Benefits Of Counseling

It Incorporates the Spiritual Life

 

The active prayer life of a client is the single biggest contributor for success in faith based counseling. Existing spiritual disciplines such as prayer and the sacraments are not only encouraged, they are actively incorporated and even at times required as a part of the clinical contract.

It is Anonymous and Discrete

 

Both the law and sound ethics require counseling services to be strictly confidential with very few exceptions.

It is Convenient

 

The convenience afforded by phone based sessions allows for much greater ease in fitting a session into an otherwise busy schedule.

It is Collaborative

 

At the discretion of the client, collaboration with other mentors, especially Spiritual Directors, is encouraged.

Services

Individual Work

 

Perhaps the most important work a person can do for their vocation is to complete any ‘unfinished business’ from childhood, as this impacts the foundation upon which all further vocation and mission rests. This work includes the healing of wounds, the forgiveness of those who have injured or neglected us, the strengthening of one’s identity in what is good and true, and the integration of unhelpful emotional scripts set in place in early formation. These scripts, very common in most people, are often the reason we can say with St. Paul.

“I do not understand my own behavior; I do not act as I mean to, but I do things I hate.” – Romans 7:15

Common scripts in Western culture include perfectionism, self-criticism, affirmation seeking, conflict avoidance, the repression of emotions, compulsive thinking and behaviors, eating disorders, compulsive eating, many addictions, social anxiety, and various kinds of anger problems.

Marital Work

 

Marital couples typically seek out counseling for communication, conflict and intimacy problems. They might also be looking to fully reconcile and heal after a relational wound. It is very wise to be proactive with these types of problems as time almost never improves them and indeed, usually compounds them (much like putting off physical health issues or automotive problems). Unfinished work from childhood can also be the root of some marital problems.

Parenting Work

 

Parents often contact for counseling due to behavioral problems occurring with a child.  While these problems are always addressed, the initial emphasis of most parent work is aimed at strengthening the relationship of the child to the parent (as St. John Bosco says in reference to wayward children, “If you can get them to love you, you can lead them anywhere”).  Many behavior problems in children  evaporate entirely once a child’s heart is reconnected to the parent.

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    Resources

    People shouldn’t have memories that surface with strong negative feelings like anger, shame or fear.  A piece of us get’s stuck in the past for every unresolved incident.  Worse, unresolved memories create a host of problems, even when they are pushed down and out of sight, including physical problems like digestive issues, muscle tension and headaches.  They also create emotional problem and fuel tendencies to overreact to present day triggers.  Our prayer life becomes a challenge, as memories surface when we try to pray or worship.
         Healing of Memories is the process of identifying and quickly resolving our unfinished business, bringing peace to mind, heart, body and soul.  This brief e-book has a quick read format that will let you try out the process within a matter of minutes and see how well it might work for you.  I couldn’t encourage you more strongly to give it a try: it’s free and can start bearing fruit in just minutes.
    Healing Memories Book - Read Online FREE NowHealing Memories App - Download on iOS FREE Now

    Clinicians

    Ian Butler, LMHP, MA, MTS

    Ian meeting the pope
    Ian is a Catholic clinician who worked from 1999 to 2020 as a counselor for Catholic Social Services with the Diocese of Lincoln Nebraska, a clinical site specializing in the integration of the truths of the Catholic faith with Psychology. He founded Holy Family Counseling in 2006 to provide outreach for Catholics in more remote places or where faithful counseling was unavailable. He has a Masters in Counseling from Franciscan University with a concentration in Christian Counseling as well as a Masters in Theological Studies from Ave Maria University’s Institute for Pastoral Theology. Since 2007, he has been a faculty member for the Institute for Priestly Formation, a summer seminary in Omaha Nebraska that draws up to 175 seminarians annually for a 9 week program focusing on deepening the prayer life of seminarians and removing or healing obstacles to healthy prayer and ministry. Since 2011, he has assisted in the human formation of aspirants for the Deaconate Program of the Archdiocese of Omaha. He provides healing and integration formation for religious orders, conferences, a spiritual direction school, seminaries and retreats. He is married, has three children and a black lab.

    Daniel Brown, M.A., LPC

    Daniel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. He has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology/ Behavioral Neuroscience from American University in Washington, DC and a Bachelor's degree in Theology and Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He did additional training in the integration of the Catholic faith with psychology, and in health psychology at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, VA and the University of Missouri, Kansas City, respectively. Daniel’s experience consists of helping adolescent and adult clients suffering from alcohol, substance abuse and sexual addictions, anxiety disorders, specific phobias/fears, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, life/career adjustments, spiritual issues, relationship difficulties, and marriage preparation (experience with FOCCUS). Daniel currently works with adolescents and adults at local mental health clinics in West Chester and Havertown, Pennsylvania doing individual, couples, and family counseling.
    Daniel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. He has a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology/ Behavioral Neuroscience from American University in Washington, DC and a Bachelor's degree in Theology and Psychology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He did additional training in the integration of the Catholic faith with psychology, and in health psychology at the Institute for Psychological Sciences in Arlington, VA and the University of Missouri, Kansas City, respectively. Daniel’s experience consists of helping adolescent and adult clients suffering from alcohol, substance abuse and sexual addictions, anxiety disorders, specific phobias/fears, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, life/career adjustments, spiritual issues, relationship difficulties, and marriage preparation (experience with FOCCUS). Daniel currently works with adolescents and adults at local mental health clinics in West Chester and Havertown, Pennsylvania doing individual, couples, and family counseling.

    Melissa Guzik, MA, CCC

    Degrees and Credentials Melissa has a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from McGill University. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Behavioural Science from McGill University. She is also a member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, and Smart Marriages: The Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couple Education. Mrs. Guzik is licensed as a Certified Canadian Counselor (CCC) through the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. Expertise Mrs. Guzik has worked within addictions and mental health with adolescents and families over the past 7 years. Mrs. Guzik serves different parishes and the Edmonton Archdiocese in assisting couples prepare for marriage. She is an experienced FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study) and REFOCCUS Facilitator working with couples before and after they are married to foster open communication in all areas of their relationships. Mrs. Guzik is also trained to work with those suffering from couple or family conflict, communication difficulties, personal growth, life transitions, addictions, child bearing loss, and post-abortion healing. She also has a history of working with adolescents and their parents. Personal Information Mrs. Guzik is married and has been blessed with two children. Mrs. Guzik is also fluent in French.
    Degrees and Credentials Melissa has a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from McGill University. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Sociology, and Behavioural Science from McGill University. She is also a member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, and Smart Marriages: The Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couple Education. Mrs. Guzik is licensed as a Certified Canadian Counselor (CCC) through the Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association. Expertise Mrs. Guzik has worked within addictions and mental health with adolescents and families over the past 7 years. Mrs. Guzik serves different parishes and the Edmonton Archdiocese in assisting couples prepare for marriage. She is an experienced FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study) and REFOCCUS Facilitator working with couples before and after they are married to foster open communication in all areas of their relationships. Mrs. Guzik is also trained to work with those suffering from couple or family conflict, communication difficulties, personal growth, life transitions, addictions, child bearing loss, and post-abortion healing. She also has a history of working with adolescents and their parents. Personal Information Mrs. Guzik is married and has been blessed with two children. Mrs. Guzik is also fluent in French.

    Marcel Lanahan, MA, LMHC

    Marcel Lanahan, MA, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York. He was trained at Franciscan University of Steubenville and further formed as a professional counselor at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center serving the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, he has provided psychotherapy and life coaching services to college students and young adults, and is currently seeking an additional degree in School Psychology in Western New York. Marcel is happily married with three sons who bring him much joy every day. Before choosing to pursue holiness as a counselor and married man, he became well-acquainted with various religious communities through formal and informal discernment experiences. Therefore, he feels passionate about helping faithful Catholics from all walks of life heal hidden wounds and grow in virtue in order to fulfill their vocations.
    Marcel Lanahan, MA, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of New York. He was trained at Franciscan University of Steubenville and further formed as a professional counselor at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Counseling Center serving the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. In addition, he has provided psychotherapy and life coaching services to college students and young adults, and is currently seeking an additional degree in School Psychology in Western New York. Marcel is happily married with three sons who bring him much joy every day. Before choosing to pursue holiness as a counselor and married man, he became well-acquainted with various religious communities through formal and informal discernment experiences. Therefore, he feels passionate about helping faithful Catholics from all walks of life heal hidden wounds and grow in virtue in order to fulfill their vocations.

    Andrea Gumbko, MA, LLP

    Andrea is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Michigan. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies in Detroit, MI, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, majoring in General Studies with concentrations in Psychology and Literature. Andrea has experience working with a broad range of clients from adjudicated adolescents, to individual, marriage and family therapy, to the chronically mentally ill population in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. She is a devout Catholic wife of 19 years and mother of 5 children. She has worked extensively with and for the Church over the past 17 years running grief and loss support groups for children, spiritual growth small group sharing for couples, women’s encounter with Christ small groups, VOCARIS (marriage preparation), and is soon to be a team member for Rachel’s Vineyard retreats. Andrea is passionate about her Catholic faith and the role the Sacraments and prayer play in healing for all God’s people.
    Andrea is a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Michigan. She has a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies in Detroit, MI, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, majoring in General Studies with concentrations in Psychology and Literature. Andrea has experience working with a broad range of clients from adjudicated adolescents, to individual, marriage and family therapy, to the chronically mentally ill population in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings. She is a devout Catholic wife of 19 years and mother of 5 children. She has worked extensively with and for the Church over the past 17 years running grief and loss support groups for children, spiritual growth small group sharing for couples, women’s encounter with Christ small groups, VOCARIS (marriage preparation), and is soon to be a team member for Rachel’s Vineyard retreats. Andrea is passionate about her Catholic faith and the role the Sacraments and prayer play in healing for all God’s people.

    Dr. Kate Schneider

    Kate Schneider is a Catholic psychologist, wife, and mother living in Colorado. Kate began her psychological studies at the University of Dallas, a Catholic University in Texas. There she learned to combine her desire to help others through psychology with the Catholic faith. After receiving both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts with a specialization in psychology, she completed her Doctoral studies at Argosy University Dallas. Dr. Kate has experience working with homeless populations, community outreach centers, and supporting mothers and NICU graduates. Additionally Kate enjoys working with parents and children, adolescents, adults with depression and anxiety looking to carry their crosses better, athletes and professionals looking to reach greater heights, as well as couples before and after marriage. Kate has also begun working with caregiver support and helping postpartum mothers. Her greatest desire is to help each person she works with grow in their relationship with God through life's trials and successes. Each and every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Through the use of scientifically supported methods and techniques Kate strives to assist you in your journey toward growth, healing, forgiveness, acceptance, and true happiness in living a life in accordance with God's will.
    Kate Schneider is a Catholic psychologist, wife, and mother living in Colorado. Kate began her psychological studies at the University of Dallas, a Catholic University in Texas. There she learned to combine her desire to help others through psychology with the Catholic faith. After receiving both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts with a specialization in psychology, she completed her Doctoral studies at Argosy University Dallas. Dr. Kate has experience working with homeless populations, community outreach centers, and supporting mothers and NICU graduates. Additionally Kate enjoys working with parents and children, adolescents, adults with depression and anxiety looking to carry their crosses better, athletes and professionals looking to reach greater heights, as well as couples before and after marriage. Kate has also begun working with caregiver support and helping postpartum mothers. Her greatest desire is to help each person she works with grow in their relationship with God through life's trials and successes. Each and every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Through the use of scientifically supported methods and techniques Kate strives to assist you in your journey toward growth, healing, forgiveness, acceptance, and true happiness in living a life in accordance with God's will.

    Janet Zander, MA, LPC, Pastoral Counselor

    Janet Zander, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor/ Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the State of North Carolina. She received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, with a concentration in Christian Counseling and Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University. She is a member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, American Counseling Association and the International Society of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Since 1992, Janet’s background has been in community mental health, private practice and as an EAP counselor/consultation. She has experience working with adults, children, and adolescents in individual, couples and family therapy. She is trained working with those suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, trauma and grief/loss, those experiencing life transitions, relationship difficulties and those seeking personal growth. She has a passion for ministering from a psychological and spiritual integration for Catholics and non-Catholics from all walks of life, helping them in their pursuit of holiness, growth in faith and healing of life wounds. Janet has a broad background in the Catholic Church with her involvement with the Secular Franciscan Order fraternity, Faith Formation, co-leader of Woman’s Days of Reflection and prayer group, trained prayer teams, healing and Unbound ministry; she was the Coordinator for the Parish Healing Mission in 2018 and 2019. Janet is married and has 3 adult children and 3 grandsons.

    Susan Wiggins, MA, LPC, CAADC

    Susan Wiggins, MA, LPC, CAADC, is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Michigan, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She brings a passion to her counseling with the integration of the Catholic faith, as a fundamental dimension of therapy. Her experience is widely varied, including work on an inpatient psychiatric unit for 6 years , a stint with a private practice, outpatient therapy , on staff of a child development center in Pittsburgh, a nursing home social services director, trained in the Project Rachel ministry, serving as the retreat team therapist for the past 8 years, as well as individual referrals . Personal Information: Susan has been married to Preston (Pete) Wiggins for 18 years. They met at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She completed an undergraduate degree in Mental Health & Human Services, as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling, with a Certificate in Christian Counseling there. Mrs. Wiggins enjoys working with all populations, as well as premarital counseling preparation and substance abuse issues. She is a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselor Association. She has worked in the areas of trauma, inner child and play therapy, CBT modes primarily, but with an eclectic dimension as well. Her life experience includes pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome and Medjugorge. She lived in Australia for a year, working in the legal field. “Journey to the (Jacob’s) Well” with a Catholic separated and divorced group was a highlight of the Jerusalem trip. She has led a women’s Bible Study for 9 years, as well as 11 years of teaching CCD on the fourth grade and second grade levels. Currently belongs to a Catholic Women’s Study Group based on the Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.
    Susan Wiggins, MA, LPC, CAADC, is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Michigan, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She brings a passion to her counseling with the integration of the Catholic faith, as a fundamental dimension of therapy. Her experience is widely varied, including work on an inpatient psychiatric unit for 6 years , a stint with a private practice, outpatient therapy , on staff of a child development center in Pittsburgh, a nursing home social services director, trained in the Project Rachel ministry, serving as the retreat team therapist for the past 8 years, as well as individual referrals . Personal Information: Susan has been married to Preston (Pete) Wiggins for 18 years. They met at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. She completed an undergraduate degree in Mental Health & Human Services, as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling, with a Certificate in Christian Counseling there. Mrs. Wiggins enjoys working with all populations, as well as premarital counseling preparation and substance abuse issues. She is a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselor Association. She has worked in the areas of trauma, inner child and play therapy, CBT modes primarily, but with an eclectic dimension as well. Her life experience includes pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Rome and Medjugorge. She lived in Australia for a year, working in the legal field. “Journey to the (Jacob’s) Well” with a Catholic separated and divorced group was a highlight of the Jerusalem trip. She has led a women’s Bible Study for 9 years, as well as 11 years of teaching CCD on the fourth grade and second grade levels. Currently belongs to a Catholic Women’s Study Group based on the Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan.

    Susanne Gilstrap, MA, LPC, LPCC

    Susanne Weiss, MA, LPC, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor/ Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the States of Alabama and Ohio. She received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, with a concentration in Christian Counseling, as well as a BA in theology at FUS. Susanne has worked in community mental health, served for fifteen years in the Retrouvaille ministry for troubled marriages, has worked with 12 step groups, parenting groups, healing after abortion and a divorce ministry. Susanne has a passion for working with women who have experienced trauma, difficult transitions, divorce, grief or daily anxiety. Counseling experiences include working with adults, children, and adolescents in individual, couples and family therapy. Susanne is trained in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties and those seeking greater joy and freedom in their daily life. Susanne has three grown children, five grandchildren, loves to travel and seeks to daily appreciate God’s blessings and share His love with others.
    Susanne Weiss, MA, LPC, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Counselor/ Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the States of Alabama and Ohio. She received a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, with a concentration in Christian Counseling, as well as a BA in theology at FUS. Susanne has worked in community mental health, served for fifteen years in the Retrouvaille ministry for troubled marriages, has worked with 12 step groups, parenting groups, healing after abortion and a divorce ministry. Susanne has a passion for working with women who have experienced trauma, difficult transitions, divorce, grief or daily anxiety. Counseling experiences include working with adults, children, and adolescents in individual, couples and family therapy. Susanne is trained in working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties and those seeking greater joy and freedom in their daily life. Susanne has three grown children, five grandchildren, loves to travel and seeks to daily appreciate God’s blessings and share His love with others.

    Betty Sánchez Maurer M.S., LMFT

    Betty Sánchez Maurer M.S., LMFT, is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is fluent in Spanish and English. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and is an EMDR trained therapist; an evidenced-based therapeutic modality which helps people recover from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Betty has worked as a bilingual therapist in various community mental health settings and in private practice, providing services to individuals, couples, families, parents, and their children. In addition to EMDR, Betty’s approach to therapy includes Cognitive-Behavioral and Solution-Focused Therapy. Deeply rooted in her faith in conjunction with her training in mental health, Betty is passionate about helping people discover solutions to their problems, centered in God’s plan for a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
    Betty Sánchez Maurer M.S., LMFT, is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is fluent in Spanish and English. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and is an EMDR trained therapist; an evidenced-based therapeutic modality which helps people recover from trauma or other distressing life experiences. Betty has worked as a bilingual therapist in various community mental health settings and in private practice, providing services to individuals, couples, families, parents, and their children. In addition to EMDR, Betty’s approach to therapy includes Cognitive-Behavioral and Solution-Focused Therapy. Deeply rooted in her faith in conjunction with her training in mental health, Betty is passionate about helping people discover solutions to their problems, centered in God’s plan for a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

    Mary Beth Child, LLP, NCE