Faith-Based Therapy
How Christian Counseling Can Help You Overcome Fear
April 9, 2020Fear and anxiety are real challenges in life.
Perhaps we face them now more than ever as we continue to live in uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. Sometimes, the thoughts in your head can be so overwhelming and disruptive that it’s hard to sleep at night. It seems like your mind is working in overdrive with no way to calm down.
This is what it’s like to live in fear.
How To Move Forward In Faith
Fear has a lot to do with perception. The Bible teaches us to develop courage and faith to allow us to embrace the unknown. As Dr. David Calvert, Pastor for Creative Arts at Grace Community Church in Angier, NC said,
“The gospel tells us of God’s overwhelming love for us, proved in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus – but sometimes we need help remembering God’s forgiveness and remembering God’s deep love.
Dr. David Calvert
A Christian therapist can help a client remember what is true in the gospel.
How Our Faith Impacts Counseling
Our faith influences our worldview. Therefore, we are open and honest about our beliefs as they influence how we understand healing, pain and hope. However, at Foundations Family Therapy we work with individuals with different perspectives and backgrounds.
“Many people are crippled by shame or the perceived inability to forgive themselves or others, and faith-based therapy is equipped to break down those perceived barriers to help Christians live in ways that bear the fruit of the Spirit,” said Dr. Calvert.
When you begin therapy, your counselor will meet you wherever you are in your faith journey. Faith-based therapy can work very well within the context of discipleship, coming alongside pastors and others making disciples by helping provide key insights and training for emotional health.
Finding God in your struggle
As we head into Easter Weekend, take moment and evaluate your relationship with God. Maybe you’re struggling with your faith and having doubts about God. Maybe you’re wondering “where God is” in the midst of your circumstances. You know he’s there but you can’t feel or sense him and you feel lost, hopeless and disconnected.
Our Christian therapists can help you learn from God’s promises that he will not leave you or forsake you. Christian counseling could help you find hope in your circumstances and identify purpose in the midst of your pain.
3 Places in the Raleigh area to feel close to God
October 4, 2019
Where do you feel close to God?
It’s so important to feel connected regardless of your current circumstances. Let’s look at some local places to feel close to God.
Nature
Immersing yourself in nature and experiencing God’s creation is a great way to feel connected to God. Going for a hike at William B. Umstead State Park, watching birds, looking up at the trees, and tent camping under the stars reminds us of how small we are in His infinite and beautiful creation.
Rent a kayak at Lake Johnson Nature Park and listen for His voice in the stillness. “ 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19: 11-13.
Church Community
We are stronger in community with others. Some feel closer to God through worship, through hearing scripture, through prayer, or through engaging in small group communities with other believers. There are so many wonderful churches in Raleigh and the surrounding area. Some options are Church on Morgan, Elevation Church, Journey Church, and Grace Community Church just to name a few.
Do some research to see what churches are in your area to connect with others to encourage your faith. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25.
Right where you are
Feeling close to God can start simply by creating a safe and comfortable space where you are right now. It could be at home or work. It could be in the mornings or during your lunch break with coworkers. Opening your Bible and connecting with scripture and prayer can be the first step. Connecting with a devotional app such as YouVersion is a wonderful way to connect scripture with guided reading and reflection. You can start by reading devotionals alone or with a friend.
If church itself seems like a big step or you have had past negative church experiences, start first with reading a devotional with someone you trust. We are designed to be together so don’t walk alone in your faith. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.
If you are going through a challenging life season right now, check out ‘Hope When it Hurts’ which is a guided women’s devotional for coping with suffering and difficult times. Also, connect with us at FFT to help guide you and help you reconnect with your faith. Let us walk with you.
5 Inspiring Quotes To Welcome Spring
March 20, 2019
Spring is a season filled with hope! In nature, we watch beauty bloom and regrow around us. There’s optimism and cheer in the warm breeze as we welcome the new season ahead.
Let go of the long, cold days of winter and welcome the warm sunshine of spring with these inspiring quotes.
How To Be The Best Version Of You This Year
January 9, 2019
“I’m going to do _____ in 2019”, insert any popular resolution (lose weight, exercise more, save money, get a better job) – sound familiar?
As millions of Americans make resolutions to better themselves this year, there’s one big resolution that’s often overlooked and it’s mental wellness. Achieving mental wellness is not about changing who you are. It’s not about losing 40lbs or saving up for an elaborate vacation. Mental wellness is about being the best version of YOU!
The good news is that everyone can achieve mental wellness with the right tools, mindset, and guidance, but it all starts with proper self-care. After all, you can’t always control what life throws your way, but you can control how you take care of yourself. Here’s a quick lesson…
Create Downtime
Notice how we didn’t necessarily say “find a hobby?” That’s because self-care is about what’s best for you! Finding the time to do something healthy that you enjoy (even if it’s technically not a hobby) is beneficial for your mind and happiness. If scrapbooking helps you unwind, then stick with it! The point is to relax and destress in your downtime. Find something that takes your mind off of things and encourages mindfulness so you can live in the present moment.
Develop A Positive Mindset
Much of what we experience in life can feel more or less stressful based on our attitude. Sometimes, it’s really all about your point of view. Ever notice how some people handle life’s challenges with ease while others are shaken to their core? It’s all about perception and building resilience. Start by focusing on gratitude so you’ll start to see the glass half full.
Embrace Meditation/Prayer
Prayer and meditation can nurture your mind and soul. Many people feel a deeper sense of connection and comfort during prayer or meditation. Spirituality and/or religion can provide comfort and joy in your life. It can also help you reconnect with yourself. Being alone with your thoughts brings clarity.
This year, don’t fall victim to failure and burnout trying to keep up with popular resolutions. Do what works for you. Focus on improving yourself and learn to welcome happiness. We can help you create a self-care plan for the near year that works with your lifestyle and beliefs. Give us a call today!
What Is Faith-Based Therapy?
August 9, 2018
Unlike traditional forms of therapy, faith-based counselors combine theology and spirituality with modern behavior science. Faith-based counselors help people with the same problems as do traditional counselors like anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. This unique approach to therapy is perfect for someone who relies on faith as a pillar of their wellbeing. Faith, religion and spirituality are complex in nature.
One of the goals of faith-based therapy is to integrate one’s faith into their treatment. The foundation of this type of therapy is built on respect and support.
Remember, it’s common to feel alone in your struggles, to have doubts, and questions. It can be hard to reconcile thoughts, behaviors and choices with faith beliefs. You might be troubled by tough times in life and start to question elements of your faith.
No matter what you are facing, we’re here to walk with you on the journey of faith and healing.
As with many of our services at Foundations Family Therapy, we treat our faith-based patients with a holistic approach. It’s a way for faith and modern science to combine and treat the person as a whole.
Our faith-based counselors are committed to respect and understanding no matter what your beliefs. Your faith and faith resources are an important part of your life even during times of struggle. We can help you navigate the journey in the context of your faith by developing a deeper understanding of grace and healing.