Biblical counseling is much like secular counseling, where you meet with someone and talk about what is happening in your life that is causing distress or trauma, then work towards a goal to help relieve that distress in a way that is more manageable for day-to-day life. Where Biblical Counseling differs from secular is that we seek to reframe your story from a Biblical perspective.

In essence, biblical counseling looks to the Bible as the ultimate authority for life’s challenges instead of the world. It recognizes that while there are practical tools that can be used in tandem with the Bible, it is the story of Jesus who came to redeem us and the world so that all might find hope in the midst of our daily struggles.

First, as stated in Genesis 1, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Therefore, it makes sense to look to God as our authority and guide on how to live and navigate life while here on earth. He is the ultimate truth and has the final say on how things ought to be. Unfortunately, sin entered our world, and the world dramatically changed forever; this means we all suffer the consequences of sin.

In light of that, I do believe that the Bible is the ultimate truth in all things, and apart from that, we are lost. Along with that, though, God has given us knowledge and wisdom in so many areas that enable us to understand how our minds and bodies work. He made each of us. In Psalm 139, the Psalmist states, “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb…” God knows every intricate detail of our lives and wants to be involved. Yet, He is gracious and merciful to equip us with other tools to help us along the way, and I firmly believe that in tandem with Biblical principles, we can live a more peace-filled, joyful life.

Time spent with a child looks much different from time spent with a teen or young adult. I will still spend a lot of time getting to know them personally, asking questions about their likes and dislikes, hobbies, and interests to find common ground between us. Then, depending on the situation, we may draw together, read a book, play with toys, or play a game while at the same time helping them see their problem from a different perspective. That same idea of reframing the picture in view of who God is, how He made them individually, and where they can find hope in all of that.

Depending on the issue, we may practice tools to help them in school, to recognize triggers before they become a problem, or walk through a particular situation, a trauma perhaps, that is challenging for them to move beyond.

It’s not my job to save you or convert you, so that’s not part of our time together. I will listen to you with compassion and grace, just like Jesus did when He walked this earth. It is my goal to come alongside you and get to know you in your struggle, just as Jesus did with the Samaritan woman and others who were struggling. Through that, it is my prayer that you will come to know the love of Jesus, but our time will be focused on your needs and the goals we can accomplish together to bring you peace and joy.

No, unfortunately, I am not licensed in the state of Maryland because my degree was earned at a seminary. However, some insurance companies may pay a portion of the fee as an out-of-network provider if you submit a claim yourself and have out-of-network benefits.