Christian Counselor Directory Blog

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Friday, September 26, 2025

Coping with Uncertainty & Emotional Burnout

Friday, September 26, 2025 @ 2:09 PM

Mom! Mama! Mommy! Mother! Bruh! Do You Need Some Support School and routines are back in full swing, you have put all your hats back on and you’re in full fall mode. Is there something feeling off this year? A feeling of overwhelm, dread, fear or frustration that isn’t letting up as the weeks go on? You are not alone, many of us are experiencing a sense of uneasiness in this season. The world feels heavy, politically the divide is deeper than ever. Confusion, loss & loneliness are themes many of us are dealing with. Mounting concerns about the economy and the future take up space in an already full mind, contributing to further disconnect and anxiety. Tip toeing in social situations for fear of saying the wrong thing or being rejected by those we care for is draining emotionally and spiritually. Life continues to go on, even when dealing with uncertainty, contributing to emotional burnout. Are you struggling to meet deadlines and expectations? Does it feel like there is not enough time or space to manage your emotions and find your footing? Have you considered Faith based counseling or therapy? I can offer you a safe place to say the quiet part out loud, to express your true thoughts and feelings and to explore how you fit in this crazy world.


How Can Therapy Help Me? Therapy can offer a multitude of benefits, from learning new stress management skills to truly making time for a much needed break. Let’s be honest, this season is generally pretty stressful for a lot of us, especially mothers with school age kids. Homeschool, private school or public school moms can all struggle with new routines and feeling burnt out. Getting started in therapy is not going to take away real life demands, it can however support you through this season. You gain the ability to learn new skills that help you move through the stress in an authentic way. A way that reflects who you are as a mother, partner and Daughter of The Most High. Instead of shoving the feelings down you can give yourself the opportunity to untangle them and find true peace, even in the chaos. Scheduling weekly or bi weekly sessions, or even a therapy intensive weekend is time where you get to focus on you. You will get to lay it all out on the table and your voice will be heard. While many therapists offer an empathetic ear, validation and encouragement, I take healing a step further. Together, we will examine what is working in your life and what needs to go. We take the time to establish healthy routines and habits that transition you from moving through life like a wild banshee to actually thriving. You are the heart of the home, this may feel like an overwhelming role now, but learning to see yourself the way that the Creator of the Universe views you is like taking the blinders off. You were created for this season, to be here raising tiny (or big) humans, to prepare them for what comes next. I encourage you not to hide away under hustle and grind or a glass of wine. Step into the woman and mother you were designed to be.

What Issues Are Supported? I work with women, couples & families in order to address coping with uncertainty, healing from & preventing burnout, relationship conflicts including communication issues, parenting, healing from trauma, spiritual issues, ADHD, anxiety & depression. If you are dealing with something else and would like to discuss working together, please reach out!

What Do Therapy Sessions Look Like? I do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Your needs & experiences are unique and you deserve a therapist who will honor that. I have many different models that I use including weekly, bi weekly and intensive sessions. Some clients I see for 45 minutes every other week and others I see for 120 minutes per week. My intensive clients book a whole 2-3 day weekend to spend with me. You can read more about therapy intensives Here.


First we schedule a consult in order to ensure working together is a good fit for all. We will schedule an intake session to get to know your needs and set goals. Then we jump in, either literally go for it over hours/days or we can take a more relaxed pace. Ramping up or slowing down to meet you exactly where you are-to provide a chance for unhurried healing. You are the owner of your information, you can share as much or as little as you would like, with no pressure or judgement. My intention is to assist you in attaining the skills you need to thrive, to finally experience healing and to connect with your body in a way that empowers you.

Where Are Services Located? I offer in person sessions in a comfortable office or out in nature in beautiful Ventura, CA. If you are unable to travel to the area, we can meet via secure video or phone across California, Florida and South Carolina. From Sacramento to San Francisco to San Diego, if you are anywhere in the State of California you can access therapy that fits your needs. Individuals, families and couples located in Charleston to Greenville and everywhere else in the state of South Carolina and all throughout Florida are able to participate in Telehealth therapy and counseling.

Is Faith a Requirement? No, you do not need to have a specific spiritual or religious affiliation in order to receive therapy with me. I am happy to work with individuals, families and couples from all different walks of life. We are all people, having human experiences that sometimes just need a little extra support. I have a Christ centered world view, believe the Bible is the infallible word of God and have a deep rooted belied that all people deserve compassion and support. I am happy to incorporate any level of faith or spirituality that feels comfortable for you including (but not limited to) prayer, scripture references, Biblical counseling and meditation.

How Do I Get Started? You can reach out by call or text to 424-703-3555 or you can email Raishelle@HolisticChristianTherapy.com It is as simple as a first contact. You can find information around fees and services on my website. I am happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. If what I offer does not seem like a fit please feel free reach out and I will send you a list of referrals who may be better suited for your needs. I look forward to waking alongside you for whatever part of this healing journey I am able to.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Finding Strength in Times of Weakness

Monday, September 22, 2025 @ 5:00 PM

Discovering strength in God's Word when we feel we are weak.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Temperament Counseling

Saturday, September 20, 2025 @ 10:09 AM

The Power of Temperament: Why Personality Tests Aren’t Enough


In today’s culture, personality quizzes are everywhere—from workplace assessments to lighthearted social media tests. People are hungry to understand themselves and others better. And while tools can spark insight, they often skim the surface. To build stronger relationships—whether at home, in the workplace, or in our communities—we need to go deeper. That’s where the study of temperament comes in.
Personality vs. Temperament: What’s the Difference?


Personality is what we project outward: how we behave, adapt, and interact with the world. It can shift based on context—who we’re with, what pressures we’re under, even how our day is going. Personality is flexible and often shaped by environment and experience.
Temperament, however, runs deeper. It is our core wiring—our natural inclinations, emotional needs, and the ways we recharge or deplete our energy. Unlike personality, temperament doesn’t change with trends or circumstances. It’s the framework upon which personality is built.
Think of it like this: if personality is the outfit you choose for the day, temperament is your actual DNA.
Why Temperament Matters More Than Personality Alone


When we only look at personality, we can miss the deeper motivators behind human behavior. For example, two people might both come across as outgoing at a party. A personality test would label them “extroverted.” But temperament could reveal very different truths:

One thrives on social energy because their core need is approval and affirmation.
The other appears outgoing but actually prefers depth and quiet—socializing drains them quickly.
Without understanding temperament, leaders, spouses, or friends may misinterpret what someone truly needs to thrive.


Practical Applications in Everyday Life
Conflict Resolution: Many conflicts aren’t about the issue itself but about unmet needs. If one person’s temperament craves peace and another craves control, their approaches will naturally clash—until both learn to honor the other’s wiring.
Personal Growth: Self-awareness of temperament provides clarity about why certain environments feel draining while others feel energizing. It gives people permission to stop comparing themselves and instead lean into their strengths.
Workplace Teams: Understanding temperament helps managers know whether an employee needs structure or flexibility, affirmation or independence. That insight can boost morale, reduce turnover, and prevent burnout.

Moving Beyond Labels
The true value of temperament analysis is that it avoids boxing people into rigid categories. Instead, it offers a lens for compassion and understanding. When we see ourselves and others through the deeper framework of temperament, we shift from judgment to empathy. And in a world often divided by misunderstandings, that shift is more than useful—it’s transformative.

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Restoring the Whole Self: Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy with Christian Counseling

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 @ 11:30 AM

Restoring the Whole Self: Integrating Somatic Psychotherapy with Christian Counseling

In our fast-paced and often fragmented world, healing is increasingly recognized as needing to engage not only the mind and spirit but the body as well. This holistic view is foundational to both somatic psychotherapy and Christian counseling. By integrating the two, individuals can experience a deeper, more embodied transformation that honors both their physical and spiritual realities.

What Is Somatic Psychotherapy?


Somatic psychotherapy is a body-centered approach to mental health. It recognizes that trauma and emotional pain are often stored not just in the mind, but in the nervous system and musculature of the body. Techniques such as breath work, grounding exercises, movement, and body awareness are used to help clients release tension, process trauma, and reconnect with their embodied self.

This approach is rooted in neuroscience and trauma research, particularly the understanding that the body often “remembers” what the mind may forget or suppress. Somatic therapy helps clients become aware of these embodied memories and sensations and gently work through them in a safe and supportive environment.



The Christian Perspective: Healing Through Christ


Christian counseling, on the other hand, is rooted in biblical principles. It acknowledges the spiritual dimension of human beings and centers healing in the person of Jesus Christ. Through Scripture, prayer, forgiveness, and grace, Christian counseling offers hope and redemption. It addresses the deep spiritual wounds that may underlie emotional or relational struggles.

Christian theology affirms that humans are integrated beings—body, soul, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Therefore, a Christian framework for counseling naturally aligns with the holistic ethos of somatic therapy.



Why Integrate the Two?


When Christian faith and somatic practices are integrated, a profound and compassionate form of healing becomes possible. Many Christians experience guilt, anxiety, or shame that is held deeply in their bodies—especially when faith and emotions feel disconnected. Somatic practices can help clients locate those tensions and bring them to the surface, where they can be addressed with both therapeutic insight and spiritual truth.

For example, someone struggling with anxiety might discover that certain physical sensations (tight chest, clenched jaw) are connected to fear-based beliefs or past trauma. Through somatic techniques, they can safely explore those sensations while grounding themselves in God’s promises—such as “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).



Core Practices of Integration


Here are a few ways somatic psychotherapy can be woven into Christian counseling:

Breath Prayer: Combining breathwork with prayer (e.g., inhaling “Lord Jesus Christ,” exhaling “have mercy on me”) calms the nervous system while focusing the mind on God’s presence.
Embodied Scripture Meditation: Instead of reading Scripture cognitively, clients are invited to sit with a verse, notice bodily sensations, and listen for the Spirit’s prompting in their inner experience.
Body Awareness and Discernment: Clients learn to tune into their physical responses during decision-making, helping them discern God’s peace or warning signals not just intellectually but bodily.
Forgiveness Work: Forgiveness is central to Christian counseling, and somatic work can help clients release stored anger, grief, or shame that remains physically held in the body.


Challenges and Considerations


Integrating these two approaches requires sensitivity and discernment. Not all somatic practices are appropriate for every client, especially those unfamiliar or uncomfortable with body-based work. Similarly, Christian counselors must ensure that somatic methods are used in a way that honors biblical truth and doesn’t drift into spiritual practices incompatible with Christian theology.

Ethical, theological, and clinical boundaries must be clearly maintained. Collaboration between trained somatic therapists and Christian counselors—or professionals trained in both—can make this integration safer and more effective.

Conclusion: Embodied Redemption


The God of Scripture is deeply concerned with the body. Jesus came in a body, healed bodies, and was resurrected in a glorified body. Somatic psychotherapy, when grounded in Christ-centered truth, can be a powerful companion to Christian counseling. Together, they point toward a holistic vision of healing—where mind, body, and spirit are reconciled and restored through the love of God.

For those seeking freedom from emotional and spiritual burdens, this integrated approach offers hope: not just to think differently or feel better, but to live fully, with Christ in every breath, every movement, and every step forward.

Friday, September 12, 2025

Christian Marriage Counseling at The Marriage Rescue Institute

Friday, September 12, 2025 @ 11:59 PM

When Christian couples enter marriage, they carry expectations about their relationship. I remember thinking that since both my wife and I loved God deeply, our marriage would naturally flow with grace and harmony. The reality proved far more challenging, shattering my preconceptions about Christian marriage. Many christian couples face this same disorienting experience, wondering how two people devoted to God can struggle so intensely with conflict and hurt.


This disconnect between expectations and reality creates a profound spiritual and emotional crisis for Christian couples. When they can't find peace in their marriage, it shakes the very foundation of their faith. If the conflict persists, they often build emotional walls, not just with each other but also in their relationship with God, attempting to protect themselves by withdrawing into isolation and emotional distance.
As the distance grows between spouses, each becomes increasingly convinced of their own perspective's legitimacy. They begin viewing their partner's actions through an increasingly critical lens, sometimes even questioning their spouse's character or mental health with labels like (ADHD, Aspergers, Narcissism). Both partners can fall into this pattern of negative interpretation. When they finally seek Christian marriage counseling, each often hopes the counselor will simply correct their spouse's behavior.


But I want to present a different vision of Christian marriage

counseling: instead of focusing solely on who is right and who is wrong in the relationship, we emphasize relational integration and healing.
Our deep need for connection mirrors God's image within us. Marriage unites two individuals in an interpersonal journey, and it's precisely within this interpersonal space that many Christian marriages face their greatest challenges.


The core issue often stems from a lack of emotional intelligence in Christian couples. Many believers struggle to process their own negative emotions, particularly anger, and consequently feel overwhelmed when facing their spouse's strong feelings. This emotional illiteracy leads couples to argue against each other's emotional experiences as if emotions themselves represented absolute truth. However, emotions express personal experience rather than define reality. Even Jesus experienced emotions but never let them drive His decisions; instead, He consistently responded through virtuous principles. The first step toward marriage restoration requires Christian couples to develop emotional intelligence – understanding the proper role of emotions in their personal lives and marriage relationship.


This emotional foundation enables the development of what I term relational intelligence – the ability to communicate effectively and directly within the relationship leading to intimacy. Without emotional intelligence as a foundation, couples cannot achieve true relational intelligence. And without both these crucial elements working together, healthy conflict resolution remains out of reach. Through Christian marriage counseling, couples can develop these essential skills, transforming their relationship from a source of pain into a testament of God's healing power.
In our Christian marriage counseling program, The Marriage Rescue Institute, we guide couples through a transformative 12-week journey. This process helps them develop essential emotional intelligence, relational intelligence, and conflict resolution skills to rebuild their marriage on the pillar principles of healthy relationships. These core competencies form the bedrock of lasting marital restoration.


Throughout our experience working with married couples, we've seen couples who faced separation, struggled with infidelity, or believed their spouse exhibited narcissistic traits heal and restore their marriage. Often, couples see the immediate problems from disagreements; like finances, parenting, fidelity, and trust, as the core problems, not realizing that there is an underlying process that is subverting their ability to build a healthy marriage. These types of couples almost always find success in our marriage program, especially if they are both committed to the process.
As a Marriage Therapist and a father blessed with four children, I hold an unwavering belief in the inherent worthiness of marriage. If your marriage feels broken, we want you to know that the Marriage Rescue Institute is in the habit of putting broken marriages back together. Hold on to hope, we can equip you with the emotional intelligence, relational wisdom, and conflict resolution skills needed for a thriving marriage. Perhaps you believe your situation lies beyond hope, but God's restoration power knows no limits. Through Christian marriage counseling, we've helped reunite couples separated by infidelity and witnessed their relationships flourish long after therapy ends. Let us partner with you in facing these challenges! If you're barely holding on, keep hope alive! I believe that your marriage is worth saving, but do you?

Thursday, September 4, 2025

Circle of Trust Family Healing Sessions

Thursday, September 4, 2025 @ 10:56 AM

Join us for a transformative 12-week program designed to strengthen family bonds and address the root causes of conflict and dysfunction. This program is ideal for families, especially those with children aged 12 and up, who are eager to work together in a confidential and supportive space towards collective healing and mutual understanding.

Upcoming Sessions:
• Regularly convening on Sundays, beginning September 21, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST.
• Please mark your calendars for additional dates: Tuesday, September 30 (7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST) and Thursday, November 6 (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EST).

Duration:
• Each online session lasts for 90 minutes.
Venue:
• Hosted on Zoom for your convenience.

Participation Fee:
• A one-time investment of $500 per family unit.

Early Registration Offer:
• Families can save $50 by registering at least 4 weeks early.

Flexible Payment:
• Half of the fee is due prior to the first session, and the remaining balance is due by session three.

Space is Limited:
• To ensure a quality experience, the program is capped at 8 family units.
Secure your spot now for an opportunity to transform your family's relationships.

Learn More:
https://www.restoringyouchristiancounseling.com/circle-of-hop

Pre-Registration Form
https://www.restoringyouchristiancounseling.com/circle-of-hop

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Faster Results in Therapy: How Therapy Intensives Speed Up Emotional Recovery

Tuesday, September 2, 2025 @ 10:43 PM

Faster Results in Therapy: How Therapy Intensives Speed Up Emotional Recovery

TL;DR:
Therapy can feel like a very slow process for many people. Therapy Intensives are extended sessions that go beyond the traditional 50 minute weekly sessions. Through the use intensive sessions with faith based, holistic & somatic interventions we are able to identify root cause and work toward healing much quicker. Adults who are ready to align their lifestyles with their faith or experiencing burnout & couples in crisis, find intensive sessions to be the jump start they have desperately been needing. Call today to learn more & get scheduled.

Traditional models of therapy typically allow for weekly 50 minute sessions. While many clients find this to be useful and healing, it can feel slow and unproductive for others. I work with busy professionals and families who are already experiencing a time deficit. Adding in another weekly appointment and taking up valuable calendar real estate can be off putting and often keeps people from beginning therapy in the first place. After investing weeks or months in weekly 50 minute therapy sessions, with minimal identifiable progress, it may start to feel like the investment of time and money is just not worth it. The slow ramp up to progress may be beneficial for some individuals, those who want to go slower have the choice to do so. What about those that are seeking quicker relief and faster healing through therapy? For them, there is another way. Therapy intensives are the express lane of therapy, they give you the freedom to invest your time upfront in order to see results quicker.

Why Healing Can Take Time in Weekly Therapy
There are limitations with meeting for 50 minutes on a weekly basis. The core of the session can feel hard to get to. You jump on zoom or arrive in the office and take the time to get comfortable. You may be fitting this appointment in on your lunch hour or after work before extra curricular with kids. You might even be missing dinner with your family for this appointment. While finding the “perfect” time for therapy is encouraged, it really is not always realistic. I know my clients…I know you all want to prioritize your health. The importance of showing up for yourself is talked about regularly in session with me. I know putting that into practice can feel overwhelming, you only have so much free time, right? So you arrive to session, a little preoccupied or overwhelmed from the day. It takes time to settle in, make pleasantries and then you jump in. We make some progress, identify unhealthy coping mechanisms or patterns in your behavior, you are feeling like you are getting somewhere. Then before you know it, we are wrapping up and scheduling for next week. Now, there is nothing wrong with this model, and many of my clients enjoy the break from their week for therapy. Those with deep rooted issues or relationship challenges that are contributing to unhealthy dynamics in the home may feel stuck in this model.

How Intensive Sessions Can Speed Up the Progress
Intensive Sessions are scheduled during a long block of time that you get to carve out for therapy. It does not require a weekly investment of your time and energy, but a block of time to dedicate to what is really holding you back. The structure of our session reinforces quicker progress and healing, we spend time identifying the issues you want and need to work on then we address those key areas. The length of the session decreases limitations put progress on by traditional models of therapy. We will create a plan together, one that is flexible and meets your specific needs. Therapy should never follow a one-size fits all approach, your needs and experiences are unique and it is important you work with someone who sees you that way. Deeper emotional processing can be experienced with an approach that is able to focus on your specific needs. People who attend intensive sessions often identify quicker breakthroughs with this unhurried approach. We have the opportunity to set up our sessions in a multitude of ways with built in breaks and clear goals for our time together. We have a few different ways to meet you where you are and begin addressing your needs.
Multi Day Intensives: We meet for 3-4 hours over 2-4 days in a row or spread out over several weeks/months.

Semi-Regular Intensive: We meet for 2-4 hours on a cadence that honors your needs & fits your schedule.


Who Benefits from Accelerated Healing

My intensive clients are individuals & couples who are ready to make long lasting and powerful life changes. They recognize areas in their life that need transformation and have a desire to put the effort & work in that is required to see that happen. Therapy intensive can benefit:
-People who recognize unhealthy patterns in behavior, who have a desire to live a more full & spiritual life but are stuck in worldly ways.
-Individuals & couples seeking ready for intensive sessions who desire a faith based, Christ-centered, holistic approach to therapy
-“Hustle” and “grind culture” are not cutting it anymore, there is a readiness to align lifestyle with beliefs
-Couples who find vulnerability difficult because of hurt or betrayal, those who are ready to communicate more effectively and work toward reconnection
-People in the beginning, middle or end of a major life transition, who need to process and build skills to cope
-Homeschool mothers who need to process, be heard and to prevent/overcome overwhelm
-Individuals ready to make significant shifts quickly

Next Steps

If you have a strong desire to experience change quickly, I encourage you to reach out. I would be happy to provide more information on therapy intensives and explore if therapy intensives could be your fastest path forward. Bring your questions and let’s meet for a consultation. I look forward to working with you.

Monday, September 1, 2025

Together Strong Couples Counseling Group

Monday, September 1, 2025 @ 1:17 PM

Are you and your partner feeling disconnected amidst the chaos of daily life? Do conflicts and misunderstandings seem to be the norm rather than the exception in your relationship? It's time to change the narrative. "Together Strong" is an immersive 6-week couples counseling group designed to transform your communication, deepen your emotional connection, and foster a healthier, happier relationship.

When: Monday, September 15, 4:00 - 6:00 PM EST

Duration: 2 Hours per Session

Platform: Zoom

Investment: $450 per couple

Group Size: Limited to 12 couples

Next Step:

Registration:

https://docs.google.com/forms/u/2/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnfn8xCxFHP1eJlW441alLP5eMjS-G0C1RSncgcCIAIl9tBw/viewform?usp=preview

Contact:
phone 443-860-6870
email info@restoringyouchristiancounseling.com