their therapy, each person’s therapy will differ depending on the individual. Generally, you can expect to discuss the events currently happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, or longer-term to address more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions (usually weekly) with your therapist.
You will get better results from therapy when you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in therapy back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest things you can do outside of therapy to support your process, such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.
Do I have to be a Christian/member of the church to receive care?
We meet every individual, couple, & family where they are and connect them with a Christian-based, professionally trained therapist to begin the healing journey. While we provide professional counseling within a Christ-centered framework, there is no requirement for clients to be associated with any faith based organization, and clients direct how much, if any, spiritual integration is part of their therapy process.
Do you recommend psychiatrists or psychiatric evaluations?
There may be times when your therapist may recommend a medical evaluation. However, we believe therapy can oftentimes address the root causes and may resolve the issues of anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and trauma. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what is best for you. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Do you take insurance?
I am contracted with the various insurance companies listed above. If you decide to see me, but I am out of network with your insurance, you will be emailed an invoice after each session and a superbill monthly, which will include a diagnosis for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement under your insurance’s out-of-network benefits
What about confidentiality?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components of the client/psychotherapist relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter, usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of his or her confidential disclosure agreement (called “Informed Consent”), and you can expect what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.
Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your physician, naturopath, attorney). By law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations: Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders requires therapists to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources, or if the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
What is the privacy policy?
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions to this are noted below.
- If child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse is suspected, the therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, the therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, the therapist will make every effort to enlist the client’s cooperation to ensure his/her safety. If they do not cooperate, the therapist will take further measures, provided by law and not requiring the client’s permission, to ensure the client’s safety.
FAQS
Have questions?
Find answers to commonly asked questions about my services and counseling approach. Reach out if you can’t find an answer, and I’m here to talk!
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Find support and guidance at Open to healing Christian Counseling
Addiction is a chronic condition that leads to compulsive substance use or behaviors despite negative consequences. It affects the brain’s reward system, making it difficult to control cravings and actions.
Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Psychosis is a mental health condition characterized by a disconnection from reality.
Life is a complex and beautiful journey, full of experiences that shape who we are. It's a mix of highs and lows, challenges and triumphs, love and loss, joy and sorrow.
Mania is a state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, energy levels, and activity.
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived threats, but when it becomes persistent, excessive, or interferes with daily life, it can turn into an anxiety disorder.
A generational issue refers to a problem, challenge, or topic that affects people across different generations in varying ways, often due to differences in upbringing, values, experiences, and perspectives. These issues can shape or divide families, communities, and even entire societies as they reflect the changing norms, technologies, and cultural shifts over time.
Experiences shape our lives in profound ways. They are the events, situations, and interactions that leave a lasting impact on our emotions, thoughts, and actions. Whether positive, negative, or neutral, our experiences help define who we are, how we view the world, and how we navigate our relationships with others.
Trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical response to an event or series of events that are deeply distressing or harmful.
Negative Thought Patterns refer to habitual ways of thinking that reinforce feelings of distress, hopelessness, and negativity. These patterns often emerge automatically and can be harmful to emotional and mental well-being, especially if they’re frequent or persistent.
No Higher Power Living without a belief in a higher power is a perspective that many people hold, and it can shape how they view the world, find meaning, and approach life.
Irrational Thinking refers to thoughts that are unreasonable, illogical, or distorted, often based on emotions rather than facts or evidence. These types of thoughts can create unnecessary stress, anxiety, or confusion because they don’t align with reality or are based on faulty assumptions.
Situations refer to the set of circumstances or conditions in which something occurs or develops. They are the context, environment, or state of affairs that influence or shape how events unfold, and they can vary widely in their nature and complexity.
Unforgiveness is the refusal or inability to let go of resentment, anger, or hurt caused by someone else's actions. It often involves holding onto negative emotions, thoughts, or grudges related to an event or a person who has caused harm or wronged you.
