“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives.”
— Brené Brown

Just as our bodies can experience physical distress, so can our mind and spirit.  Spiritual distress is often caused by the inability to find sources of meaning, hope, love, peace, comfort, strength and connection in life or when conflict occurs between our beliefs and what is happening in our lives. 

As faith and mental/emotional health intersect, questions can arise such as “Why has God allowed this (depression, trauma, anxiety, etc.) into my life?”, “Why isn’t my faith enough to make me happy?”, or “Am I lacking the faith for God to heal this emotional hurt?”.  I believe that often at this intersection people can experience spiritual/religious dissonance, when your emotional, intellectual and/or social experiences conflict with your spiritual/religious awareness and beliefs.   

Therapy that allows for the exploration of both mental and spiritual wellness provides opportunities to find deeper meaning and insight into those discrepancies and encourages bridges to be built between them.  

While faith-based, biblical and pastoral counseling are great avenues of support that will explore these concerns from the foundation of your faith traditions' doctrine and belief systems - our work together will focus slightly more on how your own personal spiritual/religious beliefs and experiences, past and present, are shaping the way you think and feel in regard to your mental/emotional health.

 

Clergy, Pastors & Faith Leaders

As a clergy, pastor or faith leader - there are also many specific needs that can be met in a therapeutic relationship and/or through professional consultation.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are looking for:

  • A comfortable and confidential space to work through your own past hurts, current mental and emotional health needs and/or compassion fatigue or burnout, in order to effectively care for your congregation, ministry team leaders or small group participants. 
     
  • Consultation and education on best practices regarding integration of mental health needs into pastoral care and/or when to refer out to a mental health professional.
     
  • A referral for someone under your spiritual care whose faith and mental health concerns are connected or someone who would like their faith integrated into the therapeutic process.