Associates in Christian Counseling

Sharing the Fruit - Felicia's Story

Most ministries are pleased to share the fruit of their efforts. It is a cause for rejoicing as well as an encouragement to their supporters. Associates usually does not have that opportunity. Counseling by its very nature must assure privacy and confidentiality. On occasion, someone is so moved by their experience, that they want to speak out as an encouragement to others.

Why did you decide to seek counseling?
I had reached a difficult point in my marriage. I wanted to save my marriage but didn’t know what direction to take. I prayed for God’s guidance. I felt lead to seek help for myself in order to learn what I could do to improve my relationship with my husband.

What led you to Associates in Christian Counseling?
I had shared some of my personal struggles as well as those in my marriage with a friend. I had decided I wanted to seek counseling but knew I wanted to see someone who shared my Christian world-view and would give me guidance according to the Word of God.

Was your counseling experience the way you imagined it would be?
I knew God had answered my prayers when I began to meet with Dr. Thomas. From my very first appointment, God working through her, began to calm the storm in my life that was just about to knock me overboard. Dr. Thomas helped me discover qualities and inner strengths in myself that I had been overlooking.

What did you find most helpful in counseling?
One of the most helpful things I realized is that it is not bad or shameful as a believer to seek help from someone other than God when we struggle. If we are in a leadership position in our church, it can be hard to recognize this. As Christians, we sometimes think that we should be immune to bumps in the road. We need to realize that God has gifted people to help us sort out the pieces of the puzzle of life and help us make good and Godly decisions.

If you were struggling with something again, would you seek counseling again?
Definitely!
Might you do it sooner?
Absolutely!
Would you return to Associates?
Absolutely!

What would you say to others who might be struggling with something to encourage them or help them overcome resistance to seeking help?
The first thing I would want them to know is that God loves them and they are not alone in their struggles. I would also want to share my personal experience of how prayer and meeting with a Christian counselor helped me. I am a better person because of my counseling. Seeking counseling is not a sign of weakness or something of which to be ashamed. Whether our struggles are relational, spiritual, or emotional, help is available. God’s mercy is available to us. Sometimes, however, we need to learn how to extend mercy to others or to ourselves. Learning this in counseling has changed my life.

We thank Felicia for her openness and hope this will encourage others to seek help and also to share the fruit of their efforts. If you would like to share your story, please call Associates or e-mail us at sharingthefruit@christiancounseling.org.