Hi, my name is Stephen As a Christian do you ever feel like you are letting God down, or like you are not being faithful enough because you have real-life problems? Problems In your relationship, emotionally, behaviorally, or even with substance abuse. Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help individuals manage their anxiety, depression, or burnout by addressing the needs of your body, mind, and spirit using the bible. I integrate current counseling theories with sound biblical principles to help develop a stronger relationship with God, and a stronger you. Whether you are dealing with being overwhelmed, relationship issues, or cycles of anxiety and depression, I am here to help. Seeking therapy can seem scary and maybe even against some of the teachings you've learned in church, but you are making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together I will meet with you, and your spouse if you want, with compassion and evidence-based techniques while using biblical principles so you can overcome the hang-ups and habits holding you back. The research says that 1 in 4 people in the United States, at any given time, have mental health issues. This does not exclude the church. The average church in Virginia has 250 members attending on any given Sunday. That means that at least fifty people in your church service last Sunday are struggling with some type of mental illness or emotional problem. I work with churches to help them with ministering to the hurting, please let me help you.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session with be an assessment, or in other words, I will ask open-ended questions about what brought you to counseling. We will get to know one another and discuss what you want to achieve in counseling. If I feel I can help you and you are willing, we will schedule your next appointment to begin the journey. My intent is to help you feel comfortable and at ease in the first appointment as we develop a plan of healing.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

My motivation for helping is rooted in deep-seated compassion for others. Compassion is the heart of my counseling ministry. With compassion, we together need to gain an understanding of the scriptures, personal and interpersonal dynamics, and the issues at hand. As a helper, I must tune my heart to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit as we work together toward healing. With these biblical guidelines, I will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to show the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and untangle negative thinking that leads to anxiety and depression. I will use solution-focused brief therapy seeking solutions rather than problems that have worked in the past. And, of course, the Bible.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My biggest strength, my gift, is building rapport and establishing a clinical relationship that is safe and comfortable. This is essential for you to be able to share the hurts and hangups that are causing

About Stephen C Thomas, MA, LPC