The stigma that once haunted believers who struggle with mental health is fading as pastors and church leaders more readily address such topics with their congregations. In addition, faith-based counseling offered by Christian counselors is becoming easier to find.  But believers can still wonder if their situation warrants the need for formal counseling. Isn’t the care and support of friends, family, pastors, and our faith community enough? These God-given resources are vital, but they aren’t exhaustive. There are times when talking with someone who has more focused expertise may be helpful.

Counseling can be incredibly lonely and finding supportive consultation can be challenging. Starting in October 2022 you can join an online supervision group. Read on for more information.

After reflecting on Psalm 46:10, it became apparent to me that this simple imperative is far from easy to pull off.  In fact, I think that understanding it and putting it into practice might be one of the more difficult tasks of the Christian life. I have spent the last several years of my life being challenged by it. One particular event in my life stands out as a potent illustration of what the words of this psalm mean.

Have you ever been concerned about the long-term impact ministry might have on children? The concern is legitimate. This article is written for parents who are serving in ministry, and it is for the church. We all have a part in raising emotionally healthy ministry kids. 

If you’re serving in ministry, you have likely been encouraged to prioritize your spiritual health. You may have been exhorted to pay attention to spiritual disciplines that will shape you into the best possible leader, teacher, or minister. All of this is good. But spiritual vitality is not the only area of health ministry workers need to pursue. Your emotional health is also essential.

What I am about to tell you might surprise you. Despite completing a biblical counseling certificate program and a masters degree in counseling, I never received specific training in trauma. Yet, as a biblical and licensed counselor I encounter trauma regularly in caring for people. That is why I am so thrilled to be a part of offering an upcoming training on trauma for Christian counselors and biblical lay counselors.

Here we are again. We have been here before and Lord willing we will be here again. A new year. Why do people make such a big deal about the turn of a calendar day?Celebrating new is a small picture of what we will one day know in full. New is a gift that should be stewarded well. It is a treasure not to be taken for granted.

Living in a fallen world has dispiriting effects. The Bible shares firsthand stories of the depressed. Words such as downcast, discouraged, fainthearted, and troubled describe the darkness of depression that believers experience. Despite how heavy the present moment seems, it doesn’t disqualify you from future hope.

Counseling is an important decision. There are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most out of the experience. These things may seem simple but they go a long way toward effective counseling sessions.

I was invited to sit down for a chat with Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher, authors of the book Worthy; Celebrating the Value of Women. On this podcast I discuss three areas of unique importance and interest. What should we do when people are hurt by biblical counseling, important things to understand about abuse, and EMDR therapy. Listen in as I share what I have learned and am still learning.

I’m so excited to announce that I will be speaking at the online Perfectly Imperfect Christian Parenting Event on October 23-24th. This completely digital event was designed for parents like you as a time to set aside perfection and receive the practical and spiritual help we need, in an easy and accessible format.