Some people want a counselor who shares their faith. Some want a counselor who will leave it alone. Many want something in between: a therapist who will not flinch when they mention God, and who will not bring Him up unasked. I try to be that counselor.

What faith-informed means here

I am a Christian and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. Both are true in the room. I bring my own faith to this work, and I respect yours, whatever it is or isn't. In practice that means you lead. If your faith is part of how you understand your life, it can be part of how we work. If you want to open a session with prayer, we can. If a passage of Scripture is on your mind, bring it. If none of that is for you, none of it will happen. Scripture and prayer come in only if you ask for them.

Faith-informed is not a separate kind of therapy. The clinical work is the same work: cognitive behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety and depression, careful trauma-focused work, family systems with couples and with parents and grown children. What changes is that your beliefs are treated as part of who you are, not as a symptom, and not as something to leave in the parking lot.

What it is not

• It is not pastoral counseling. I am not your pastor and will not tell you what to believe or how to practice.
• It is not a substitute for medical care. If medication or a higher level of care would help, I say so.
• It is not a test. You do not have to be a good Christian, or any Christian, to be here. Doubt, anger at God, and a faith you walked away from are all welcome subjects.
• It is not a place where "pray more" is the treatment plan.

When faith is part of the wound

For some people the church was where the harm happened, or where it was covered up. Others carry shame from teaching they absorbed young. If that is your story, we can work with it honestly. You will not be asked to defend the institution, and you will not be asked to abandon what still matters to you.

Who I see

Adults 18 and up, anywhere in Oregon, by video. Individuals, couples, and families. Serving Black and African American clients and Christian clients is a particular focus of my practice, and I welcome clients of any faith or none.

Start with a conversation

Every new client begins with a free 15-minute consultation. Tell me what you are looking for, including how much or how little you want faith to be part of it, and I will tell you honestly whether I am the right fit. Reach me through calledtohealcounseling.org or call (541) 229-3758. Online booking opens soon.