As professional therapists, we are committed to helping all individuals find healing and hope in the midst of crisis, trauma, and mental, emotional, or spiritual distress.  Establishing a positive therapeutic rapport with our clients is an integral part of the healing journey.  As such, we believe it is important for potential clients to know our core beliefs.  The following principles guide us in our personal and professional lives, including our therapy sessions.  If we encounter a conflict between our guiding principles and those of a client, we will work to resolve the conflict in the best interest of the client.  If the conflict adversely affects the counseling process, we will make every effort to ethically, safely, and gracefully refer the client to another professional counselor.

God – There is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, often called the Trinity.  (Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:9-11, John 10:27-30, James 2:19)

The Bible – The Bible is the only infallible, Holy Spirit inspired Word of God. It contains all the principles, promises, and provisions God has made available to believers.  We counsel from theories and perspectives that align with Scripture.  (2 Timothy 3:16, Isaiah 55:11, Matthew 24:35, Psalm 119:105)

Mankind – Every person is made in the image of God, is loved by Him, and is created to have fellowship with Him. We believe that God intentionally creates each person as either male or female, which together reflect the image and nature of God. We believe that each person is uniquely created with value and purpose. We believe in the sanctity of life.  (Genesis 1:26-30, 2:7, 18-22, Jeremiah 1:5)

Sin – Sin is defined as disobeying God’s standard of holiness as written in the Bible. Sin separates us from God and leads to eternal death. Christ’s death on the cross paid the penalty of sin and reunites us with God, giving us eternal life. We do not believe mental illness is always a result of sin.  However, one might experience emotional and mental distress as a result of sinful choices or behaviors.  (Romans 3:23-26, Genesis 3:1-7, John 3:16, Acts 4:12, Ephesians 1:7)

Salvation – Salvation is received by personal repentance and acceptance of Jesus Christ into one’s life as Lord and Savior. Salvation is an act of free will in response to God’s love and the drawing of the Holy Spirit. (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:8-13, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 2:2)

The Christian Life – Life in Christ includes complete access to the promises of God described in the Bible. The Christian life still includes trials, tests, and warfare against a spiritual enemy, referred to as Satan or the Devil in Scripture. Victory over these trials, tests, and attacks is provided through the power of the Holy Spirit, submission to the will of God, and authentic relationships with other believers. Through Biblically informed counseling, we assist our clients in working toward and gaining victory in many areas of the Christian life.  (Romans 8:1-7, 12:1-2, 9-19, Ephesians 4:1-3, 1 Peter 5:8-11, Philippians 2:12-13, James 4:7)

Marriage – We believe marriage is defined in the Bible as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, instituted by God. In marriage, husband and wife become one both spiritually and physically. Sexual intimacy was instituted and sanctioned by God to be enjoyed only within the covenant relationship of marriage.  We advocate for the restoration and continuance of marriage unless it puts a client at risk physically or psychologically.  If a situation is unsafe, we believe a temporary separation in accordance with Scripture is acceptable.  (Genesis 2:22-24, Malachi 2:14-16, Hebrews 13:4, Matthew 19:4-6, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 1 Corinthians 7:2-5)