What is faith-based counseling?

Faith-based counseling is a term that means very different things to different people. When I refer to faith-based counseling, I mean that I will endeavor to incorporate your religious values into the counseling practice when and if you request this.  I will not impose my beliefs on you, nor do I exclusively use faith.  I use research-based approaches to counseling and psychotherapy, relying on clients to guide me in terms of their deeply held beliefs and values.  It will be your beliefs and values which guide decisions and solutions.

I am a Roman Catholic and an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Largo, Florida.  In addition to my MS in Mental Health Counseling and PhD in Family Psychology, I have completed a four-year program in Lay Pastoral Leadership through the Diocese of St. Petersburg’s Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute.  This four-year program prepares us through study of Hebrew and Christian scriptures, theology, and ministry praxis via apprentice and practicum experiences in our particular areas. As a licensed therapist when I went through this program, my practicum and apprenticeship work focused on parish-based ministry in grief and related services.