Christian Counseling
Many times, it is difficult to find or understand what Christian counseling provides. It is the hope of ICW to share the basics of ethical Christian counseling on this page. As a precursor, within ethical Christian counseling, each person is respected and shown dignity. Each person has the option of what therapeutic model is best for them. If an individual chooses to begin their therapeutic journey and does not want faith-based counseling, professional therapy will be provided without any religious pressures. This includes any possible religious affiliations of the therapist. The focus of therapy is each client’s personal and specific needs.
In receiving Christian counseling, the baseline of thought is determined by Scripture. At Integrated Counseling and Wellness, the perspectives taken is either the Integrationists or Christian Psychology. Both are Scripture specific, not denomination specific, and licensed professional models. Therefore, the points addressed will fall on a continuum between these two models.
In the Christian worldview, the traditional psychological theories and models that are based upon naturalism are insufficient, yet not all of secular psychology is wrong. Indeed, there are many helpful and positive aspects of psychology to consider, which is why there is a strong need for integration. Faith and use of Scripture and the Gospel are perhaps the most prevalent differences between the secular and Christian psychology worlds.
Not only is each person seen as needing Jesus Christ or further growth in their relationship with Jesus, but an understanding of mental illness and disorders is also based upon a Gospel-oriented worldview. Therapeutic practices utilize truths from Scripture in the healing process of clients and glorify Jesus. Therefore, sessions can include psychological interventions, counsel, spiritual clarity, and prayer.
A biopsychosocial model of human nature provides a clear framework for understanding and helping clients. The intricacies of the human brain, the environmental influences on our personality, the social, and cultural impact on our lives are clear factors seen in Scripture and psychology. On the other hand, as a Christian, there is an acknowledgment that all humans are inherently separated from God. This separation causes disruption, sin, suffering, and death. Positively, we serve a loving and just God that provides a way out of our depraved state through Jesus Christ. He longs for all to seek Him and His promise of eternity. In a Christian mental health perspective, a biopsychosocial-spiritual model is used and considers dignity, uniqueness, and depravity as humans.
I look forward to each appointment and know that I will be treated with the utmost care, respect, and professionalism. I highly recommend this facility to others. 
I've seen a dramatic change in my life since beginning my treatment at Integrated Counseling, and I will be forever grateful for my time there. 
I went to integrated counseling for two years for eating disorder recovery. Every week, I loved meeting with my counselor to celebrate my successes and work through the barriers that come with mental health challenges. My counselor thoroughly explained the reasons behind eating disorder behaviors, showed empathy with hard topics, and helped me overcome Issues I had dealt with for years. I looked forward to each session. I am in a healthier state of mind and in a better place in life because of the thoughtfulness, kindness, and professionalism that my counselor showed me 
I am a 56 year old woman who has struggled with disordered eating for the past 42 years of my life. It wasn’t until I found my counselor with Integrated Counseling, that I started to reverse all the ill effects of dieting, issues around controlling all my food and letting go of my fat phobia. The program that my counselor guided me through was an awesome mix of self compassion, intuitive eating and movement, being present in all aspects of life and stopping judgement towards myself and others. I am convinced that I would not be nearly as far along in my healing process were it not for my counselor. She was gentle yet firm, patient and incredibly understanding. I am left with all the tools I need to proceed through life on my continued recovery journey. 
As a young woman who has struggled with body image and a relationship with food for most of my life, receiving counseling for my eating disorder was the only way I could finally see light at the end of my dark tunnel. My anorexia had consumed me to a point where food, exercise, and the way I perceived my body controlled my thoughts and feelings every hour of the day. It wasn't until I sought out counseling and had a desire to recover that I am finally healing. These past three years receiving professional help have truly saved my life. I am now the healthiest I have ever been. Without a shadow of a doubt, I would encourage any person who is struggling with an eating disorder to not be afraid to reach out and trust that you can finally learn to love yourself. 
I went to integrated counseling for two years for eating disorder recovery. Every week, I loved meeting with my counselor to celebrate my successes and work through the barriers that come with mental health challenges. My counselor thoroughly explained the reasons behind eating disorder behaviors, showed empathy with hard topics, and helped me overcome Issues I had dealt with for years. I looked forward to each session. I am in a healthier state of mind and in a better place in life because of the thoughtfulness, kindness, and professionalism that my counselor showed me. 
I had Annie as my therapist and she’s one of the best therapists I’ve ever had. She’s great at listening to what I need and making sure I’m comfortable no matter what. I love her and it’s because of her I know how to communicate and trust my therapists! Thank you! 
This place changed my life. I haven’t been there in about 4 years now, but I was reflecting over my experience and thought they deserved a good review. I originally went to see Luke back in 2017 to deal with my depression. After visiting with him for a few months we came to the conclusion that I was dealing with undiagnosed ADHD. My life has significantly improved because of Luke and my diagnosis. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 
I've gone to many Counselor places, but this seems to be the one. Excellent Service! By both the therapists and the staff! Very friendly and professional! The atmosphere is great as well! They don't take Medicaid sadly, but they have multiple kinds of professionals and services to fit your need! They also have an excellent website. They are good at communicating to you and each other, so that nothing goes wrong. 
I have loved my time with Integrated Counseling and Wellness. The staff made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. My therapist, Liz, was incredible. You can tell she is professionally trained, well qualified, and truly cares for her patients. I've seen a dramatic change in my life since beginning my treatment at Integrated Counseling, and I will be forever grateful for my time there. 
I have had nothing but a positive experience in my time receiving counseling at Integrated Counseling and Wellness. The staff is incredibly friendly and professional and the environment is conducive to peace and calm. I have made and continue to make great strides in improving my mental health thanks to my time here. 
LouAnn Stermer is an excellent counselor who cares deeply about her clients. In the past, I worked with her at 2 different times over several years. She always acted in a professional manner and with a great deal of integrity. Integrated Counseling is very lucky to have her. 
Luke Einerson is amazing! I always had the hardest time falling asleep, and with one visit, Luke made the perfect herbal mixture that has made all the difference! He was very knowledgeable and caring! Highly recommend him if you are looking for a more natural Herbal alternative! 
I have witnessed Luke's work with clients and can attest to his passion, compassion, and skill at delivering client-specific care. Luke really cares about the people he works with, and he is talented at seeing their potential to creatively help them realize that for themselves. 
Luke is an Executive Coach with a solid entrepreneurial experience and deep understanding of the healthcare ecosystem. This combined with his strong listening skills and “out of the box” thinking approach, brings a unique edge to his coaching practice. 
I have experienced incredible growth with the help of my counselor here. Best counseling I have ever had! 
In regard to methods and techniques, research and personal testimonies reveal that psychological interventions are successful in the reduction of symptoms. Many successful interventions are research-based and viewed as God’s truth about humanity that is discovered by man. This can be seen in the same viewpoint as the sciences, man discovering what God created and how life operates in the environment. However, the independent use of these secular techniques falls short because they work on the symptoms while there is continued bondage to sin. The end result does not provide dependence on the Lord, salvation, or sanctification. Therefore, the Gospel is not removed from therapy and proven techniques are utilized for the betterment of each person.
It would be a detriment to deny research for many reasons. Research has provided great insight into mental illness. As critically-minded Christian counselors, research-based approaches are evaluated and ensured no theory is placed over or equal to the Scriptures. Comprehending the biological, social, and psychological underpinnings of mental illness is important and creates great compassion for clients. The more knowledge obtained the more service to each individual is provided. Though, when contradiction occurs, application and adherence to the theory or approach are not followed in sessions or teachings.
Most therapists will have ample opportunities to make differences, exalt Jesus, and create changes within the context of their therapeutic relationships. In this perspective, it does not stop in the sessions. Christians are called to seek opportunities to positively affect people, communities, schools, coworkers, institutions, research, and the world. Scripture states, “so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you” (Colossians 3:12-13). A philosophy of compassion and forgiveness, rather than pride and judgment, is part of the core of a faith-based perspective.
