Services provided by our counselors such as marriage or premarital counseling, grief and loss, anger management or any other emotional or psychological issue are invariably entwined with personal faith in God, more specifically Jesus Christ. Although we at Homestead Hope Counseling serve all people groups regardless of their faith beliefs, our core counseling theory is based on man’s relationship with God. As counselors, we guide clients toward self-evaluation and necessary change. Change is paramount to continued wellness. Without it, counseling is useless. All those involved in the counseling process must be aware however, that change does not normally happen quickly. In fact, ‘real change’ typically comes slowly.
People are capable of choosing a change in their behaviors – as an act of their will, but the actual differences in attitude, spirituality and overall mental health will undoubtedly take time. If we want God to intercede in a particular situation, we must then trust Him to do so in His own timing; not ours. Yet all the while, the client is responsible to take decisive personal actions to actuate the change. God does not carry a magic wand. He works in our lives as we give Him latitude. He will not force Himself on any of us. But as we obey, surrender, and commit each area of ‘self’, He will reveal Himself in that particular area. We include the counselor in this process of client change, as we are not immune to the same challenges that face our patients/clients.
Concerns for Self
- Learn to view oneself and others as God does
- Feel better concerning oneself (self-esteem / worth)
- Be more at ease, more at peace with oneself and situation
- Spiritual enrichment, freedom, and growth
- Learn to escape spiritual bondage
- Evaluate world view and life goals
- Acquire self-confidence and assertiveness
- Reduce negative unhealthy stress that steals energy and leads to anxiety
- Understand one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors – and that of others
- Gain assistance dealing with complicated lingering emotional issues
- Manage difficult, sometimes conflicting beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Learn ways to cope with medical or psychological diagnosis
- Learn to break free of unhealthy destructive habits
- Improve overall mental health and well being
- Enhance emotional control, well-being and stability
- Acquire professional, third-party input and guidance
- Enjoy complete confidentiality and impartiality
Concerns for Relationships
- Feel and be more successfully connected with others
- Learn healthier behaviors and or responses to other people and situations
- Learn and practice empathy, compassion, and effective communication
- Discover how to assertively address people and situations that provoke unnecessary conflict or hardship
- Address safety and security issues
- Balance mind and emotions
- Discover the relationship between present day challenges and family of origin issues
- Improve your relationships with others, i.e., family, friends, co-workers
- Understand how unhealthy cycles are negatively affecting your life – and learn ways to change them
- Learn new ways to deal with your concerns
Photo taken of Colorado rainbow by Dan Graham, Homestead Hope Counseling Services
