When You Know the Truth but Don’t Feel Free

Posted on September 30, 2026 by Shawn Maguire, LPC

God created us as whole people. We think, feel, remember, relate, respond physically, and experience life spiritually.

Pain can reach every one of those areas. That’s why healing sometimes has to reach them too.

Why Knowing Isn’t Always the Same as Healing

Here’s the reality. You can change the way you think about an experience while your emotions and your body stay stuck in the old pattern.

You may know, “That happened years ago. I’m safe today.” Yet your body still reacts to a reminder as if the threat is happening right now.

That doesn’t mean truth isn’t working. It means healing may need to reach more than your conscious thoughts.

What Is Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT)?

Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT) is an approach designed to work with emotional and physiological responses. It can include light, color wavelengths, eye movement, and interpersonal connection.

The goal is to help identify and transform emotional patterns that keep shaping how you experience life. At New Vision Counseling and Consulting, our therapists in Edmond and Oklahoma City use ETT alongside other modalities such as EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to list just a few.

Where Faith and Healing Meet

This is where Christian counseling becomes so meaningful for the clients who want it.

Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). I love that verse.

But many people sitting in counseling offices already know a tremendous amount of truth:

- They know God loves them.

- They know they have value.

- They know their past doesn’t define them.

Yet emotionally, they still live as though the opposite were true.

Good Christian counseling should never tell someone to pray harder, have more faith, or memorize another verse when their nervous system is carrying years of pain.

Faith and excellent clinical care work together. For clients who want their Christian faith included, we honor what Scripture teaches about truth, identity, forgiveness, hope, and restoration while we address the emotional wounds that keep getting in the way. Clients who don’t wish to incorporate faith receive the same high standard of care.

When Pain Becomes Identity

One of the greatest dangers of unresolved pain is that we start confusing what happened to us with who we are.

- “I experienced rejection” becomes “I’m unwanted.”

- “I failed” becomes “I’m a failure.”

- “Someone abandoned me” becomes “Everyone eventually leaves.”

- “I was hurt” becomes “I can never trust anyone again.”

Those are very different statements.

Your experiences matter. Your wounds matter. Your story matters. But your pain is part of your story. It doesn’t get to become your identity.

For Christians, our deepest identity comes from something greater than the worst thing that ever happened to us. It comes from the God who created us, loves us, redeems us, and is still writing our story.

Coping Is Good. Healing Is Better.

I don’t want people simply learning to tolerate anxiety, trauma, shame, anger, or fear for the rest of their lives if deeper healing is possible.

Coping skills matter, and sometimes they’re exactly what you need. But counseling can also ask a bigger question: What is underneath this, and can it actually change?

That’s where approaches like ETT get me excited. We can work not only with what you think, but with emotional responses that have been reinforced for years. When you want it, we bring faith into that process, not as a substitute for therapy, but as part of understanding meaning, identity, hope, and restoration.

The Goal Is Freedom

The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is greater freedom.

- Freedom to respond to today instead of reacting to yesterday.

- Freedom to experience relationships without old wounds running the present.

- Freedom to believe the truth about yourself at a deeper level.

- Freedom to become more fully the person God created you to be.

Your story matters, but the painful chapters don’t get to decide how it ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ETT therapy?

Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT) is a counseling approach that works with emotional and physical responses using elements like light, color wavelengths, eye movement, and connection with your therapist.

Do I have to include faith in my counseling?

No. Faith is an invitation you can take up as much or as little as you want. Your quality of care stays the same either way.

What does ETT help with?

Therapists use ETT with anxiety, trauma, depression, grief, shame, anger, and long-standing emotional patterns, to list just a few.

Where is New Vision Counseling located?

We have offices in Edmond and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Take the Next Step

There’s more to your story, and healing can be part of what comes next. You don’t have to stay stuck, and you don’t have to walk this path alone.

Call (405) 921-7776 or visit NewVisionCounseling.org to schedule with a counselor in Edmond or Oklahoma City.

Shawn Maguire, LPC Founder | Counselor | Speaker New Vision Counseling and Consulting

What Are Our Options When Divorce Feels Like the Only One Left?

Posted on September 21, 2026 by Shawn Maguire, LPC

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been thinking about it for a while. Not out loud, and maybe not to anyone. Just the quiet arithmetic of what your life would look like on the other side of a decision you never planned to make.

We want to say something clearly before anything else. You’re not in trouble here. Couples arrive at this point for real reasons, usually after years of trying, and nobody at New Vision is going to greet that with a lecture. What we can offer is a clearer picture of what’s actually available to you. Most couples at this stage believe they have two options. They usually have more.

If there’s violence in your home, or you’re afraid for your physical safety, that changes the order of everything that follows. Safety comes first. Tell us when you call, and we’ll help you figure out the immediate next step before anything else.

What Does It Mean If Divorce Is Already on the Table?

It usually means one of two things, and the difference matters.

Sometimes divorce is a decision that’s already been made, and what’s left is the how. That’s a real place to be, and it deserves an honest response, not a sales pitch for staying.

More often, though, divorce is the word people reach for when they’ve run out of other words. They’ve tried everything and feel like nothing is left. It means “I can’t keep living like this.” It means “nothing I try changes anything.” It means “I’m exhausted, and I need something to be different.” Those are statements about the present, not conclusions about the future. They’re often the first honest thing a couple has said to each other in a long time.

That second version has a lot of room in it. The couples who surprise themselves are almost always the ones who thought they were at the end of their marriage, and were actually at the end of one particular way of doing things.

What Options Exist Besides Separating?

There are more options than most couples realize by the time they call. Some of these may fit your situation and some won’t. A first conversation is usually how you find out which is which.

Working on it together. Both of you engaged, with a structured plan instead of another round of the same conversations.
One person starting alone. You’re half of the marriage, so when you change, the marriage changes. A great many couples here began exactly that way.
Getting clear before deciding anything. Making a decision with help, rather than out of exhaustion at eleven at night.
Treating the individual issue driving it. Depression, trauma that predates the marriage, anger, or a dependence on something that’s quietly costing you both.
Rebuilding after a betrayal. This is slow, specific work, and more marriages survive it than people expect.
Structured time apart. This is different from drifting apart in the same house, and different from separating with no goals or terms. It means the two of you agree on the terms and the purpose together: what you will and won’t do, where the kids go, money and budget, transportation, date nights, counseling, and the patterns and behaviors that keep breaking the marriage down. It also means counting the full cost of divorce. What do you expect separation or divorce to give you, and what will it actually look like? What will it cost you, your spouse, your children, your work, and your relationships? Why do you believe the future will be better without your spouse in it? If abuse is involved, that needs to be named clearly as well. These are just a few of the areas to work through.
Getting help with the parenting piece. Whatever the two of you decide, your kids need to be carried well through it.

That last one holds no matter which direction things go, which is why we include it here and not at the end.

These options aren’t a ladder you climb in order. Couples land in different places depending on what’s driving the crisis, how much energy each person has left, and whether one specific issue has been quietly running the whole situation. Part of a first conversation is figuring out which of these is actually yours, instead of defaulting to the one you’ve already tried three times.

What Happens in Counseling Before a Couple Decides Anything?

There’s less advice than people expect and a lot more listening.

The first session is mostly about understanding what actually happened. Not the argument from last Tuesday, but the shape of the last several years. What each of you has already tried. What changed, and when. What each of you wants now. For many couples, that’s the first time either of them has been asked that question directly by someone with no stake in the answer.

From there, the work gets specific. Our therapists are trained in approaches such as the Gottman Method, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), and experiential therapy, to name a few. Practically, that means we’re not sitting with you hoping something shifts. We’re working a pattern with tools designed to change it.

Most couples start out meeting weekly at this stage. A marriage in crisis loses ground when sessions are spread too far apart. That changes as things stabilize.

We’ll also tell you the truth about what we see. If the work is moving, you’ll hear that. If it’s not, you’ll hear that too, early enough to do something with it. Nobody is served by a year of pleasant sessions that go nowhere.

What If Only One of Us Is Willing to Come?

Come anyway.

It’s one of the calls we get most often, and it’s a solid way to begin. One person in counseling changes the dynamic between two people, sometimes considerably. You get clearer about what you want, steadier in how you respond, and better at saying the hard thing without setting off the usual chain reaction. Spouses notice that. A fair number of them end up in the room later because of it.

And if your spouse never comes, the work still belongs to you. Whatever happens with the marriage, you’re the one who has to live your life afterward. Arriving there with more clarity and less damage is worth something on its own.

Where Does Faith Fit When Things Have Gotten This Far?

Wherever you want it. We ask instead of assuming.

If faith is central to how you’re thinking about this, we can work from a Christian worldview and go as deep as you’d like. If you’d rather leave faith out of the conversation, we will, and you’ll get the same quality of care either way. You can also change your mind partway through.

We’re a faith-based practice, not a ministry. Everyone on our team is licensed and doing real clinical work, and faith is the ground they stand on while they do it.

One thing we’ll say plainly. It’s not our place to hand down a verdict on your marriage. Your convictions are yours, your church community is yours, and the decision belongs to you. So do the consequences. What we can do is walk alongside you, help you heal, uncover where you’re stuck, and help you make massive progress in how your marriage operates and how you both experience it. That way, you make your decisions with a clear head, real information, and every option on the table.

Is What We Say in Counseling Kept Private From Our Church?

Yes, and you control what gets shared.

Everything said in session is confidential and protected by law. It reaches your pastor, your small group, or anyone else only if you sign a release authorizing it, and you set the exact limits of what that release covers. The only exceptions are a few situations the law spells out, mostly around safety, and we’ll walk you through those at your first appointment.

Our recommendation is simple. If bringing your pastor or church into the loop would help you right now, do it. If it wouldn’t, that’s your call, and we’ll honor it either way.

Is It Too Late for Us?

Almost certainly less late than it feels right now.

The research is more encouraging than the folklore. Couples take an average of 2.68 years between recognizing a serious problem and walking into a counselor’s office, and most come in within two years. The researchers who measured that were specifically pushing back on the idea that couples who wait are beyond help. Their conclusion was the opposite. Most couples aren’t coming in too late at all.

What we see matches that. The couples who worry most about being too far gone tend to be the ones still invested enough to worry, and that tells us something. People who’ve truly stopped caring don’t research their options at midnight.

That said, we’ll be honest about your situation, including how willing you and your spouse are to change, based on the effort, investment, and actions each of you actually shows. We’ll help you see the truth of where you are, and we’ll help you picture the future you could work toward. In the end, you choose, and your spouse chooses, what you’re each willing to do.

What If We End Up Separating Anyway?

Then we help you separate as well as it can be done.

Some marriages end. We’re not going to pretend otherwise, and we’re not going to hold anyone hostage to an outcome we can’t promise. If that’s where things land, counseling still has real work to do. We help you and your spouse handle it with less damage, help your kids through something they didn’t choose, and help you understand what happened so you don’t carry it unexamined into the rest of your life.

Where both of you are willing, we will fight for your marriage. We will never guilt or shame you into staying in a marriage that’s unhealthy, unsafe, or abusive. That decision is yours.

Coming in doesn’t commit you to an outcome. It gives your marriage a real chance to heal. If you and your spouse are both willing to do that work, you won’t be doing it alone. We’ll walk every step with you and help you build the marriage you hoped for the day you said “I do.”

What Is the First Step?

You don’t have to know what you want before you call. You can call while your spouse is still undecided. You can call just to find out what’s available and go from there. Or you can call because you want to save your marriage and you’re ready to do everything in your power to make it work. We’re here for you either way.

Call us at (405) 921-7776, or tell us what’s going on through our get started form whenever you’re ready, and we’ll reach out to you.

How Do We Help Our Child Cope With Questions of Faith?

Posted on September 4, 2026 by New Vision Counseling & Consulting

It usually comes out sideways.

In the car on the way home from church. At the end of a long day when you’re already tired. Sometimes it’s a real question, and sometimes it’s a sentence dropped like a stone: I don’t know if I believe any of this anymore.

And something in your chest drops with it.

If you’re anything like most parents who sit down across from us, the first thing that hits isn’t theology. It’s fear. What did I do wrong? Did I not pray enough over this kid? Is this the beginning of losing them?

Take a breath, because here’s what’s true. Your child asking hard questions about God is not proof that something has gone wrong. In a lot of families, it’s proof that your child is old enough to want a faith of their own instead of one they borrowed from you.

And as hard as it is to sit with, that’s the whole point. You were never trying to raise a kid who could recite what you believe. You were raising a person who could stand on something real when you’re not in the room. That doesn’t happen without questions. It’s frightening to watch. It’s also exactly what you’ve been praying for since they were small, just arriving in a form nobody warns you about.

If questions about faith are creating tension at home, we are here for you. We’d be glad to help your family stay connected while you work through it. Call us at (405) 921-7776 or visit NewVisionCounseling.org whenever you’re ready.

Is It Normal for Kids and Teens to Question Their Faith?

Yes. And it’s more common than most of us in the church talk about openly.

Young children mostly receive faith the way they receive everything else, through their family. Then they get older, and they start holding what they were taught up against their own experience, their friendships, what they’re learning at school, and whatever showed up on their phone at 11 p.m.

That last part is new, and it isn’t small. Your child’s faith isn’t being questioned politely by one skeptical teacher. It’s being picked apart in comment sections, in clips built to make what your family believes look stupid. It’s constant, it’s loud, and it lands in their hand while they’re lying in bed. Most of us didn’t have to grow up under that kind of noise, and it’s worth remembering that when we’re tempted to wonder why our kids are struggling with things we didn’t.

Researchers who study this describe religious doubt as part of identity and faith development in adolescence and young adulthood. Not a malfunction. A stage.

The questions usually sound something like:

Why do we believe what we believe?
How do we know God is real?
Why does God allow bad things to happen?
Do I have to believe everything my family believes?
Why are the people I know from other religions so sure they’re right?
What if I’m not sure what I believe?

Every one of those is uncomfortable to hear from your own kid. But look at who else has asked them.

Job lost his children, his health, and everything he owned, and he spent most of a book demanding that God explain Himself. David, the same man who wrote the psalm about green pastures, also wrote one that opens by asking God how much longer he was going to be forgotten. And when the disciples told Thomas that Jesus had risen, Thomas said flatly that he wouldn’t believe it unless he could see and touch the wounds himself. Jesus showed up a week later and offered him His hands.

Scripture is not embarrassed by hard questions. We don’t need to be either.

Questioning and rejecting are not the same thing. Your child may simply be moving from a faith they were handed to a faith they are starting to examine, and potentially make their own. That transition can be messy. It can also be the most important thing that happens to them.

How Can Parents Respond Without Shutting the Conversation Down?

Your first reaction matters more than your best argument.

When a teenager says “I don’t know if I believe this anymore,” it is a completely human thing to feel defensive. But correcting them on the spot, debating them, or treating the moment like a five-alarm crisis usually ends the conversation you most want to keep having.

Here’s what’s at stake. Pew Research found that among teens who hold beliefs different from their parents, about a third say their parent doesn’t know.

Read that again. A third of those kids are already carrying it alone. Whether your child is in that group has less to do with what you believe and more to do with whether they think it’s safe to say it out loud in your kitchen.

Get curious before you get concerned.

Try, “What’s been making you think about that?” Or, “Tell me more about what you mean.”

The answer might surprise you. Maybe something happened at church that they haven’t told you about. Maybe a friend asked a question they couldn’t answer and it rattled them. Maybe they lost someone and they’re trying to square that with a good God. Maybe they’re just starting to think for themselves.

You don’t have to agree with where your child is landing to want to understand how they got there.

“I don’t know” is a faithful answer.

A lot of us feel like we have to defend every corner of the faith immediately, and in front of our own kids, and without advance notice.

You don’t.

There are questions about suffering, justice, sex, identity, and God that grown believers have wrestled with for centuries and are still wrestling with. Saying “that’s a really good question, and I don’t have a simple answer” doesn’t weaken your witness. It shows your child a faith that’s big enough to hold honesty.

There’s a story in the ninth chapter of Mark that most parents in your position would recognize instantly. A father brings his son to Jesus. The boy has been suffering for years, the father has already tried everyone else, and he is out of options. Jesus tells him that anything is possible for the person who believes. And the father says the most honest sentence in the whole book: “I believe; help my unbelief.”

Read that again. He says he believes and he admits he’s struggling to, in the same breath, out loud, in front of everyone. Jesus doesn’t correct him for it. He helps his son.

That father wasn’t faking certainty he didn’t have. He brought what he actually had. If that’s where you are tonight, you’re in very good company, and it’s enough.

What Should Parents Avoid When a Child Questions Their Faith?

Sometimes what we don’t say matters as much as what we do.

Try to stay away from the responses that land as shame, even when they come from love:

“How could you believe that?”
“We didn’t raise you this way.”
“You’re just being rebellious.”
“You’ll understand when you’re older.”
“Don’t question God.”
“What are people at church going to think?”

That last one deserves a second look. When a kid hears it, they learn that the family’s reputation matters more than their soul. That is almost never what we mean. It is often what they hear.

Say what your family believes. Say it clearly. Just don’t attach your child’s belonging to their agreement.

Something as simple as “you know what I believe, and you can always bring me your questions about it” changes the temperature of the whole house.

One more thing, gently. If anyone has ever made you feel like a child who questions is proof that you failed as a parent, put that down before you walk into your kid’s room. Carrying a guilty verdict into a conversation makes it very hard to listen. You cannot parent well out of shame, and God is not asking you to.

How Can Families Stay Connected Through Differences in Belief?

Faith shapes your family’s traditions, your community, your calendar, your understanding of how the world works. When your child starts pulling at it, it can feel like the whole structure is shifting.

So protect what holds you together while the questions do their work.

Keep eating dinner together. Keep asking about their friends, their team, their music, the thing they’re excited about that has nothing to do with any of this. Keep showing up to their stuff. And when faith does come up, resist the urge to turn every mention of it into a teaching moment. Kids can feel a lesson coming from three rooms away.

Your child needs to know your love for them isn’t tied to them reaching the right conclusion by a certain deadline.

Jesus told a story about this that a lot of people have heard the name of without knowing the details. It’s usually called the parable of the prodigal son. A man has two sons. The younger one asks for his share of the inheritance early, which in that culture was close to telling his father he wished he were dead. The father gives it to him. The son leaves, spends all of it, and ends up broke and starving in a foreign country.

Here’s the part that matters for us. The father never chases him down the road to argue him out of leaving. He lets him go. And then he watches the horizon. When that boy finally turns around and comes home, still a long way off, his father sees him coming and runs to meet him.

That’s not giving up. That’s the hardest and most active kind of love there is: refusing to force it, and refusing to stop watching for them.

None of this means faith disappears from your home. Keep praying, out loud and over them. Keep going to church. Keep living what you believe where they can see it, including the parts where you struggle, apologize, and come back. A faith your child watches you actually live is more persuasive than any argument you’ll win at the dinner table.

When Does a Child’s Faith Questioning Need Professional Support?

Asking hard questions about God does not mean your child needs counseling.

But sometimes the questions aren’t only questions. That same research on religious doubt in adolescence found that doubts are often tied to psychological distress, and that the link can be strongest for the kids who hold their faith most seriously. Which is to say: the child who cares deeply is sometimes the one struggling hardest underneath it.

Consider reaching out when you’re seeing:

Anxiety, depression, or hopelessness alongside the spiritual questions
Grief or a loss that the questions seem to be circling
Withdrawal from friends, family, activities, or things they used to love
Shame or fear of punishment that is bigger than the situation calls for
Conflict at home that keeps escalating no matter how carefully you handle it
A hurt from a church, a leader, or a community that hasn’t been dealt with

That last one is real, and it’s worth naming plainly. Sometimes what looks like a child walking away from God is a child walking away from something that was done to them by people who claimed His name. Those are different problems and they need different care.

A fair question at this point: is Christian counseling actually counseling? Here, yes. Faith is the foundation we work from, and the work itself is real clinical treatment delivered by licensed therapists. Those two things have never been in competition at New Vision, and we won’t hand your family prayer in place of care. If you’d rather we not include faith in the work, we won’t.

And if your child isn’t sure what they believe right now, they’ll be met exactly where they are. We’re not going to corner a kid who is already wrestling. Meeting them honestly is what keeps them in the chair long enough for anything to help.

Shawn Maguire has been counseling since 1994 and founded New Vision Counseling and Consulting in 2003. Our team works with individuals, couples, kids, and families across Oklahoma City, Edmond, and the rest of the state, and we build treatment around the family in front of us. Our family counseling helps households stay connected when something important is being renegotiated, and you can meet our counselors before you ever pick a name.

Will a Christian Counselor Try to Talk My Child Back Into Faith?

Here’s what we focus on.

We help your child discover where they stepped away. What changed. Where the disconnect happened.

Most of the time it traces back to something specific. A hurt. A person. A season of bad theology that was taught wrong. Something they watched or absorbed that shaped their thinking without them realizing it. We help them see that clearly, often for the first time.

From there, we help them understand how their beliefs have been forming. Not to hand them a conclusion, but to help them get honest about the why behind where they are now.

Then we move forward. We help them get to know themselves, their story, and their wounds. And we help them build a vision of who they want to become.

We don’t want them to shut the door on faith. We want them to stay curious and open. If they keep pursuing and identifying the areas of their life and themselves that need to shift, that’s what matters. Even if they’re in a faith drought, even if they don’t know what they believe yet, even if they’re still figuring it out, which is most of us at some level for the rest of our lives, we want that door to stay open. Not shut because of hurt and wounds.

It’s interesting how many people who don’t believe in God carry a strong aversion, even hatred, toward Him. We want to be the opposite of that.

And parents, your role in that faith journey matters more than you know. Your faith, your prayers, and the way you live in front of your child are a constant invitation. Not pressure. Not ultimatums. Just the steady presence of Christ’s love while they work through their own path.

Questions Christian Parents Ask Us

Is it a sin for my child to doubt? That’s a question for your pastor as much as your counselor, and we’d point you to the fact that Scripture is full of faithful people asking God hard things. What we see clinically is that doubt handled in the open tends to resolve better than doubt driven underground.

My teenager doesn’t want to go to church anymore. Do I make them go? It depends on their age, what’s driving it, and what a fight over it would cost the relationship. It’s worth finding out what they’re actually avoiding before you decide. Often it’s a person, a group, or a feeling of not fitting in.

What if my spouse and I disagree about how to handle this? Very common, and worth addressing directly, because kids read the disagreement between parents faster than they read either parent. This is something families can work through together in counseling, and it often responds very well when parents are open to finding alignment around what is best for their child.

Do you see families in both Oklahoma City and Edmond? Yes. We serve families at both locations and clients from all across Oklahoma, with a team of counselors and a range of specialties, so we can match your family with the right fit.

Your Child’s Questions Are Not the End of the Story

You are not failing because your kid is asking.

You are being invited into one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with them, and the fact that they brought it to you at all says something about the home you built.

Remember what you’re actually after here. Not a child who just agrees with you to get you to go away. A grown man or woman whose faith belongs to them, holds weight, and stands up on the day you aren’t there to hold it up for them. Questions are how they find out whether it holds. Better they ask them at your kitchen table than alone at 2 a.m. in a dorm room three years from now.

Keep the door open. Keep praying. Keep loving them out loud in a way they cannot miss. And if the weight of it is more than your family should carry by itself, that’s what we’re here for.

We can’t promise you a specific outcome. We can promise this: we will listen, we will take your family’s faith seriously, and we will work hard alongside you.

If you want help, we are here. Call us at (405) 921-7776 or visit NewVisionCounseling.org whenever you’re ready. We serve families throughout Oklahoma City, Edmond, and across Oklahoma.

Sources

Kézdy et al., Religious doubts and mental health in adolescence and young adulthood, Journal of Adolescence
Pew Research Center, Shared religious beliefs between parents and teens
Pew Research Center, Religious affiliation among American adolescents

What is Christian counseling?

Posted on January 9, 2026 by New Vision Counseling and Consulting

What is Christian counseling?

Christian counseling represents a unique approach to mental health care that integrates psychological principles with biblical teachings and spiritual guidance. This specialized form of therapy combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques with Christian faith, offering individuals a path to healing that addresses both emotional and spiritual needs.

For those seeking counseling services that align with their religious beliefs, Christian counseling provides a safe space where faith and mental health intersect. This comprehensive approach recognizes that spiritual well-being plays a crucial role in overall mental and emotional health.

Understanding the Foundation of Christian Counseling

Christian counseling is built upon the belief that God’s word provides wisdom and guidance for life’s challenges. Unlike secular therapy, this approach acknowledges the spiritual dimension of human experience and incorporates prayer, scripture, and biblical principles into the therapeutic process.

The foundation of this counseling approach rests on several key principles:

Biblical Authority: Scripture serves as the ultimate source of truth and guidance
Holistic Healing: Addressing mind, body, and spirit together
Divine Love: Understanding God’s unconditional love as central to healing
Personal Relationship with Christ: Encouraging spiritual growth alongside emotional healing
Community Support: Emphasizing the importance of fellowship and church community

This faith-based approach doesn’t replace professional psychological training but rather enhances it with spiritual insights and biblical wisdom.

Core Principles and Methodologies in Christian Counseling

Christian counselors utilize various therapeutic methodologies while maintaining their commitment to biblical principles. These professionals are trained in both psychology and theology, enabling them to address complex mental health issues through a faith-informed lens.

Integration of Faith and Psychology

The integration process involves carefully blending proven psychological techniques with Christian teachings. This might include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Biblical Perspective: Helping clients identify negative thought patterns while replacing them with biblical truths and positive affirmations rooted in scripture.

Solution-Focused Therapy: Working collaboratively with clients to identify goals and solutions, while seeking God’s guidance through prayer and biblical wisdom.

Narrative Therapy: Helping individuals rewrite their life stories through the lens of God’s redemptive love and grace.

Prayer and Scripture Integration

Prayer serves as a cornerstone of Christian counseling sessions. Counselors may begin or end sessions with prayer, seeking divine guidance for the therapeutic process. Scripture reading and meditation are often incorporated to provide comfort, wisdom, and direction.

The use of biblical passages isn’t merely inspirational but serves specific therapeutic purposes:

Providing hope during difficult circumstances
Offering practical guidance for daily living
Reinforcing positive identity and self-worth
Teaching forgiveness and reconciliation principles

Types of Issues Addressed in Christian Counseling

Christian counseling addresses a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges. The faith-based approach provides unique perspectives on common issues that many individuals face.

Marriage Counseling and Relationship Issues

Marriage counseling within the Christian framework emphasizes biblical principles of love, commitment, and forgiveness. Christian marriage counselors help couples navigate challenges while strengthening their spiritual bond and commitment to each other.

Key areas addressed in Christian marriage counseling include:

Communication Enhancement: Teaching couples to communicate with love, respect, and understanding
Conflict Resolution: Using biblical principles of forgiveness and reconciliation
Intimacy Building: Addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy
Financial Stewardship: Applying biblical principles to financial management
Parenting Guidance: Raising children according to Christian values

Individual Mental Health Concerns

Christian counselors are equipped to address various individual mental health issues, including:

Depression and Anxiety: Providing hope through faith while utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches. Counselors help clients understand that seeking help is not a sign of weak faith but rather a step toward healing.

Trauma and PTSD: Offering healing through the understanding of God’s presence during suffering and the promise of restoration and renewal.

Addiction Recovery: Addressing substance abuse and behavioral addictions through the power of spiritual transformation and community support.

Grief and Loss: Providing comfort through biblical understanding of eternal life and God’s presence during times of mourning.

Family Dynamics and Parenting

Christian counseling services extend to family therapy, helping families build stronger relationships based on biblical principles. This includes addressing parent-child conflicts, sibling relationships, and establishing healthy family dynamics rooted in Christian values.

Benefits of Choosing Christian Counseling Services

Individuals who choose Christian counseling often report unique benefits that come from integrating faith with professional mental health care.

Spiritual Growth and Emotional Healing

Christian counseling promotes simultaneous spiritual and emotional growth. Clients often experience:

Deeper understanding of their relationship with God
Increased sense of purpose and meaning
Enhanced ability to find peace during difficult times
Strengthened faith and spiritual practices
Greater alignment between beliefs and daily living

Values-Based Treatment Approach

For individuals with strong Christian beliefs, working with counselors who share and understand their values creates a more comfortable therapeutic environment. This alignment allows for:

Open discussion of faith-related concerns
Integration of spiritual practices into treatment plans
Respect for religious convictions and lifestyle choices
Support for spiritual disciplines and church involvement

Community and Support System Integration

Christian counseling often emphasizes the importance of community support and church involvement. Counselors may encourage clients to:

Engage with their local church community
Participate in support groups or Bible studies
Seek mentorship from mature believers
Develop accountability relationships

Finding Qualified Christian Counselors

Selecting the right Christian counselor requires careful consideration of both professional qualifications and spiritual alignment.

Professional Credentials and Training

Qualified Christian counselors should possess:

Licensed Mental Health Credentials: State licensure as a professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical social worker
Advanced Education: Master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or related field
Specialized Training: Additional training in Christian counseling approaches and integration techniques
Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development in both psychological and theological areas

Spiritual Qualifications

Beyond professional credentials, Christian counselors should demonstrate:

Personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Active involvement in a local church
Understanding of biblical principles and their application to counseling
Ability to integrate faith and psychology appropriately
Commitment to ethical practice within both professional and Christian standards

Questions to Ask Potential Counselors

When seeking Christian counseling services, consider asking potential counselors:

How do you integrate faith and psychology in your practice?
What is your approach to using prayer and scripture in sessions?
How do you handle situations where psychological principles and biblical teachings might seem to conflict?
What is your experience with my specific concerns or issues?
Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?

The Role of Prayer and Scripture in Therapy Sessions

Prayer and scripture play integral roles in Christian counseling, but their use varies depending on the counselor’s approach and the client’s preferences.

Prayer in Counseling Sessions

Prayer may be incorporated in various ways:

Opening or Closing Prayers: Many Christian counselors begin or end sessions with prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing on the therapeutic process.

Crisis Intervention: During particularly difficult moments, prayer can provide immediate comfort and peace.

Decision Making: Seeking divine guidance when clients face important life decisions.

Healing and Restoration: Praying for emotional healing, relationship restoration, or spiritual breakthrough.

Scripture Application

Biblical passages are carefully selected to address specific therapeutic goals:

Comfort and Hope: Verses that provide encouragement during difficult times
Wisdom and Guidance: Passages that offer practical direction for life decisions
Identity and Worth: Scriptures that reinforce God’s love and the client’s value
Forgiveness and Grace: Biblical teachings on forgiveness and redemption

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Several misconceptions exist about Christian counseling that may prevent individuals from seeking these valuable services.

“Christian Counseling is Just Bible Study”

While scripture plays an important role, Christian counseling involves professional therapeutic techniques and psychological training. Counselors are equipped to address complex mental health issues using evidence-based approaches enhanced by spiritual insights.

“Seeking Counseling Shows Weak Faith”

Many Christians believe that seeking professional help indicates insufficient faith or trust in God. However, Christian counseling recognizes that God often works through professional helpers and that seeking assistance demonstrates wisdom and courage.

“Christian Counselors Only Work with Christians”

While Christian counselors specialize in faith-based approaches, many also work with clients of different faiths or no faith at all. They can adapt their approach to respect clients’ beliefs while providing professional care.

Integration with Church and Community Resources

Christian counseling often works in conjunction with church and community resources to provide comprehensive support.

Pastoral Care Collaboration

Christian counselors frequently collaborate with pastors and church leaders to ensure clients receive holistic care. This might include:

Coordination between therapy and pastoral counseling
Integration with church support groups
Referrals for spiritual mentorship or discipleship
Collaboration on crisis intervention

Support Group Integration

Many Christian counseling practices offer or refer clients to faith-based support groups addressing specific issues such as:

Divorce recovery
Grief and loss
Addiction recovery
Parenting challenges
Financial stewardship

Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Counseling

What makes Christian counseling different from regular therapy?

Christian counseling integrates biblical principles and spiritual practices with professional psychological techniques. While maintaining the same professional standards as secular therapy, it addresses the spiritual dimension of human experience and incorporates prayer, scripture, and faith-based perspectives into the healing process.

Do I have to be a Christian to receive Christian counseling?

While Christian counseling is designed with Christian clients in mind, many Christian counselors work with individuals of different faiths or no faith at all. They can adapt their approach to respect your beliefs while providing professional mental health care.

Will my Christian counselor try to convert me or push their beliefs on me?

Professional Christian counselors are trained to respect client autonomy and will not attempt to force their beliefs on anyone. They should clearly explain their approach and obtain your consent before incorporating faith-based elements into therapy.

How do I know if a Christian counselor is qualified?

Look for counselors who hold proper state licensure in mental health fields, have advanced degrees in counseling or psychology, and possess additional training in Christian counseling approaches. They should also demonstrate personal faith and understanding of biblical principles.

Can Christian counseling help with serious mental health conditions like depression or anxiety?

Yes, Christian counseling can effectively address serious mental health conditions. Christian counselors are trained in evidence-based treatments and may recommend medication when appropriate, while also providing spiritual support and perspective.

How much does Christian counseling cost?

Costs vary depending on location, counselor credentials, and session length. Many Christian counselors accept insurance, offer sliding scale fees, or work with church assistance programs to make services accessible.

What should I expect in my first session?

Your first session will typically involve discussing your concerns, goals, and background. Your counselor will explain their approach and how they integrate faith with therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and determine if the counselor is a good fit for your needs.

Can Christian counseling help save my marriage?

Christian marriage counseling can be very effective in helping couples rebuild their relationships. It addresses communication, conflict resolution, and intimacy while emphasizing biblical principles of love, forgiveness, and commitment.

Is Christian counseling appropriate for children and teenagers?

Yes, many Christian counselors specialize in working with children and adolescents. They use age-appropriate techniques while incorporating faith-based elements that align with family values and beliefs.

How long does Christian counseling typically take?

The duration varies depending on individual needs and goals. Some people benefit from short-term counseling (6-12 sessions) while others may engage in longer-term therapy. Your counselor will work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Moving Forward with Hope and Healing

Christian counseling offers a unique pathway to healing that honors both professional psychological principles and deep spiritual truths. For individuals seeking counseling services that align with their faith, this approach provides hope, healing, and transformation that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

The journey toward mental and emotional wellness doesn’t have to be walked alone. Through the integration of professional expertise, biblical wisdom, and divine love, Christian counseling provides a supportive environment where healing can flourish. Whether facing marriage difficulties, personal struggles, family challenges, or mental health concerns, faith-based counseling offers tools and perspectives that can lead to lasting change and spiritual growth.

The decision to seek help demonstrates courage and wisdom. By choosing Christian counseling, individuals can experience the powerful combination of professional therapeutic support and spiritual guidance, leading to comprehensive healing and renewed hope for the future. Remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a step toward the abundant life that God desires for each person.

Through prayer, scripture, professional expertise, and community support, Christian counseling creates an environment where true healing and transformation can occur, bringing glory to God and restoration to those who seek help.

What issues does Christian counseling address?

Posted on November 20, 2025 by New Vision Counseling and Consulting

What issues does Christian counseling address?

Christian counseling has emerged as a powerful approach to mental health treatment that combines traditional therapeutic techniques with biblical principles and spiritual guidance. For many individuals and families seeking healing, this integrative approach offers hope, restoration, and lasting transformation. Understanding the wide range of issues that Christian counseling addresses can help you determine if this approach aligns with your needs and values.

Understanding Christian Counseling: Where Faith Meets Professional Care

Christian counseling represents a unique therapeutic approach that acknowledges the spiritual dimension of human experience while utilizing evidence-based psychological interventions. This specialized form of counseling recognizes that many individuals find their faith to be a central component of their identity and healing process.

A Christian counselor or therapist integrates biblical wisdom, prayer, and spiritual principles with professional therapeutic techniques to address mental, emotional, and relational challenges. This approach doesn’t replace traditional counseling methods but rather enhances them with a faith-based perspective that many clients find deeply meaningful and effective.

The foundation of Christian counseling rests on the belief that humans are created as whole beings – mind, body, and spirit – and that true healing often requires addressing all three dimensions. This holistic approach allows individuals to explore their struggles through both psychological and spiritual lenses, often leading to more comprehensive and lasting healing.

Core Mental Health Issues Addressed in Christian Counseling

Depression and Anxiety Disorders

Depression and anxiety are among the most common issues that Christian counseling addresses. These conditions can deeply impact an individual’s spiritual life, creating feelings of disconnection from God and questioning of faith. A Christian therapist helps clients understand that experiencing mental health challenges doesn’t indicate spiritual weakness or lack of faith.

Through Christian counseling, individuals learn to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with truth-based thinking rooted in biblical principles. Clients explore how their relationship with God can serve as a source of comfort, strength, and hope during difficult times. The therapeutic process often includes examining scripture that speaks to anxiety and depression, developing prayer practices, and building a support network within their faith community.

The integration of cognitive-behavioral techniques with spiritual practices provides clients with practical tools for managing symptoms while also addressing deeper spiritual questions about suffering, purpose, and God’s presence in difficult circumstances.

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress

Trauma can profoundly impact both psychological well-being and spiritual faith. Christian counseling issues addressed in trauma treatment include processing painful experiences while maintaining or rebuilding trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. Many trauma survivors struggle with questions about why God allowed their suffering or where He was during their darkest moments.

A Christian counselor helps individuals process traumatic experiences through evidence-based trauma therapies while also addressing the spiritual components of healing. This might include exploring concepts of forgiveness, redemption, and God’s ability to bring beauty from ashes. The therapeutic process often involves helping clients separate their trauma from their understanding of God’s character and love.

Christian counseling for trauma also addresses the potential for post-traumatic growth, helping individuals discover how their experiences, while painful, can lead to increased empathy, stronger faith, and a deeper understanding of God’s grace and healing power.

Addiction and Substance Abuse

Addiction recovery through Christian counseling addresses both the behavioral aspects of substance abuse and the spiritual emptiness that often underlies addictive behaviors. Many individuals struggling with addiction find that their relationship with substances has replaced their relationship with God, leading to spiritual as well as physical bondage.

Christian counseling for addiction incorporates traditional addiction treatment methods with spiritual principles of surrender, accountability, and transformation. Clients explore how their faith can serve as a foundation for recovery, providing motivation, support, and a new identity rooted in their relationship with Christ rather than their addiction.

The counseling process often includes developing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and scripture study as tools for maintaining sobriety. Christian support groups and church communities play crucial roles in providing ongoing accountability and encouragement throughout the recovery journey.

Relationship and Family Issues in Christian Counseling

Marriage Counseling: Strengthening Sacred Unions

Marriage counseling within a Christian framework addresses relationship challenges through the lens of biblical principles about marriage, love, and commitment. Christian marriage counseling recognizes marriage as a sacred covenant designed by God, which provides a unique foundation for healing and restoration.

Common issues addressed in Christian marriage counseling include communication problems, infidelity, financial stress, intimacy challenges, and conflicts over parenting or life decisions. A Christian therapist helps couples understand their roles and responsibilities within marriage according to biblical principles while also teaching practical communication and conflict resolution skills.

The counseling process often explores how each partner’s relationship with God impacts their marriage relationship. Couples learn to pray together, study scripture together, and support each other’s spiritual growth. This spiritual foundation often provides the motivation and framework needed to work through difficult challenges and rebuild trust and intimacy.

Christian marriage counseling also addresses unique challenges that Christian couples may face, such as differing levels of spiritual maturity, disagreements about church involvement, or struggles with forgiveness and grace within the marriage relationship.

Family Counseling: Healing Generational Patterns

Family counseling from a Christian perspective addresses the complex dynamics that exist within family systems while recognizing the biblical importance of family relationships. Christian family counseling issues addressed include parent-child conflicts, sibling rivalry, blended family challenges, and the impact of mental health or addiction issues on family functioning.

A Christian family counselor helps families identify unhealthy patterns that may have been passed down through generations and replace them with biblical principles of love, respect, and healthy boundaries. The therapeutic process often includes exploring each family member’s role within the system and how their individual relationships with God impact their family relationships.

Christian family counseling also addresses the unique challenges that Christian families may face, such as balancing grace and discipline in parenting, navigating different spiritual beliefs within the family, or dealing with the impact of church or ministry involvement on family life.

Parenting and Child Behavior Issues

Parenting challenges are significant Christian counseling issues addressed through faith-based therapeutic intervention. Christian parents often struggle with balancing biblical principles of discipline and grace while dealing with challenging behaviors, developmental issues, or mental health concerns in their children.

A Christian counselor helps parents develop parenting strategies that reflect biblical values while also incorporating evidence-based approaches to child development and behavior management. This includes exploring concepts of unconditional love, appropriate discipline, and helping children develop their own relationship with God.

The counseling process often addresses parents’ own childhood experiences and how these impact their current parenting approaches. Christian parenting counseling also helps families navigate challenges such as children questioning their faith, peer pressure, or the impact of cultural influences on family values.

Specialized Areas of Christian Counseling

Grief and Loss Counseling

Grief and loss represent profound Christian counseling issues addressed with both therapeutic expertise and spiritual wisdom. The death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, or other significant losses can challenge an individual’s faith and understanding of God’s plan and goodness.

Christian grief counseling helps individuals process their losses while exploring questions about eternal life, God’s sovereignty, and the hope of reunion. The therapeutic process includes traditional grief work while also incorporating spiritual practices such as prayer, scripture meditation, and connection with faith community support.

A Christian therapist helps clients understand that grief is a natural and necessary process that doesn’t indicate lack of faith. Instead, grief can become a pathway to deeper spiritual understanding and closer relationship with God who understands suffering and loss.

Identity and Self-Worth Issues

Many individuals struggle with questions of identity and self-worth, particularly in a culture that often defines value through achievement, appearance, or performance. Christian counseling addresses these issues by helping clients understand their identity as beloved children of God, created with unique purpose and inherent worth.

The counseling process explores how past experiences, family messages, and cultural influences have shaped self-perception, often in ways that contradict biblical truth about human value and purpose. Clients learn to identify and challenge negative self-talk while embracing their identity in Christ.

Christian counseling for identity issues also addresses perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the pressure to earn love and acceptance through performance. The therapeutic process helps individuals experience the unconditional love and acceptance available through their relationship with God.

Sexual and Intimacy Issues

Sexual and intimacy concerns represent sensitive but important Christian counseling issues addressed within the context of biblical sexuality and relationship principles. These issues may include sexual dysfunction, past sexual trauma, pornography addiction, or struggles with sexual identity.

A Christian counselor approaches these topics with sensitivity and biblical wisdom, helping clients understand God’s design for sexuality within the context of marriage while addressing the impact of past experiences or current struggles on sexual and relational health.

The counseling process often includes education about healthy sexuality, healing from past trauma, and developing intimacy skills that honor both psychological and spiritual principles. Christian counseling in this area recognizes that sexual health is an important component of overall well-being and marital satisfaction.

Life Transitions and Spiritual Growth

Career and Purpose Counseling

Many individuals seek Christian counseling when facing career transitions, job loss, or questions about life purpose and calling. These situations often prompt deeper spiritual questions about God’s will, personal gifts and talents, and how to integrate faith with professional life.

A Christian counselor helps clients explore their unique gifts, passions, and calling while also addressing practical concerns about career decisions and transitions. The counseling process often includes prayer, spiritual discernment, and exploration of how different career paths align with personal values and spiritual convictions.

Christian career counseling also addresses issues such as workplace stress, ethical dilemmas in professional settings, and balancing career ambitions with family and spiritual priorities.

Spiritual Dryness and Faith Crises

Periods of spiritual dryness, doubt, or faith crisis are common experiences that represent significant Christian counseling issues addressed through specialized therapeutic support. These experiences can be deeply distressing for individuals who have previously experienced vibrant faith and close relationship with God.

A Christian therapist helps clients understand that spiritual struggles are normal parts of the faith journey and don’t indicate spiritual failure or God’s abandonment. The counseling process explores potential causes of spiritual dryness, such as life stress, unresolved emotional issues, or natural seasons of spiritual growth.

Through counseling, individuals learn new spiritual disciplines, explore different ways of connecting with God, and develop patience and perseverance during difficult spiritual seasons. The therapeutic relationship itself often becomes a means of experiencing God’s care and presence during times of spiritual struggle.

Unique Approaches in Christian Counseling

Integration of Prayer and Scripture

Christian counseling uniquely incorporates prayer and scripture study as therapeutic tools alongside traditional counseling techniques. Prayer becomes both a means of seeking divine guidance in the counseling process and a skill that clients develop for ongoing emotional and spiritual health.

Scripture study within counseling sessions helps clients discover biblical principles relevant to their specific struggles and challenges. A Christian counselor helps clients learn to apply biblical truth to their daily lives in practical and meaningful ways.

This integration of spiritual practices with therapeutic techniques provides clients with resources that extend beyond the counseling office, creating a foundation for ongoing growth and healing.

Community and Church Involvement

Christian counseling recognizes the importance of community and church involvement in the healing process. While maintaining appropriate confidentiality, a Christian therapist may help clients identify ways to connect with supportive faith communities or church resources.

The counseling process often explores how clients can both give and receive support within their faith communities while maintaining healthy boundaries. This community aspect of healing reflects the biblical principle that healing often occurs within the context of relationships and mutual support.

Christian counseling also addresses challenges that may arise within church or faith community contexts, such as church hurt, conflicts with religious leaders, or struggles with religious expectations and performance.

The Role of Forgiveness in Christian Counseling

Understanding Biblical Forgiveness

Forgiveness represents one of the most significant and challenging Christian counseling issues addressed in faith-based therapy. Many clients struggle with understanding what biblical forgiveness means and how to extend forgiveness to others or receive forgiveness for themselves.

A Christian counselor helps clients understand that forgiveness is both a decision and a process, often requiring time, support, and divine assistance. The therapeutic process explores the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, helping clients understand that forgiveness doesn’t always require restoration of relationship, particularly in cases of abuse or ongoing harm.

Christian counseling addresses the healing power of forgiveness while also acknowledging the real pain and injustice that individuals have experienced. This balanced approach helps clients move toward forgiveness without minimizing their experiences or rushing the healing process.

Self-Forgiveness and Shame

Many individuals struggle with self-forgiveness and overwhelming shame about past mistakes, failures, or sins. Christian counseling addresses these issues by helping clients understand the complete forgiveness available through Christ and the freedom from condemnation that comes with faith.

The counseling process explores the difference between healthy conviction that leads to positive change and destructive shame that keeps individuals trapped in cycles of self-condemnation. Clients learn to receive God’s forgiveness and extend that same grace to themselves.

Christian counseling for shame and self-forgiveness often includes exploring childhood messages about worth and acceptance, healing from perfectionism, and developing a healthy understanding of human fallibility and divine grace.

Working with Different Age Groups

Christian Counseling for Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents face unique challenges that require specialized approaches within Christian counseling. Young people may struggle with questions about faith, peer pressure, family conflicts, academic stress, or identity development.

A Christian counselor working with young clients uses age-appropriate techniques while incorporating spiritual concepts in ways that children and teens can understand and apply. This might include using biblical stories, Christian music, art therapy, or play therapy techniques.

Christian counseling for young people also involves working closely with parents and families to create supportive environments that promote both emotional and spiritual health. The counseling process addresses developmental challenges while helping young people build strong foundations for lifelong faith and emotional well-being.

Christian Counseling for Seniors

Older adults face unique challenges related to aging, health concerns, loss of loved ones, and questions about legacy and eternal life. Christian counseling for seniors addresses these issues while helping older adults find continued purpose and meaning in their later years.

The counseling process often explores how faith has evolved and deepened over a lifetime of experiences, both positive and challenging. Senior clients may work through grief over multiple losses while also celebrating the wisdom and spiritual growth that come with age and experience.

Christian counseling for older adults also addresses practical concerns such as end-of-life planning, relationship with adult children, and maintaining independence while accepting necessary support and care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Counseling

What makes Christian counseling different from secular therapy?

Christian counseling integrates biblical principles and spiritual practices with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. While secular therapy focuses primarily on psychological and behavioral interventions, Christian counseling acknowledges the spiritual dimension of human experience and incorporates faith as a resource for healing and growth. A Christian counselor may use prayer, scripture, and spiritual disciplines as therapeutic tools while still employing traditional counseling methods.

Do I have to be a Christian to benefit from Christian counseling?

While Christian counseling is designed for individuals who share Christian beliefs, some non-Christians may find value in this approach if they’re open to exploring spiritual dimensions of healing. However, the integration of biblical principles and Christian worldview is central to this approach, so individuals who are uncomfortable with religious content might prefer secular therapy options.

Will a Christian counselor just tell me to pray and read my Bible?

Professional Christian counselors are trained in evidence-based therapeutic techniques and ethical counseling practices. While prayer and scripture may be incorporated into treatment, a qualified Christian therapist will also use proven counseling methods to address mental health concerns. The goal is integration of faith and psychology, not replacement of professional treatment with spiritual practices alone.

How do I find a qualified Christian counselor?

Look for counselors who have both professional mental health credentials and specialized training in Christian counseling. Many Christian counselors are licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, or psychologists who have additional training in integrating faith and therapy. Professional organizations like the American Association of Christian Counselors can provide referral resources.

Can Christian counseling help with serious mental health conditions?

Yes, Christian counseling can be effective for treating serious mental health conditions when provided by qualified professionals. Many Christian counselors are trained to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders using evidence-based treatments while also incorporating spiritual resources. However, severe mental health conditions may also require medication or specialized treatment approaches.

What if my Christian counselor and I have different theological beliefs?

It’s important to find a Christian counselor whose theological approach aligns with your beliefs and values. During initial consultations, discuss your theological perspectives and ask about the counselor’s approach to ensure compatibility. Different Christian counselors may have varying denominational backgrounds and theological emphases, so finding a good fit is important for effective therapy.

How long does Christian counseling typically take?

The duration of Christian counseling varies depending on the issues being addressed, the client’s goals, and their response to treatment. Some individuals benefit from short-term counseling focusing on specific issues, while others engage in longer-term therapy for complex trauma or ongoing mental health conditions. Your Christian counselor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Is Christian counseling covered by insurance?

Many Christian counselors accept insurance if they are licensed mental health professionals. Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and the counselor’s credentials and network participation. It’s important to verify coverage with both your insurance provider and the counselor’s office before beginning treatment.

Moving Forward: Your Path to Healing and Growth

Christian counseling offers a unique and powerful approach to addressing life’s challenges by integrating professional therapeutic expertise with the wisdom and hope found in Christian faith. The wide range of Christian counseling issues addressed through this approach demonstrates its comprehensive nature and potential for promoting healing across multiple dimensions of human experience.

Whether you’re struggling with mental health concerns, relationship challenges, spiritual questions, or life transitions, Christian counseling provides a framework for understanding your experiences through both psychological and spiritual lenses. This integrated approach often leads to deeper healing and more sustainable positive changes because it addresses the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.

What Should a Christian Expect in Marriage Counseling?

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Shawn Maguire, LPC

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins
(1 Peter 4:8).

As a Christian, marriage is considered a sacred bond between two individuals binding them together in love, trust, and respect with their foundation being God. However, the reality is that every relationship goes through its ups and downs, and sometimes, seeking professional guidance from a marriage counselor may become necessary. But what can a Christian expect in marriage counseling?

Shared Values

Finding a marriage counselor who shares Christian values and beliefs is essential before you begin healing your marriage. A Christian marriage counselor is well-equipped to understand the unique challenges that Christian couples may face. They provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you and your partner can express your concerns and explore issues that negatively affect your relationship. In addition, a faith-based counseling experience can help tie in Biblical truths and guidance during sessions to help you and your spouse grow closer to God.

Honest Communication

Your counselor will encourage honest communication to help you understand each other’s perspectives and provide conflict-resolution skills for unresolvable discrepancies. In addition, they will focus on strengthening the spiritual aspect of your marriage, allowing you both to place your faith and trust in God. When relationships get rocky, it is easy to focus on what’s wrong instead of pausing to invite the Lord into your struggles. Yet, seeking healing through the Lord is the best thing you could do for your marriage.

Forgiveness

Christian marriage counseling emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, repentance, and the healing power of God’s love. Your counselor may encourage you to seek forgiveness from each other and God to let go of past hurts and resentments in your marriage. Counselors also guide you and your spouse in rebuilding trust and developing a deeper level of intimacy in your relationship. Accountability and prayer are great ways to begin healing and rebuilding trust.

God-Centered Sessions

You can expect guidance centered around God’s love and grace if you seek faith-based counseling. The counselor may focus on helping you both develop a closer relationship with God. Through prayer, scripture, and the use of therapeutic modalities, you will be equipped to face challenges that life throws your way. God knows we live in a fallen world of sin and is there to guide us through human desires and lay the foundation for a marriage centered around faith and grace.

Godly Roles and Faith

The Bible depicts God’s view of marriage and the roles that we are each meant to take. Husbands are responsible for leading their wives in faith, and women guide and support their husbands through prayer and nurturance. These gender roles are not as popular in today’s culture but still greatly influence the health of your marriage. However, I want to remind you that we must not conform to the ways of this world but hold fast to Godly wisdom and principles. A Christian counselor can help you reestablish faith and restoration in your relationship with your spouse, God and others.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2 ESV).

Next Steps

It is important to remember that Christian marriage counseling is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each couple’s situation is unique, and each counselor will tailor their approach to suit your and your spouse’s needs. Nevertheless, you can repair your marriage and build a lasting relationship. Should you find this message inspiring but need further guidance to heal your marriage, New Vision Counseling and Consulting could be your answer.

We combine Biblical principles with cutting edge counseling techniques to help you grow closer in your marriage and your relationship with the Lord. We have therapists from all walks of life to meet you where you are and guide you to restoration. Though we thrive on a faith-based approach, we want to offer services that make you feel comfortable despite your spirituality or religious views. Our highly trained therapists are well-versed in all mental health and relationship areas. We can’t wait to hear your story and help you design the marriage of your dreams! You can reach our team by calling (405) 921-7776

The Fear of Setting Boundaries

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Shawn Maguire, LPC

Do you find it difficult to say the word, “no?” I’ve met very few in my life, especially in ministry, who admit the word “no” slips seamlessly off of their lips. There’s something about the word “no” that just feels wrong or selfish. In many cases, it feels like the word “no” communicates weakness. While very few of us think someone is weak when they tell us “no,” (often it’s the opposite) we all have this rooted fear that by saying “no” we will appear not organized enough, not dedicated enough, or not strong enough. How do we fight this fear and start to view boundaries as an act of strength and health for ourselves and our relationships?

Write a List of Your Current Responsibilities

If you sat down to list all of the tasks and people you are currently responsible for, chances are you might be a bit surprised by how many things are currently on your plate. If you’ve been feeling tired or worn thin lately and your list appears long, well guess what! You’ve found the culprit! It’s tempting to pack our days with so many responsibilities that we are spread too thin to do any of them well. Before we can create boundaries and remove items off of our plates, it’s important we take inventory first to become fully aware of the mental and physical loads we are carrying.

Pray and Consider what God has Called you To in This Season of Life

It’s simple math–there is only one you, and only so many hours in the day–so the longer the to-do list, the less energy, attention, and time you can dedicate to each task. The problem is, some responsibilities can afford less attention and time, while others, such as your family or your relationship with God, can’t afford to be neglected.

You may be familiar with the rubber or glass ball analogy. Consider each responsibility or task in your day as either a rubber or a glass ball. If the rubber ball gets dropped (work, laundry, golfing with your friends, etc) it will rebound and bounce back safely in your hands. The glass ball, however, cannot afford to be dropped (God, family, finances, etc) because it will inevitably shatter.

Looking at the list of responsibilities you just made, consider which responsibilities are rubber balls which can be placed on the back-burner if necessary, and which ones are glass and should be made top priority.

Set Priorities and Cut-Out Any Areas You Can’t Afford to Uphold Right Now

Now that you know which responsibilities you cannot afford to neglect, it’s time to protect those items and take proactive steps to ensure you are able to do those tasks well. This doesn’t mean that you create a list of good things to say yes to and a list of bad things to say no to. Serving in the church is a very good thing! But if saying yes to every single request for your time and service by the church starts to eat away at the foundation of your marriage, then it’s vital that you say, “no.”

Don’t Apologize for Saying No and Holding those Priorities Firmly

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling like you need to apologize for taking charge of the tasks God has called you to oversee. So what if your boss has a hard time understanding why you can’t work late every night when you have a family to go home to. At the end of your life, you won’t have to stand before your boss and give an account of how well you treated your wife, how much time you spent with your kids, or how well you led the family you’ve been entrusted with. You will have to give an account to God, though, so don’t feel the need to be apologetic to the call God placed on your life. Once you realize that saying “no” is an act of obedience to God, it becomes easier to see it as an act of courage and strength, rather than of fear or weakness.

Learning to say, “no,” and holding firm to healthy boundaries is not an easy thing to learn. It takes practice, effort, and a whole lot of prayer. As you begin to evaluate your own list of responsibilities, ask God to give you clarity. I promise He will! And feel free to use the following questions as a starting point:

What has God called you to in this season?
What is keeping you from investing fully into those responsibilities?
What do you need to say “no” to this week?

When Change is Unexpected

Posted on September 27, 2018 by Shawn Maguire, LPC

Sometimes change can be seen far down the horizon, and whether it’s welcome or not, we have time to brace ourselves for what lies ahead. Weddings, a baby’s due date, graduation, and the changing of the seasons are usually predictable and provide plenty of time to prepare.

But what about the changes that occur suddenly with little to no warning? What do we do when a routine screening tests positive for cancer? What happens when a meeting with your employer ends with a pink slip or transfer papers? How do we respond when a police officer knocks on our door with news that there has been an accident?

When the proverbial rug is snatched out from under us, we have to be careful in choosing our next steps. To handle change in a healthy way, we need to be aware of our own instincts, surround ourselves with healthy relationships, and know our own limitations.

Know Your Instincts

When change comes unexpectedly, our fight-or-flight responses kick in. Some of us are naturally wired to attack the situation with every ounce of energy they can muster. They become consumed by it, believing they have the power and ability to make it go away if they fight hard enough against it. Others will push the change out of their thoughts or even live in denial of what has happened to them. They go about their lives as normal, neglecting what needs to be done and the changes that need to be processed.

Whatever your instinct is, there is a verse in scripture that can help you accept change in a healthier way. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” For those of us who are fighters, we need to remember we can’t face anything in our own power but we can with His! He is the creator and sustainer of all things, including your situation. So be still and let Him fight for you. For those of us who are runners, we have to remember that while this may be a surprise to us, it certainly isn’t a surprise to God. He promises to get us through any situation He has called us to, so stand boldly and let Him work His strength out in your life.

Find Your People

The Bible is very clear that none of us are called to face life alone. Time and time again, it describes the disciples going out two by two or meeting in each other’s homes to encourage and motivate one another. When change takes you by surprise, don’t underestimate the power of a coffee date with a friend, or a phone call to your sister. Just as you would hope your loved ones would call you if they needed help or encouragement, your friends would be honored to face this challenge with you.

If you don’t have a strong community of friends, pursue a membership in a local church. Make it a point in seasons of stability to surround yourself with healthy relationships with other believers so when change does come–and it will–you’ll have people ready to step in and lend a hand.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

While some changes can be managed with the help of a friend, you also need to be aware of your limitations. Some situations are far too complex to be handled alone or in the church. Sometimes professional counseling is the next step. We at New Vision Counseling and Consulting believe that by integrating God’s truths along with proven counseling techniques, we can help your mind, body, and soul as you cope with the changes ahead. We want to become part of your community as a source of encouragement, motivation, and understanding.

If you would like to learn more about our services and see how New Vision can serve you or your family, contact us today. If you have a loved one who is struggling through a season of change, share this message with them so they can feel empowered to regain control in a healthy way.

Mark Thompson

12:26 21 Mar 25

Tami demonstrated exceptional helpfulness, communicativeness, and the ability to effectively manage scheduling conflicts.

Gathan Graham (pianoman)

22:34 11 Jan 25

Michael McPherson gave us great counseling advice! Thank you!

Adrian Johnson

21:20 27 Nov 24

I was skeptical about seeing a therapist at first but Mr. McPherson’s approach and ability to get my wife and I to stop talking at each other and to each other has us happier than we’ve been in years.

I highly recommend him to anyone that has interest in saving their marriage/relationship.

Kaleb Thompson

06:09 19 Nov 24

We had a great experience at New Vision! We had the pleasure of being counseled by Michael Mcpherson. His teaching was biblical and he provided us with skills that helped our marriage. I would recommend him to anyone. We will forever be grateful for Michael’s remarkable teaching and guidance.

Donavon Hailey

04:31 02 Nov 24

Christopher Shaffer

15:28 26 Oct 24

I have known Amber for many years and can say this with full confidence - Amber has a heart for people, especially those who are hurting and need a hand up. I trust her and so should you!

Leah Wimer

17:15 20 Oct 24

I absolutely love having Morgan as my therapist. She sorts through events in my life and helps me process things. I have been able to work through so much with her. She is very sweet and always asks good questions to make me think. She is open to trying new techniques to work through trauma. She also has done couples sessions with me and my husband. Overall would recommend her to anyone that is looking for a therapist.

John Parker

04:10 15 Oct 24

I reluctantly agreed to attend marriage counseling with my wife as we were experiencing numerous marital challenges. Shawn was excellent in helping allay my pessimism and disarm my machismo attitude to help me suspend me ego and focus on the sanctity of our marriage. Through consistent work with Shawn, we have deepened our understanding of each other’s perspectives and fostered a greater sense of emotional intimacy. Thanks to Shawn, we have successfully strengthened our bond, grown in our roles as partners, and made meaningful strides toward a more fulfilling marriage. Thank you, Shawn!!

Kim Ferguson

04:58 13 Oct 24

I highly recommend New Vision Counseling and Consulting. I searched several Christian counseling services and God led us to this one. They are so caring.
How do you sum up in a few words how grateful you are. I’ll do my best. I am so very thankful that the LORD led us to New Vision Counseling and to Michael McPherson. What a Godsend he is. I was at a loss and didn’t know what the future would look like but I wanted to save my marriage. My husband and I have been married 34 years and we weren’t dealing the right way with each other. Unresolved feelings and emotions piled up over the years and we were not really communicating well at all. Michael gave us tools to be successful in our marriage but also as individuals. We learned why we are the way we are from past experiences, how to change that, forgive, and move forward better. He helped us to communicate and fight fair. What was most important to us was to have God’s word at the center and everything align with that. Michael did just that. He is so very knowledgeable and full of Godly wisdom. You can tell he loves his job and this is a calling God has given him. We are forever grateful that God led us to New Vision Counseling and Michael. I know the next 34+ years will be even better.

Meagan Mitchell

17:34 12 Oct 24

Chris is a man of high intelligence, integrity, and character. Everything he does is at the highest capacity, and he genuinely cares for all he comes into contact with. His counseling services are top notch because of his Christian faith and his attributes that are build on that foundation. He does a phenomenal job listening to others and motivating others with a Christ-cantered approach. I couldn’t possible recommend his counseling services more. Thank you, Chris!

Daevion Nelson

17:29 10 Oct 24

We reached out to New Vision after getting engaged so that we could participate in pre-marital counseling. We chose to meet with Michael McPherson, LPC and have been attending his sessions every 2 weeks for the past 4 months. Michael is patient, direct, and very knowledgeable. We are glad we chose someone who could provide us with a faith based perspective as well as someone who is not just speaking to us about being married, but experiencing a long lasting marriage himself. Trusting the advice of someone who can lead by example was a major key for us. We are extremely happy God allowed us to cross paths with New Vision Counseling and Mr. Michael McPherson, LPC. Best choice we could have made on our journey to becoming one.

Grace Koechle

01:34 09 Oct 24

Great place! Definitely recommend Chris Miller!

Kathy Beverly

19:26 08 Oct 24

I am very impressed with Amber. She helped me walk through my crisis and see it as a learning experience, instead of allowing myself to see it as ruining my life forever.

Donna Donaldson

12:44 08 Oct 24

One of my favorite things about Amber is that she has life experience, not just education about things. This helps me feel like she’s able to understand in a way that truly helps her clients know they aren’t alone.

Darla Bair

00:49 08 Oct 24

I really enjoy my time with Amber. She truly cares for others and has a gift for ensuring everyone feels seen and understood.

Pauletta Brown

21:57 06 Oct 24

Jonas A

22:12 05 Oct 24

Chris is a very good listener, and provides Great counseling.

Its Dewai

22:08 05 Oct 24

I can in depressed, and came out a new man. Thank you Chris, thank you.

Ronin Noodles

22:07 05 Oct 24

Chris was spectacular! Fixed all my mental issues. 10/10 would recommend.

Kerie Ljunghammar

21:29 05 Oct 24

Chris was a great help! I highly recommend New Vision.

Heaven B.

18:57 05 Oct 24

Very nice counseling. Chris is the goat. Solved all my problems.

Joel Weiss

15:06 04 Oct 24

Chris has a unique ability to speak with strength and kindness that I love. Would highly recommend

George Weiss

14:39 04 Oct 24

Chris is a man of integrity. What I look for and Medical and any other business man or a woman is integrity. It’s hard to find integrity nowadays. It is a rare characteristic. Chris is a man of REAL integrity. He has so much care for his fellow man. I trust him impeccably. Good council is ABSOLUTELY critical. You can count on Chris to give you good, honest, and helpful council!

Clayton Caniford

13:46 04 Oct 24

Chris is one of the most genuine humans on this earth. His ability to connect with people is a true gift and he has helped me so much in my own life spiritually and emotionally. Highly recommend Chris!

Lauren Springer

11:31 04 Oct 24

I would highly recommend Chris Miller!

Kade Cole

02:37 04 Oct 24

Chris is one of the most empathetic people I’ve ever met. He is a delight to be with and truly cares about others.

Michael Youtsey

23:36 03 Oct 24

In a world that is becoming more and more hectic, having someone so level headed as Chris Miller in your life has such a positive impact. Chris always brings a stable and supportive attitude to everything that he does. Talking with Chris always keeps me motivated to keep a positive attitude and putting the hard work with whatever I am doing. I know that Chris carries this same attitude in whatever he does and would have a positive impact on anyone who comes in contact with him.

Becky J Miller

21:38 03 Oct 24

The idea of counseling can be scary, especially the first step requiring trust of a complete stranger with the deep emotions often hidden from most people. As Christian counselors, New Vision provides an additional layer of comfort for clients who know they are speaking to someone with shared values. It is obvious that Chris genuinely cares about the people who come to New Vision seeking help. He listens carefully and intently, following up with well thought out observations. Chris asks thought provoking questions designed to help clients discover the root causes of issues. I highly recommend both New Vision Counseling and Chris Miller for anyone desiring counseling in a safe and caring environment.

Kennedy Yancey

20:09 03 Oct 24

High recommend New Vision Counseling! Chris makes you feel very welcomed and is super professional!

Pastor Jeanine

19:59 03 Oct 24

Chris Miller is a kind and compassionate counselor who listens intently to focus on root causes. He has a heart to genuinely serve others.

Emily Marie

19:03 03 Oct 24

Chris Miller creates a safe and welcoming environment where I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. He asks the right questions, guiding me to deeper self-reflection while offering practical tools to manage stress and anxiety.

Susie Lear

17:04 02 Oct 24

New Vision Counseling and Consulting was the top-ranking provider on my “best Christian Counseling” Google search. I read every review, watched every video, and then made the call. I’m not sure why the first step, just the thought of reaching out, seemed so daunting. Just know, on the other end of the phone is someone who will make you feel comfortable and get you connected – and it just gets better from there!

Josh Rhoades came highly recommended, and he didn’t disappoint! He was so easy to talk to, showed great respect and compassion, is highly qualified, and graciously committed himself to walking me through a 3-week therapy protocol using neuroscience techniques that I can’t adequately explain. I was in a serious state of STUCK! I was overwhelmed and unable to process the simplest of tasks, unable to focus, anxious (understatement), and I had suppressed decades of unresolved guilt. The healing journey that Josh walked me through is real and impactful. At times the mental relief and emotional healing were gradual, but oftentimes immediate. Crazy. Amazing. Life changing. Josh, I cannot thank you enough!

I wholeheartedly recommend Josh and New Vision Counseling and Consulting!

Ashley Currington

23:40 01 Oct 24

Chris is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. He knows Christ and has a genuine love and passion for helping others become more than they believe they are. Incredibly trustworthy and dedicated. You can’t go wrong with new vision counseling.

Leslie Weiss

19:38 01 Oct 24

I recommend New Vision Counseling. Chris has encouraged and motivated me in many areas of personal growth. He is a good listener and passionate about helping people.

Deepika sitaraman

16:47 01 Oct 24

I love this counseling! Everyone is friendly and I feel like everything I talk about is heard, and I feel like I can share anything. I highly recommend this!

David Weiss

23:41 30 Sep 24

The services provided here are genuine and I have benefited from the time that I have spent with some of the staff members here.

Randall Vincent

16:02 30 Sep 24

The biggest lie ever told is that people don’t change. Realizing your potential and what you’re capable of through faith is the biggest step towards changing for the better. Allow it to happen!

Dakota York

16:23 29 Sep 24

I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Chris Miller for more than 2 years. He has helped guide me and coach me to see new perspectives, and ways to change my focus about certain challenges in life while being in and of Christ. Talking with him has helped me strengthen my relationship with God and those I love. I look forward to the next time we speak.

Thomas Bauman

04:23 29 Sep 24

I cannot recommend Chris enough! He is wise well-beyond his years, has a heart FULL of God, and is an amazing example for younger generations and men everywhere!

Dylan Reeves

15:59 28 Sep 24

I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Chris Miller and learn from him. His professional attitude and drive to help others is always astounding. He is not one to shy away from challenging others to better themselves and is a bright soul.

Taylor Lawson

15:56 28 Sep 24

Chris has always been someone that i could go to for anything. I know when I go to him it’s a safe space and I know he’s there to listen and help me with my issues or help me see it from a different perspective. I truly appreciate the conversations I’ve had with Chris as it helped me grow.

Marty Zimms

02:41 28 Sep 24

Chris is an excellent listener. Saved my marriage. Thank you Chris

Christy Zimms

02:38 28 Sep 24

Chris Miller is a great counselor

Eric Weiss

00:55 28 Sep 24

Great people, wonderful environment

Matthias-Josef Kowol

21:20 27 Sep 24

Josh is an extremely caring and considerate professional. His emphasis on keeping his faith center of mind with the understanding of the world and its challenges makes him uniquely equipped to be a helper and a guide on the journey to understanding.

Claire Bauman

20:23 27 Sep 24

Chris Miller is a really special and valuable counselor. I have gained strength and self- knowledge to the extent that I am feeling far more confident of being able to cope with various life issues.

Megan Montgomery

17:05 27 Sep 24

Morgan has been great and so helpful in my journey!

Tony Gregory

16:45 27 Sep 24

Heather Park

23:54 26 Sep 24

New Vision Counseling and Josh Rhoades have been a huge blessing to our family. Our son experienced some issues with anger and low self-esteem at a young age. Through his sessions with Josh he learned how important it is to take care of his mental health as well as his physical health. If you are on the fence about taking your child to counseling, I highly recommend you schedule a consultation with Josh.

Matthew Will

22:11 26 Sep 24

I’m so thankful for Josh, and New Vision counseling. I’ve been dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and in a year I feel so much better. I cannot thank my counselor and New Vision enough. Without the guidance and dedication to help, I’m not sure where I would be!!!

R. Dylan Kordeliski

19:06 26 Sep 24

Chris Miller is great! Dedicating to helping everyone all the time. Attentive listener and always gives the best advice. Very knowledgeable and willing to go above and beyond!

Hannah Ljunghammar

18:48 26 Sep 24

Definitely recommend New Vision.

Chris Miller has been a huge support in my life. He listens with great care, offers thoughtful perspectives, and is always straightforward in his feedback. His insight has inspired me to grow and meet my potential.

Kaitlyn Farris

15:44 26 Sep 24

Linda Williams

02:56 25 Sep 24

A wise Proverb, Proverbs 11:14 to be exact, states
"Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance." There is nothing to lose and your whole world to gain when you seek a Christian counselor like Joshua Rhoades. Not only is he trained and prepared to help you through life's pain and paradoxes, but I believe he is anointed. With professionalism not lacking in personal warmth and compassion, he will leave you with only one question: "Why didn't I do this before?" Take back your life and live in the peace and joy you were made to enjoy. Call Joshua Rhoades today.

Brooke Khezri

01:05 24 Sep 24

Me and my now husband did our premarital counseling through New Vision and it was amazing! Josh took great care of us and we genuinely looked forward to our session with him each week! After we completed all of our sessions we felt that we had several new tools added to our toolbox that would help us have a very happy, healthy and prosperous marriage. We were promoted to talk about things we hadn’t thought of before and learned many helpful communication skills. We are so thankful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone!

Sarah Buck

21:05 23 Sep 24

New Vision is full of incredibly kind and patient counselors who are truly dedicated to helping you. They create such a safe, Christ-centered, and welcoming space where you feel heard and understood.

Melissa Da silva

19:34 23 Sep 24

Highly recommend this place!!

Tyler Ljunghammar

18:03 23 Sep 24

In a world of quick fixes and feel good platitudes it can be hard to find people who genuinely care about empowering others in a way which creates a lasting impact and is centered on a Christian perspective/foundation. Chris Miller at New Vision is one of those individuals who truly seeks to understand any one persons situation and encourages personal ownership through the lens of both truth and love. I would recommend anyone who is seeking out counseling to check out New Vision Counseling.

Brittany Bruckhoff

17:37 23 Sep 24

Chris is a great listener and always willing to help others!

Ashley Hickerson

19:26 22 Sep 24

Morgan Fowler is hands down, the best! I can't recommend her enough.

trevor tennyson

15:47 21 Sep 24

Morgan creates a comfortable space to share and explore tough topics, and I always leave feeling heard and supported

Spartan Lawn

15:45 21 Sep 24

Highly professional and compassionate service

Melanie Tennyson

02:55 21 Sep 24

Morgan has been so helpful in helping me with my mental health challenges!

Garrick Shreck

15:13 20 Sep 24

New Vision and Josh Rhoades at New Vision I can highly recommend for christian counseling. Josh has helped me change my life personally and he was an excellent marriage counselor for my wife and I. I can very firmly give them a 5 star rating and if you are in need of individual or marriage therapy give them a call.

Faythe Brandt

13:21 20 Sep 24

Charly at New Vision Counseling Center provides compassionate and insightful support. Their empathetic approach creates a safe space for healing and growth. Highly recommend for anyone seeking guidance and understanding on their mental health journey!

Melea Kingsley

19:05 19 Sep 24

New vision Counseling ( Shae ) has completely transformed my life and how I navigate things. I highly recommend the people at new vision counseling , I feel heard and listened to at my sessions , I’ve tried many different counselors in the past and this place has been the best fit for me & my needs !

John Romano

18:44 19 Sep 24

Please use NewVision for all your therapy needs. Very professional and caring in their treatment of clients.

Michelle Fowler

18:43 19 Sep 24

Morgan Fowler is a qualified, compassionate counselor! She is knowledgeable and innovative! I would highly recommend her!

Christina Zumbrunnen

15:09 19 Sep 24

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible support Charly Moreau provided. Her guidance has truly made a difference in my life. Charly's compassionate approach and insightful feedback have helped me navigate challenges and gain a clearer perspective. I always feel heard and understood during our sessions, which has been invaluable in my personal growth.

Thank you for being such a wonderful counselor Charly! I’m grateful to have you on this journey with me.

Tami Marshall

23:36 18 Sep 24

Charly is a wonderful listener. She’s patient and passionate about helping people. Highly recommend.

T B

22:21 18 Sep 24

Morgan not only provided such a wonderful listening ear and heart, but phenomenal bits of advice and a different (more wholistic) perspective. This is a place that helps remind you that your identity is found in Christ, and in nothing or no one else!

Ryan Gilmer

03:31 18 Sep 24

Alot of times, when people seek godly wisdom they are actually seeking to hear from God and just don't know how to do it. These people spend time seeking God so that they can give godly wisdom and help push you through the pain and provide a way to heal to get to the process of becoming stronger in the end. Caleb McLean is one of these God-fearing counselors that I know personally who dedicates his life to doing just that.
He is compassionate,caring, and he gives good advice by the gifts God has placed on him. He will help lead you to see what God wants you to see in yourselves push past the painful areas you didn't want to see anymore to bring closure to old wounds and become whole. If you want freedom, if you want to be challenged, if you need someone to love you like God calls us to doing, chose this group. If you believe in miracles or maybe even if you don't yet but you want to, chose this group. If this is your first wake up call or if it's your last ditch effort, chose this group. God is here and I know personally God is using counselors like Caleb McLean to build up godly men and women to feel the power of God and be guided in the ways of the Lord and to be changed forever. Change is in here so why aren't you?

Megan Burleson

01:19 18 Sep 24

I cannot recommend New Vision Counseling highly enough. From the moment I walked in, I was met with a warm and welcoming environment that immediately put me at ease. The staff are professional, compassionate, and attentive, making sure every detail of my visit was handled with care.

The therapist I worked with was exceptional—skilled, empathetic, and genuinely invested in my well-being. They created a safe space for me to explore my thoughts and feelings, and their insights and guidance have been invaluable in my journey toward personal growth.

The office itself offers a calm and serene atmosphere conducive to therapy. I appreciated the seamless appointment scheduling process and the flexibility they offered to accommodate my needs.

The New Vision team stands out for their commitment to providing high-quality, client-centered care. If you're seeking a supportive and effective therapeutic experience, this is definitely the place to go.

Aleasha Wales Shelnutt

19:24 16 Sep 24

I can’t recommend Charly Moreau enough. Her passion and dedication to helping people create the change they want to see in their lives is nothing short of inspirational. If you’re looking for a counselor who genuinely cares about guiding others on their individual journeys, look no further than Charly.

Sydney Bennett

06:10 16 Sep 24

I had such a positive experience with Charly. She’s kind and understanding and helps put things in perspective when I could only see one side of things. She’s got a lifetime customer for sure 🤗

Kelley Kenney

22:23 15 Sep 24

Morgan is a good listener with a caring soul . She puts forth her best effort in everything to help her clients change their lives . New Visions is a very welcoming.

Anna

21:49 15 Sep 24

New Vision is a great place to seek quality Christian counseling. Morgan is a relatable, skilled, encouraging, and understanding counselor who is so easy to share with. She creates a safe, judgement-free, environment where you feel like you’re in good, and capable, hands. I highly recommend you trust Morgan and New Vision with your counseling needs.

Cynthia Gutierrez

20:15 22 Aug 24

Really disappointed this has been my experience.

Andrew Brown

11:05 06 Feb 24

Shawn called me directly and sought out a resolution with me for a recent poor experience I had. He showed genuine care and consideration over the phone, and demonstrated he truly cares about the clients that come here and wants everyone to get the help they need. That's how it needs to be in any place helping others in God. God bless.

Andy Eaton

21:00 11 Oct 23

I totally recommend Josh Rhoades. He's helped me overcome a lot of anxiety and work-related stress and the effects it's had on me this year. For any guys out there wondering if they should go to counseling, you should definitely give Josh and New Vision a try.

Mark VonFeldt

12:04 23 Aug 23

I admit I didn't think I needed counciling but when I hit a tough period in life. Caleb McKean at New Vison Counseling was extrodinary in helping me out and providing encourgement, prespective and confidence. In addition, it was great seeing Shawn McGuire who consitantly provided an uplifting personality that’s just contagious.

Elizabeth Protzman

11:41 24 May 23

My husband and I just wrapped up counseling with Shawn. And if you told me 6 months ago our family would be how we are now, I would have been in total disbelief. Shawn’s approach to counseling is next level and took us to new places we never thought that we could experience freedom and he put a light on places we never knew were still dragging us down.

My husband (before counseling) had past trauma that weighed him down so heavily that his negative self talk was taking over his mental life. He was completely unable to be social anywhere, see positivity in anything, and talked with a super meek voice because he didn’t see worth in himself. We thought that “this is just his personality”, but Shawn was able to uncover the trauma that was holding him back and helped him break free of it. He now speaks with a voice to be heard and even he engages in social situations!

I went through a terrible health scare while we were going through sessions. My optometrist thought that I had a tumor or fluid build up in my skull. Shawn helped me navigate all of the feelings that I kept shoving down. On my second session of talking about this medical situation, we really got to the root of my stress and behavior in this situation and in life. I felt a ton of weight lifted off of me in that moment just by digging out every root in my heart that wasn’t welcome there. Later that day (a Thursday) I had my MRI scans and that Sunday I woke up headache/migraine free for the first time in four months. Monday I got the news that nothing was there. I truly believe that God did a healing work in that therapy session. A physical healing of my body and a spiritual healing of my mind.

Through all of this Shawn was not only there for just our counseling sessions, but when I was going through all of the medical stuff he would check in and see how everything was going. He recommended for my husband to go to a camp that absolutely played a part in changing my husband’s life. And all that I’ve shared is only the surface of all of the healing we received. I would have to write a novel for the rest, lol.

If you’re looking for healing and willing to show up and put in the work…Shawn will help you get there.

Steve Rodriguez

14:25 06 May 22

New Vision Counseling and Consulting saved my marriage as they helped and are helping me deal with my issues with depression and anxiety. I have been taught new methods of dealing with these issues and they are life saving. I have enjoyed my experience with Shawn Maguire, the best therapist I could ask for, and feel this place is a Godsend. I never thought therapy would work for me but I was wrong and wish I had come here sooner. Excited for what the future holds.