Understanding Christian Counseling Through the Eyes of Allie Datz

/ Hope for the Journey Counseling/
Understanding Christian Counseling Through the Eyes of Allie Datz

There are some common questions I am asked when consulting with new clients such as: What distinguishes Christian counseling from other types of counseling?  How do I know if Christian counseling is for me or my family?  What is the unique approach of a Christian Counselor?

Let’s explore what Christian counseling is, by first looking at what counseling, in general, is designed to be according to the American Counseling Association…

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THE WORST "WORD OF THE YEAR" EVER! by Stacey Blank, LPC

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THE WORST "WORD OF THE YEAR" EVER! by Stacey Blank, LPC

Are you a “word of the year” person? Or do you roll your eyes when a friend asks “what is YOUR word for the year?” Personally, I approach this idea with an open mind and heart. Some years I have received a “word” as a guide or touchstone for navigating through decisions. Other years, I got nothin, which I have come to accept with ease.

This year, having or getting a “word” wasn’t really on my radar. Then, today in my journaling time, it came to me. It more like slapped me in the face and I actually laughed out loud. My “word” is VULNERABILITY. What kind word is that? Who wants THAT word. We’re supposed to get things like Hope or Intention or Gratitude!

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What's Your Story Worth?

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What's Your Story Worth?

The short answer…it’s priceless! Your story is one of a kind…YOU are a rare gem! The value in telling our life stories is that we are empowered to understand our deepest self and how our experiences have shaped us.  

When we bring a curious and compassionate approach to ourselves, all the riches of our inner wisdom and, for some of us, the Power greater than ourselves, become abundantly available to us.  This means we can walk a new path to be free of shame, blame and feelings of unworthiness.  We are free to move forward with confidence to be the author of our next chapters. 

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Divine Connection

/ Hope for the Journey Counseling/
Divine Connection

Divine Connection. The idea sounds amazing but, quite frankly, it may seem out of reach for us, as mere humans.  Have you ever considered yourself a divine being? That your life is more significant than you are able to see with human eyes? Have you ever considered that you were made for something bigger…to live a grand story?

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Twenty Four Hours and A Whole New World (post #3) by Katherine Gillette, LPC→

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Twenty Four Hours and A Whole New World (post #3) by Katherine Gillette, LPC

I really wanted to go to Taiwan myself to bring Chi to her new home, but due to the high cost of airline tickets, we arranged for the wife of a pilot friend to travel to Taiwan and bring Chi back to us. A week before we were to get her, the pilot had a sudden heart attack. By God's grace, we had set up an emergency plan and obtained a passport for me, “just in case”. I had also been in contact with...

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My Journey of Adoption: A Momma for a Little Girl (post #2) by Katherine Gillette, LPC→

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My Journey of Adoption: A Momma for a Little Girl (post #2) by Katherine Gillette, LPC

The first week of June, out of the blue, we received a phone call from an adoption agency. Without our knowing, my sister had mentioned to a friend who had an adoption agency that we were interested in adopting a little girl. They called to ask if we would be interested in adopting a six-week old girl from Taiwan who was born without fingers or toes. We couldn’t help but believe…

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My Journey of Adoption: Walking by Faith & Not By Sight by Katherine Gillette, LPC→

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My Journey of Adoption: Walking by Faith & Not By Sight by Katherine Gillette, LPC

I want to start by saying this is my personal journey of adopting a very special little girl who is now a beautiful young lady. I use “we” and “I” intermittently as the journey is one that I have shared with my husband and sons. I met our daughter at an orphanage…

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What are you Intending? By Laura Grotenhuis, LPC

/ Hope for the Journey Counseling, Loveland/
What are you Intending? By Laura Grotenhuis, LPC

They say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I’m not sure that I agree. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the sentiment, carrying out a good deed is much more important than just thinking about it. However, I believe that if we really understood the importance of our intentions, we wouldn’t give them so little credit.

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3 Practical Ways to Declutter Your Life by Laura Grotenhuis, LPC

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3 Practical Ways to Declutter Your Life by Laura Grotenhuis, LPC

Have you ever started a project with great intentions only to become overwhelmed almost as soon as you start? I am in the process of cleaning out my basement. I have attempted to tackle parts of my basement in the past, but after sorting through a couple of items I ended up feeling discouraged, paralyzed and ultimately defeated. Sometimes we just need the right motivation to get things started.

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