Counseling is extremely sensitive in nature. Trust is a very important part of any counseling relationship, therefore, let me begin by introducing myself to you. I am a 55 year old male who, along with my wife Larke, has four grown children and two grandchildren. Larke and I have been married for over 27 year and are continuing to grow in our relationship every day.
I began my vocational ministry career in 1973. I have served on church staffs in the positions of Student Minister, Worship Minister, and Sr. Pastor. I also spent seven years as a professional songwriter and conference speaker. Counseling has been a part of each of these ministry positions.
Counselor is more than a career title I wear, it is who I am. I have the spiritual gift mercy and a heart for hurting people. This is what led me to develop my skills in counseling and receive a Master's Degree in Christian Counseling and Biblical Studies. I continued to pursue my education and completed my Ph.D. in Clinical Pastoral Counseling late in 2009.
I am a human being. Therefore I have encountered some of the same problems that my clients have had. I feel I can identify with what someone has "been through" and what they may be experiencing. None of us are immune from difficulties, and no one is perfect. Most counselors, the good ones that is, have "been there themselves" in one form or another, which is why they are able to show empathy and compassion for others.
Having been on the counselee side of counseling, I can say with confidence that it can help us to grow in spiritual maturity that keeps pace with our psychological growth. Our lives will then become "peaceful" in ways that we could never have imagined. It has been my experience that other than "love", most of us our looking for "peace in our lives" and "the peace that passeth understanding", which is the kind of peace that only God can offer and sustain. And problems need to be resolved so that we can find that peace.
My counseling involves support with genuine caring, deep commitment, and complete confidentiality. My hope is to guide you in reclaiming feelings of self-worth, restoring relationships, and renewing thoughts, goals, and dreams. We will work on these goals together, with the understanding that the final decisions of increased potential are the result of your own problem solving abilities as you become more acquainted with your own temperament, spirit, strengths, beliefs, and desires.
I hope that you will receive encouragement and help from Ready4Life Counseling and it is my sincere desire that you will return here often, as the need arises.
