My Approach: Integrating Clinical Methodologies with the Christian Faith

I use a variety of evidence-based methodologies, each grounded in principles that align with the Christian faith, to help you achieve lasting change and personal growth. My goal is to respect your autonomy while helping you connect with God's will for your life. I don't only use these methodologies; I believe in these, and I live these in my own life; It is my way of interacting with the world and the people within it.

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Methodologies and Philosophies

Motivational Interviewing (MI) MI is a non-confrontational, empathetic approach that helps you explore your motivations for change. I believe that true, lasting change comes from within, and I use MI to help you resolve the internal conflict between your actions and your values. This honors your God-given agency and aligns with the biblical call for compassion and self-examination. I help you see the need for change from your values perspective, leading to a path of transformation.

Galatians 5:17 "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

 

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) SFBT is a forward-looking, strengths-based approach that helps you build on what’s already working. Instead of dwelling on past problems, we help you envision a "preferred future" and identify the small steps to get there. This resonates with the Christian message of hope and God's promises for the future. I view your strengths and successes as evidence of God's grace in your life and we will work together to use them to create a better future, aligning with the biblical call to faithfulness in small things.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Matthew 25:21 "His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"

 

Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) PCT is a non-directive approach that empowers you to lead the therapeutic process. My role is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space rooted in empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. This mirrors God's unconditional love and aligns with the Christian belief in your inherent worth as a person created in God's image (imago Dei).

Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."

Romans 5:8 "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

 

Goal-Focused Coaching This collaborative approach helps you identify and achieve specific goals by creating a clear vision for the future and developing an action plan. This is deeply aligned with the biblical call for stewardship of your God-given gifts and purpose. I help you move past a passive life to take concrete steps towards your future.

1 Peter 4:10 "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:"

 

Trauma-Informed Therapy This is a framework for all our work, recognizing the profound impact of trauma in your life.  It prioritizes safety and trustworthiness. I will create a secure environment where you can heal without fear of re-traumatization, reflecting God's character as our refuge. My focus is on empowerment and restoring your God-given dignity, helping you reclaim your identity.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

 

A Systems Approach This approach understands that you are part of interconnected systems like your family and community. Instead of placing blame, we explore how relationships and environments contribute to a problem. This aligns with the biblical concept of the Body of Christ and the command to "love your neighbor". We facilitate repentance and reconciliation by acknowledging that all parts of the system is responsible for our brokenness.

1 Corinthians 12:26 "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."

Mark 12:31 "The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

 

Person-in-Environment (PIE) Perspective The PIE framework views you within the context of your environment, including social, cultural, and economic factors. It moves beyond individual blame to consider how external factors shape your life. This perspective resonates with the biblical call for social justice and compassion, and Jesus's model of holistic care for the whole person—body, soul, and spirit. It reminds us that we are all interconnected and that healing often requires relationship with each other and God.

Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

 

Appreciative Inquiry (AI) AI focuses on what gives you and your community life, building on strengths to create a desired future. This approach starts with an attitude of gratitude and thanksgiving, appreciating God's blessings and provision. It's rooted in the belief that everyone has a "positive core" that reflects being created in God's image (imago Dei). AI also emphasizes the power of words to "create worlds," aligning with the biblical understanding that our words can build up or tear down.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Proverbs 18:21 "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

 

Positive Psychology Positive psychology is the scientific study of human flourishing. I use its principles to help you cultivate character strengths and Christian virtues like gratitude, hope, and forgiveness, which are a reflection of the "fruit of the Spirit". This approach focuses on God's creation and goodness, helping you find meaning and purpose in serving something greater than yourself. The emphasis on strong relationships and community also mirrors the New Testament's call to love and support one another.

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

 

Nutrition for Mental Health Nutrition is powerful in preventing and healing disease. It aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship of the body, viewing healthy eating as an act of worship. We honor God's provision by using natural, whole foods for their healing properties, embracing a holistic view of wellness that connects physical health to our spiritual and emotional well-being. It is about you becoming an active, empowered participant in your own health journey. It aligns with the Christian emphasis on personal responsibility and dignity. I believe that God has given you the agency to make wise choices and that this is a practical expression of faith and action. I will partner with you to make deliberate decisions that honor God with your body.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

James 2:17 "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."