My Philosophy

Every philosophy, whether it’s educational, societal, medical, etc., assumes an anthropology… What are humans, what is their purpose and how best do they thrive? There is much polarizing debate about this in our current culture. My personal anthropology is actually informed by my cosmology because I believe the world and all its creation was created, and is presently ordered, by a loving God who holds all things together. I believe that humans were created in the image of God and subsequently have innate value and honor. Because I believe in a Triune God (Father, Son and Spirit), I believe that being in healthy relationships is the key to being human. I don’t have to tell you that our relationships are often broken, which leads to all sorts of pain and discomfort. That is why my clients find themselves in my office. Since we were created for wonderful, unbroken relationship with God and others, those same relationships, when they don’t work well, become the main source of dis-ease or dis-order or dis-comfort. Notice the Latin prefix dis in front of all these words which connotes that the ease, order, and comfort are actually good things that have been somehow negated, literally torn “asunder” or “apart.” Remember that old line the priest or pastor would proclaim over new couples? “What God has joined together, let no man tear asunder.” What and how God has created should never be torn apart. But ever since the Fall of man in Genesis 3, we live in a broken world that is constantly in need of repair. Our bodies wear out and get sick, our relationships suffer and marriages sometimes end. But God is still faithful and promises to restore us to health. It’s not easy or quick but it is worth the effort. The process of understanding our brokenness and taking the sometimes hard steps to health is a place where we meet God in profound ways. I consider it my gift and privilege to share with others this beautiful process.

Therefore, my counseling philosophy is that humans are holistic beings that must be understood from an emotional, physical, and spiritual perspective. Looking at all three perspectives, I attempt to provide insight and offer suggestions that could lead to a healthier life by reconciliation with oneself, God, and others.