The foundation of Christian counseling rests not only on clinical skill but on theological clarity. Genesis 1:26–27 tells us humanity is made in the Imago Dei, the Image of God. This truth is more than doctrine—it is a clinical lens. Every client carries both the...
Exposing the Darkness: How Assessment Can Reveal the Unseen Influences Behind Mental Health Struggle
In counseling, we assess several factors at the beginning of the counseling process and throughout to monitor progress, accurately diagnose, and aid in the treatment of clients. Yet, in recent years, I've begun uncovering some unusually dark factors that many...
When You’ve Been Spiritually Gaslit: Holding Onto the True Voice of God
Guiding readers back to God’s word in a sea of confusion. by Dr. Natalie Atwell Gaslighting is a popular term these days. There are videos all over social media about this specific word. The term gaslight actually dates back to a 1938 British play called Gas Light,...
Exposing Darkness: Understanding the Roots of Spiritual Abuse
In recent years, the term spiritual abuse has gained popularity. I don't think this is because spiritual abuse is happening more (although that may be the case), but because more people are talking about their experiences. As a counselor, I'm encouraged to see more...
Resurrection Sunday: An Opportunity to Witness
We’re in the Easter season again—one time of year when many people are reminded, perhaps for the first time since last Easter, of an empty tomb outside Jerusalem. At AACC headquarters in Virginia, spring is in the air. Spring is a transitory season that bridges the...
Falling in Love, Staying in Love: How to Keep Romance Alive
This article was originally published in Christian Counseling Today, Volume 23-1 One of the most difficult parts of marriage is staying in love and keeping romance alive over the years. Having logged more than five decades together, we can tell you it is hard work,...
A Biblical and Neuroscientific Approach to Stress Resilience
This post is a summary of chapter 9 in Charles Stone’s just released Moody Press book:Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety. Read more information about the book and Charles below. Finding Certainty in an...
Do We Deserve God’s Grace?
Grace: perhaps the most freeing gift offered to us by God. Without it, we would have no salvation and no hope. A question that often surfaces in counseling, churches, and hearts is this: Do we deserve God’s grace? The works-based, performance-driven world can lead us...
Benevolent Detachment: Guiding Clients to a New Source of Identity and Acceptance
How often do you hear clients say, “They made me feel….” as they describe interactions with spouses, friends, family members, and coworkers? When clients claim that someone made them feel a certain way, they are ceding control of their emotions to another person....




















