Christian Therapists in West Los Angeles, CA
![Photo of Teresita Berndes-Carlson, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed3025c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Teresita Berndes-Carlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
In addition, I hold certifications in critical incident response and Biblical counseling (for those that are interested in combining the Christian biblical principles of their faith with the psychological aspects of their issues).
I enjoy working with adults and couples and view the therapeutic relationship as a significant agent of change for those seking to work on long standing issues or every day difficulties. My psychotherapeutic style combines psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral interventions, depending on the needs of the individual or couple. This combination produces an empathic relationship that motivates, encourages and inspires clients to explore needed changes and helps to develop practical approaches to create those changes. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and a safe place that fosters exploration, change and growth. Please call with any questions you may have.
In addition, I hold certifications in critical incident response and Biblical counseling (for those that are interested in combining the Christian biblical principles of their faith with the psychological aspects of their issues).
I enjoy working with adults and couples and view the therapeutic relationship as a significant agent of change for those seking to work on long standing issues or every day difficulties. My psychotherapeutic style combines psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral interventions, depending on the needs of the individual or couple. This combination produces an empathic relationship that motivates, encourages and inspires clients to explore needed changes and helps to develop practical approaches to create those changes. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance and a safe place that fosters exploration, change and growth. Please call with any questions you may have.
![Photo of Us Today - Access Healing Counseling and Associates](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/db680bab-2679-4ed9-a811-f9ae05789962/2/320x400.jpeg)
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
) / Addictions/ ADHD / ADD/ Adolescents/ Adoption Issues/ Adult Children Of Alcoholics/ Adults/ Aging/ Senior issues/ Anger Management/ Anxiety Disorders Art/ Therapy Asperger / Bipolar Disorder/ Career Transition/ Childhood Abuse/ Children/ Christian Counseling/ Chronic Illness/ Chronic Pain/ Co-Dependency Issues/ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/ Couples/ Crisis Intervention/ Depression/ Domestic Violence/ Eating Disorders/ EMDR/ Family Therapy/ Farsi/ Gay / Lesbian Issues / Gender Identity /Grief / Loss Group Therapy /Homeopathic Medicine/ Hungarian/ Learning Differences/ Life Transitions Marital / Couples Therapy /Memory Loss/ Men's Issues/ Minority / Cultural Issues/Mood Disorders /OCD/Obsessive Compulsive Disorder /Panic Disorders/Parenting Issues Performance Anxiety/ Phobias/ Play Therapy /Polish /Post Traumatic Stress Disorder// PTSD Post-Partum Depression/ Premarital Counseling/ Psychiatry/ Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Relationship Difficulties/ Separation and Divorce /Spanish /Spiritual/Religious Issues/ Stress Management /Substance Abuse/ Terminal Illness/ Transitional Stress /Trauma /Veterans Women's Issues/ Workplace Stress / EAP.
We are a group practice Network offering video and in person app Our vision is to connect you to a network of some of the most talented, highly qualified and compassionate professionals in the mental health field, each with a broad range of skills and unique personal style. Our therapists and psychiatrists are uniquely equipped to work with individuals, children, adolescents, couples and families. They will help you access the keys to your emotional/psychological healing, wholeness and sense of well being. Once you are connected with a therapist, all communication with them will be handled via their individual voice-mail or email.
![Photo of Julia M Gunderson, MA, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae6641c3-7628-452a-a9b3-ae52bdca68bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia M Gunderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
My specialties include marital problems, depression, anxiety, adolescent issues, women's issues, parenting, crisis management, trauma-related cases such as domestic violence, physical or sexual abuse and many other issues. I am committed to helping my clients feel better and make changes easily, and I have the skills and passion to assist you in making better decisions. I am bilingual in Spanish. I can offer my services in the office (during Covid only telehealth), via Skype, via phone or in the comfort of your home or office. Available all day of the week.
![Photo of Jenna Romano Nieva, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c95720d9-1642-4401-bdc8-5cb26525fdeb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Romano Nieva
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
You're intimately familiar with the usual advice: "Don't sweat the small stuff!" "Take things as they come!" "Just think positive!" Do suggestions like these fill you with rage? I get it. You KNOW there are things you could do differently. You try to do everything right. You still end up feeling misunderstood, guilty, unfulfilled.
You're intimately familiar with the usual advice: "Don't sweat the small stuff!" "Take things as they come!" "Just think positive!" Do suggestions like these fill you with rage? I get it. You KNOW there are things you could do differently. You try to do everything right. You still end up feeling misunderstood, guilty, unfulfilled.
![Photo of Lynne Azpeitia, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b653af5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lynne Azpeitia
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Feeling alone or stuck—at home, work or your relationship? Are you stressed, overwhelmed or frustrated with work—or yourself, your partner or your kids? If this sounds like you & you're tired of struggling, I'd like to help. You can get the support, understanding & skills you need to succeed—& get more of what you want. Life doesn't have to be so hard. Therapy can help you clarify the issues, figure out your options, provide you with new tools—& get things moving in a positive direction. If you're unsure about Teletherapy or starting, give me a call to talk about what you need & how therapy can help. Visit my website to learn more.
Feeling alone or stuck—at home, work or your relationship? Are you stressed, overwhelmed or frustrated with work—or yourself, your partner or your kids? If this sounds like you & you're tired of struggling, I'd like to help. You can get the support, understanding & skills you need to succeed—& get more of what you want. Life doesn't have to be so hard. Therapy can help you clarify the issues, figure out your options, provide you with new tools—& get things moving in a positive direction. If you're unsure about Teletherapy or starting, give me a call to talk about what you need & how therapy can help. Visit my website to learn more.
![Photo of Sheila K Bost, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f9f2b96-1b50-44fa-911e-8ab4681dc0fc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila K Bost
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
A warm welcome to individuals, couples & families! I specialize in helping you move from emotional distress & confusion to enhanced well being. Old family wounds or traumas, small or large, may be holding you back from your full life. You may have only a smidgen of hope. We can build on that hope. Perhaps you gained insight into yourself and your relationships from the on Enneagram or Myers-Briggs. We can build on your insights. You have lived in emotional turmoil way too long! Make one small step forward now! I have witnessed people moving from a place of hopelessness to freedom & deliverance from old lies.
A warm welcome to individuals, couples & families! I specialize in helping you move from emotional distress & confusion to enhanced well being. Old family wounds or traumas, small or large, may be holding you back from your full life. You may have only a smidgen of hope. We can build on that hope. Perhaps you gained insight into yourself and your relationships from the on Enneagram or Myers-Briggs. We can build on your insights. You have lived in emotional turmoil way too long! Make one small step forward now! I have witnessed people moving from a place of hopelessness to freedom & deliverance from old lies.
![Photo of Joanna Ellis, MBA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb620f5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
If you are ready for change but don't know where to go or what to do, maybe I can help. Untangling from things that are making us feel stuck, anxious, depressed, angry and despairing can bring back joy, commitment and inspiration - and set us on the path to a fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with you in a collaborative and interactive process to invite you to step beyond old beliefs, social conditioning, and traumatic events that may have limited your desire to embrace a sense of possibility and adventure about life.
If you are ready for change but don't know where to go or what to do, maybe I can help. Untangling from things that are making us feel stuck, anxious, depressed, angry and despairing can bring back joy, commitment and inspiration - and set us on the path to a fulfilling and meaningful life. I work with you in a collaborative and interactive process to invite you to step beyond old beliefs, social conditioning, and traumatic events that may have limited your desire to embrace a sense of possibility and adventure about life.
![Photo of Robyn Blythe, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dedc9e0-acfa-48c5-9f54-e956751bec43/1/320x400.jpeg)
Robyn Blythe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, nurturing, and empathic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues to relationship problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and addictions. I am trained & certified in EMDR, which helps a person to quickly move through recent and past trauma and successfully overcome symptoms related to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). We'll work together to help you find a healthy balance between body, mind, and emotions that allow for success in relationships and work, self-empowerment, and to live a life full of hope, meaning, and purpose.
As a therapist, I value and create a safe, nurturing, and empathic environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore underlying issues to relationship problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and addictions. I am trained & certified in EMDR, which helps a person to quickly move through recent and past trauma and successfully overcome symptoms related to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). We'll work together to help you find a healthy balance between body, mind, and emotions that allow for success in relationships and work, self-empowerment, and to live a life full of hope, meaning, and purpose.
![Photo of Jacqueline Jackson, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4f26bdb-10cf-43f6-b2ea-c30c9f6ec3df/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jacqueline Jackson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
I believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment by providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a genuine approach in the treatment process. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities in order to meet each individuals unique needs. During my work in the past 14 years, I have been trained to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, relational/intimacy issues, and grief. I also integrate mindfulness meditation, CBT, healthy living practices and family systems techniques as a strategy to facilitate growth, healing, and balance. When we are able to rise out of our suffering, we can then begin the process of self-awakening.
I believe in creating a safe and nurturing environment by providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a genuine approach in the treatment process. I utilize a variety of treatment modalities in order to meet each individuals unique needs. During my work in the past 14 years, I have been trained to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, relational/intimacy issues, and grief. I also integrate mindfulness meditation, CBT, healthy living practices and family systems techniques as a strategy to facilitate growth, healing, and balance. When we are able to rise out of our suffering, we can then begin the process of self-awakening.
![Photo of Gabriela Aguayo, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/37cc8ea2-7fd5-4f32-8fef-7ee4c5a49feb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gabriela Aguayo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Hi there. I’m Gabriela Aguayo, Licensed Marital Family Therapist, Bilingual. Do you feel like life is difficult and hard to navigate? I am someone who believes that we all have the strength and resilience to grow and change, and live a more fulfilling life. Whether you want to alleviate symptoms, work on improving relationships, dealing with overwhelm or embark on the journey of self-discovery you have come to the right place. Therapy is a challenging, yet warm process that that entails self-reflect. The process can allow you to grow more quickly than you ever have before. I provide a safe space to help you heal and grow.
Hi there. I’m Gabriela Aguayo, Licensed Marital Family Therapist, Bilingual. Do you feel like life is difficult and hard to navigate? I am someone who believes that we all have the strength and resilience to grow and change, and live a more fulfilling life. Whether you want to alleviate symptoms, work on improving relationships, dealing with overwhelm or embark on the journey of self-discovery you have come to the right place. Therapy is a challenging, yet warm process that that entails self-reflect. The process can allow you to grow more quickly than you ever have before. I provide a safe space to help you heal and grow.
![Photo of Lara Sando, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f6ac4b6-91fc-42b5-bc55-633ede7dcf19/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.
Are you wondering how to best support your struggling child? You may find yourself at a loss after reading and researching, wishing you could optimize your parenting intuition and do what's best for YOUR child. The infancy, toddler, and childhood years provide a unique opportunity for families looking to rise above old patterns, and I gently support you in taking hold of this moment to set your child up for a lifetime of mental and relational wellness. Rather than someone to fix your child, you need an expert who can empower you to guide your child through the challenges of life.
![Photo of Hong Jeong, LCSW, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5240800f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hong Jeong
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
We all go through emotional storms where we feel emotionally and physically stuck; we worry too much and lose control of ourselves. Do you find yourself thrown off balance by your childhood trauma? Childhood traumatic experiences such as abandonment, abuse, and neglect lead to social anxiety. My approach is solution-focused and tailored to your needs and goals. I am committed to providing a profound sense of safety and offering compassionate and actionable guidance to all my clients.
We all go through emotional storms where we feel emotionally and physically stuck; we worry too much and lose control of ourselves. Do you find yourself thrown off balance by your childhood trauma? Childhood traumatic experiences such as abandonment, abuse, and neglect lead to social anxiety. My approach is solution-focused and tailored to your needs and goals. I am committed to providing a profound sense of safety and offering compassionate and actionable guidance to all my clients.
![Photo of Yara Mawad, MS, AMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cfad311e-cd0e-4372-abbe-40eadbaf0cf6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Yara Mawad
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
Feeling Stuck? Life changes can be tough. New beginnings often bring up strong emotions like fear or past hurts. It's normal to feel overwhelmed during transitions. What if you could navigate these challenges with more confidence and self-understanding? Therapy can be your guide. It's a safe space to learn about yourself, develop healthy coping skills, and boost your self-belief. Whether you're facing a recent hurdle or seeking preventative support, therapy empowers you to reach your goals.
Feeling Stuck? Life changes can be tough. New beginnings often bring up strong emotions like fear or past hurts. It's normal to feel overwhelmed during transitions. What if you could navigate these challenges with more confidence and self-understanding? Therapy can be your guide. It's a safe space to learn about yourself, develop healthy coping skills, and boost your self-belief. Whether you're facing a recent hurdle or seeking preventative support, therapy empowers you to reach your goals.
![Photo of Daniel Ingersoll - Open Sky Recovery Sober Living, SUDCCII, CS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4add2b5-7640-4a29-890e-43a2c8f3400e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Open Sky Recovery Sober Living
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, SUDCCII, CS
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025
We are a sober living home for adult men seeking a safe and comfortable environment for those in recovery from addiction. If you are looking for somewhere that is peaceful and supportive, we are the house for you.
We are a sober living home for adult men seeking a safe and comfortable environment for those in recovery from addiction. If you are looking for somewhere that is peaceful and supportive, we are the house for you.
![Photo of Daniel C. Kim, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/510f2a55-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel C. Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
I work with clients who struggle with: unresolved emotional injury, trauma, self-worth, relational connection, mood/emotional problems, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and spiritual issues. I also work with members of the clergy (pastors, priests, missionaries, ministry leaders) who struggle with deep personal issues but lack a safe, nurturing space in which they may experience support and healing. My clients all seek and deserve healing in their lives and relationships.
I work with clients who struggle with: unresolved emotional injury, trauma, self-worth, relational connection, mood/emotional problems, addictions, compulsive behaviors, and spiritual issues. I also work with members of the clergy (pastors, priests, missionaries, ministry leaders) who struggle with deep personal issues but lack a safe, nurturing space in which they may experience support and healing. My clients all seek and deserve healing in their lives and relationships.
![Photo of Lara Kim, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4755dcc8-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lara Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Marriage and Family Therapy is a second career for me and one that I was drawn to by a deeply held conviction that people are capable of change. My passion for therapy is founded on the belief that we do not have to be bound by our wounds or fears. While these are important parts of our journey, they do not have to define who we are nor who we can become.
Marriage and Family Therapy is a second career for me and one that I was drawn to by a deeply held conviction that people are capable of change. My passion for therapy is founded on the belief that we do not have to be bound by our wounds or fears. While these are important parts of our journey, they do not have to define who we are nor who we can become.
![Photo of Ruth Sze, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92508df6-ee61-4b02-a2e9-b33154c50d16/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ruth Sze
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
Hi! I’m glad you’re here! I’m an Asian American therapist who supports individuals, couples, and families during times of relational conflicts, mental health distress, and overwhelming life transitions. I value creating a space where you feel comfortable coming as you are during times of pain, questioning, and loneliness, as well as celebrating the moments of hope, triumph, and joy! In therapy, we’ll creatively work together to explore the complexity of your story and develop practices that can support you in living according to the values that make your life meaningful.
Hi! I’m glad you’re here! I’m an Asian American therapist who supports individuals, couples, and families during times of relational conflicts, mental health distress, and overwhelming life transitions. I value creating a space where you feel comfortable coming as you are during times of pain, questioning, and loneliness, as well as celebrating the moments of hope, triumph, and joy! In therapy, we’ll creatively work together to explore the complexity of your story and develop practices that can support you in living according to the values that make your life meaningful.
![Photo of Seon Park, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/867efdfd-7447-41b0-8413-0469259ab0a0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Seon Park
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
West Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Online Only)
We all indeed face difficulties at some point in our lives. No one is exempt from these difficulties. Everyone needs assistance in overcoming these difficulties to be able to have a meaningful and successful life journey and to share the joy with others. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2005. Graduated from Pepperdine University with a Master's Degree in Psychology and Clinical Psychology.
We all indeed face difficulties at some point in our lives. No one is exempt from these difficulties. Everyone needs assistance in overcoming these difficulties to be able to have a meaningful and successful life journey and to share the joy with others. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2005. Graduated from Pepperdine University with a Master's Degree in Psychology and Clinical Psychology.
![Photo of Dianne Haines Martin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2aafc24-5bf5-4622-be92-68d3a95bf711/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), my primary focus is helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of their relationships and emotional well-being. All healing occurs in relationship, and I am dedicated to fostering a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), my primary focus is helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the complexities of their relationships and emotional well-being. All healing occurs in relationship, and I am dedicated to fostering a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
![Photo of Desirae Giraldes, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8965af66-2288-4aa6-9ffe-32880bbe2e1c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Desirae Giraldes and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked in a variety of communities and settings throughout my career including schools, medical placements, adult protective services, conservators office, and crisis residential.
Hi, my name is Desirae Giraldes and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked in a variety of communities and settings throughout my career including schools, medical placements, adult protective services, conservators office, and crisis residential.
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Christian Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same belief system or background to be able to work effectively together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience in tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of culture, religion, and other factors on each individual.
Why is it important to find a therapist sensitive to Christian values?
Each person brings a unique history and background to therapy, making it important to find a licensed therapist who is trained in a broad range of treatment modalities. In addition, for people who grow up in a faith tradition that strongly influences the way they conduct their everyday life, finding a therapist who understands or shares that background can ease the disclosure of sensitive information and facilitate the therapeutic process. For some clients, a Christian therapist is likely to incorporate faith-based principles into emotional healing techniques.
How do I recognize an effective Christian therapist?
Christian therapists are licensed mental health professionals—holding a master’s or doctoral degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy—who are also familiar with Christian beliefs and values. They have an understanding of the importance that Christian principles play in the lives of individuals and families, which allows them to be especially sensitive to the kinds of struggles that can affect daily functioning. Like all effective therapists, a Christian therapist will have undergone training and certification in a variety of treatment modalities that help people through crises and enable them to master the challenges of life.
Why might someone feel comfortable with a Christian therapist?
While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has long established that a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns but also shares a client’s faith and values. Sensitivity to spiritual matters as well as to everyday struggles can provide a welcome sense of safety and contribute to the bond between client and therapist, both of which support the therapeutic process.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation.