Pastoral counseling

Pastoral counseling is care from a pastor. We talk honestly about what you are facing, look at what Scripture says, and pray. I listen more than I talk. I have walked through deep valleys of my own, and I know how much it matters to have someone stay beside you.

People come to talk with me about things like:

• Grief and loss
• Doubt, spiritual dryness, or feeling far from God
• Conflict, hurt, and forgiveness
• A struggling marriage, or life after divorce
• Hurt caused by a church or its leaders
• A major decision or change of season

Pre-marital counseling

I meet with engaged couples to prepare for marriage, not just the wedding day. I am a certified facilitator of the SYMBIS assessment, which gives each couple a personal report to work through together on communication, expectations, money, family, and faith.

Coaching

Coaching looks forward. Where counseling makes room for what hurts, coaching helps you name where you want to go and take steady steps to get there. We set goals together, build simple practices around them, and meet regularly for encouragement and accountability, with your faith at the center.

I hold coaching certifications through the Board of Christian Coaching. You can see them, with the rest of my training, on my credentials page.

What this is, and what it is not

I offer counseling and coaching as an ordained minister. I am not a licensed counselor or therapist. I do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and what I offer is not a substitute for professional or medical care.

Sometimes the most caring thing a pastor can do is help you find a licensed provider. When that is what you need, I will help you find one and keep walking with you as your pastor.

What to expect

1. Send me a note through the contact page and tell me a little about what is going on.
2. I will reply within a few days to set up a first conversation.
3. We meet, talk, and pray, and decide together what would help most from there.

Need help right now?

I am not available around the clock. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.