Faith and Science Are Better Together

As a Chinese medical practitioner (a woman of science) and pastoral counselor (a woman of faith), I understand that our mental health struggles are often a combination of chemical imbalances and spiritual struggles. Let me make my position clear: many mental health issues stem from a chemical imbalance. If you’ve ever been told that sin or “not praying enough” is to blame for your suffering you WON’T find that here. Can our choices affect our lives? Absolutely. Regardless, mental illness deserves the same respect as any other illness, and that's what you'll get with me.

In my 16 years in the health care field I have heard many heartbreaking stories. Often individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or another form of mental illness have confided in church staff, church members, or friends and family, only to be shamed, condemned, judged or ostracized.

Additional Counseling Services, Tools & Techniques

When you've studied as long as I have, you have many tools in your professional toolbox. For more info on my other services such as how I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Biblical Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuro-Linguistic programming of a variety of lifestyle and wellness coaching tools into my practice just drop me a line on my connect page or read more in my mental health page.

When the Church Doesn't Offer the Support It Should

As a Christian, sometimes I am saddened when individuals tell me they no longer attend worship services. Why I ask why, I often hear a familiar story. They tell me until they no longer felt welcome, understood, or accepted until they "got it together." They felt judged. Worse, they became separated from the body of Christ. This is a travesty. We must do better. (See "The Hands and Feet of Christ- Biblical Mental Health Resources below)

I am not trying to make a blanket statement about the Church or Christians. I am simply sharing my personal and professional experience. I have seen and heard too many stories of those who looked to the church, or friends and family of faith, for empathy and grace only to be told they haven't prayed enough, they're being punished for their sin, or even shunned as a result of coming forward. (Matthew 5:3-10)

According to Ed Stetzer, author of Mental Illness and The Church: Nw Research on Mental Health from LifeWay Research, 48% of those who identify as evangelical or fandamentalist Christians believe that illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can overcome their conditions through Bible study and prayer alone. Is anything impossible with God? Absolutely not. But just because God can intervene or heal anyone at anytime does not mean He will. (John 16:33, Matthew 25:35-40)

I believe sufficiency in Christ and mental health care can coexist. Many deeply devoted Christian mental health experts, doctors, and researchers agree. We do not tell church members to reject insulin, heart medications, dialysis, or chemotherapy. We pray for the doctors and surgeons treating parishioners and their family members. Shouldn't mental illness and the necessity of medical intervention for some individuals receive the same support? It could be lifesaving. According to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC, more Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 will die from suicide this year than heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. This is a call to ministry.

I work with individuals as a pastoral counselor to determine how much of their struggle may be medical, and refer accordingly when necessary. However, I also work with my clients to determine what part of their struggle may be spiritual in nature and partner with them to approach these challenges biblically. I have seen great success and relief for those who have community support within the church, medical assistance, and biblical counseling.

I'm here to roll up my sleeves and be part of that change.

The Hands and Feet of Christ- Biblical Mental Health Resources 

Above I shared the reasons my clients have given me over the years for avoiding church. leaving a church, or rejecting Christianity outright. I do not believe that all churches and Christians are judgmental or somehow "failing" those with mental health struggles. I am simple sharing my experience to cast a light in a place we might shine brighter. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Many churches, pastors, small groups and individuals making mental health in the church a priority. I am proud to say I attend such a church. This is encouraging, but there is much work yet to be done. (Romans 15:7)

See my "Resources" section for more information.

Compassion With Christ At the Center 

Some mental illnesses are best treated with medication, like any other illness. I support that, because in many cases medication is a literal life saver. However, I also know that nothing is impossible with God. When we are able to talk  about how we feel and why we are struggling at me met with empathy and without judgement, we can being to heal. 

It is important to acknowledge that certain life choices and thinking patterns can contribute to our suffering. However, I also know that compassionate counseling—with the compassion of Christ at the center—can provide tremendous healing for the mind, body, and soul.

Together we will explore your God-given temperament, which will help identify bth your strengths and challenges. We can see which parts of your life may be out of alignment with your temperament needs and work to address them directly. No more talking in circles!

 If you're ready for research-supported, faith-based counseling that will make you feel heard and supported. Let's get started.