Mariah Dolbow - Leavittsburg, OH

When I first reached out for counseling I was struggling with poor self-worth/self-love, poor boundaries, a rejection mindset, self-sabotaging behaviors, and a lack of identity. Throughout my therapy journey I have learned who I am in Christ, how to communicate in an assertive manner, and how to establish necessary boundaries for my mental/emotional/spiritual health. Each day I do my best to apply what I've learned by remembering the strategies and utilizing the wisdom I have gained for how to still my mind and process through my emotions. I continue to grow deeper with God both thru his word and my prayer life. I have more self-love and peace in my life than I've had in years! I know who I am, and I love who I'm continuing to grow into. 

​What I enjoy most about my sessions is the support I receive around mental health and how God's truth is combined together with it. I have gained so much from my sessions. Stephanie has wisdom and knowledge that has changed my life and I'm forever grateful.

One piece of advice I would give others is to keep going - keep trying - and keep pushing. This journey isn't easy but healing and growing is worth all the hard work and practice!

Female, Anonymous - Missouri City, TX

When I first reached out for counseling I was struggling with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I felt like I couldn't forgive my past traumas and had difficulty standing up for myself. What I liked most about counseling was having a safe space where I could be honest about my struggles and successes and actually get quality advice on how to change my circumstances. 

Throughout my counseling journey, I've learned how to depend on the word of God as my source of truth and anchor. I learned more about God's love and my position "in Christ" and no longer think God punishes me when I sin. I've learned the importance of forgiveness and self-love and no longer struggle with codependency (a.k.a. self-love deficit disorder). I learned how to have a more secure attachment style and express myself non-confrontationally. Today I am better able to set healthy boundaries for myself and combat defeating thoughts. I journal almost daily which helps me express my emotions, and I practice affirming myself with God's truth. I find that I read the word more, have gained a godly community, and feel stronger mentally and emotionally.

One piece of advice I would share with others is that even when it may seem dark or hard at times remember God is able to heal our emotional and mental wounds. He is capable of transforming our minds and how we process and cope - so just stick with it and trust your counselor!

Kristin Coffey - North Attleboro, MA

When I first reached out for counseling, I was struggling with a recent break up. I also recognized that I didn't have healthy boundaries in my relationships and was not very good at assertive communication. I lacked proper communication in all aspects of my life - family, personal, and work relationships. Not setting boundaries and not communicating in an assertive manner caused me a lot of anxiety. I went into counseling thinking we were going to talk through my relationship and discuss what went wrong and how it made me feel. Instead, we focused first on fixing ME, starting with building me up in my identity "in Christ" and addressing some rejection issues. There was no way I could have moved forward without first being firm in who I really am. I also liked that Stephanie's feedback was always biblical. 

Since starting counseling, I have gained so much confidence in my ability to advocate for myself. I found that I am much more grounded in my faith and have a newfound confidence in sharing my beliefs with others despite their reactions. I continue to set boundaries and practice assertive communication in my day-to-day life. I am super thankful for taking notes during all of our sessions because I have those to look back on when I need a refresher. 

It has been about a year since my 5-year relationship ended and I am just now starting to date. My relationship with God has become so much stronger because I am obedient even when the conversations are difficult. This season of my life has been lonely and challenging. I have lost relationships as a result of walking with Christ. But I have also gained some amazing friends through church. The more I am obedient to Him, the more I feel like I don't belong here and to this world. And I know that this is just the nature of being a Child of God. I just sometimes need a reminder. My advice to others would be that it is really important when it comes to healing to know your identity. I am so thankful that my eyes were opened to this concept, and I will continue to share that with others. 

Jasmin Gagnon - Street Springfield, VA 

When I first reached out for counseling I was struggling with the aftermath of my adultery, divorce, and other poor decisions that I had made throughout my life. This caused me to fall into a pattern of self-destruction. Counseling helped me become more grounded in my identity "in Christ". I learned how to put on the "new man" and walk in the Spirit. I really got a lot out of the recommended books and additional resources that I was given throughout the counseling process. Moving forward, I can now recognize when self-destructive thoughts come into my mind and pick-up my "sword of the Spirit" - the word of God - in response. Renewing my mind daily has become an ongoing practice. I also have been attending the Women's Bible Study which I enjoy because it provides me with an online community of Christian women who I can study the scriptures with on a weekly basis. My advice to others who are considering counseling would be to come with an open mind and heart.

Rayna Tomasian - Pawtucket, RI

When I first reached out for counseling I was struggling with parenting, marriage issues, and anger. What I enjoyed most about my sessions with Stephanie was that she took the time to fully listen. I like that she always brought it back to God and our relationship with Him. I’ve had many therapists just want to put me on meds and who made me feel like I was completely out of control of how I wanted to heal.

One thing I learned through counseling was to accept that not everything has to be in my control. I also learned that I have some work to do when it comes to renewing my own mind and that God isn’t going to "just do it for me". I find that I'm giving myself more grace and permission to listen to what my body and mind need - even if that means not getting things done - then it’s ok. I understand the value of working on myself as a mother because then I can be a better version of myself which will benefit not only myself but also my family and others. I have also become humbler in my relationship with God, realizing that He has me even on days that I can’t feel Him or don’t see answers to prayers right away.

Nellie Roque - Cumberland, RI

When I first reached out for counseling, I was experiencing a lot of spiritual attacks and needed guidance on how to grow spiritually strong against such attacks. These attacks caused a great deal of fear, stress, and confusion in my life. I prayed to God to help me find wisdom, understanding, and discernment. I feel like our sessions have brought me so much of this. When we started, I really felt alone in this, like I was the only one dumb enough to fall for the enemies lies. The counseling I received came across so loving and biblical. I'm grateful for Stephanie's understanding in this. I could have never shared this with any other type of therapist. Her spiritual wisdom makes her empathy like no other. She has such a special calling and understanding of spiritual attacks that I pray more people could understand. It is why the world is in the state it currently is in. How blessed am I to have been led to this ministry. I couldn't be more grateful!!!

Counseling helped me see that I’m not alone in having spiritual attacks. When I thought I lost God’s love, it was the darkest place I had ever been. I don’t know how people can resist God’s love for them. I see people differently as well...I find myself sharing Christ with others more. I like to share my gratitude for how Christ pulled me out of my darkness and that He is the answer for everyone. I felt so much shame in it all, but understanding God’s word has pulled me through so much of it. I’ve learned how to read God’s word and how it’s meant to be read. I have a better understand of who the author is writing to and understand what God’s promises are for me today. My faith has grown and continues to grow more and more each day, as I dive deeper into God’s word. When I was in the darkness of the valley, I thought I had no hope of God’s salvation and that I was destined for what the enemy convinced me of. But now, I am holding on tight to God’s promises of forgiveness and the secure promise of my salvation. 

The greatest compliment I’ve received is from my prayer group. They said they’ve seen a growth in me and that I look more joyful. I love sharing what I have learned from God’s word and I'm applying it to my life every day. My discernment has improved, and I have a better understanding of how God speaks to us in this dispensation. I was falling for all the extras of Christianity… for example, like the gift of prophecy. In trying to grow near to God, l went about it the wrong way and unknowingly opened doors I wasn’t realizing I was opening. My outlook on everyone around me has changed in regard to how to love and serve others. Forgiveness is easier for me now, and I am able to surrender more of my anxieties to God and have found the peace I was searching for.

Mark Wells - Corvallis, OR

What I really liked about my sessions was that they were over Zoom and I never felt rushed. I always felt I was able to work at my own pace. Through counseling, I learned that many of my dysfunctional character flaws stemmed from my childhood and being raised by a single parent. This caused me to not have respect for myself, to be insecure, have no direction, and be unhappy and sad most days. This ultimately drove me to abuse drugs for decades.

​Counseling helped me understand that I had unhealed rejection, fear of abandonment, and was holding unforgiveness toward others in my heart. I learned how to forgive (even though sometimes I still struggle with letting go of the past), set boundaries, be more assertive, and not allow fear to run my life. Some positive changes in my life include keeping a budget, choosing to spend time with positive people, and being a better asset at work. My relationship with God is also different. I am able to see God the Father as a loving father who wants the best for me and who loves me "in Christ" no matter what. I realize that Jesus will never leave or forsake me, and this gives me the confidence to move towards healing. I'm also trying to do more things for myself, instead of sitting back and relying on God to do EVERYTHING for me. I'm trying to be the adult that God wants me to be. 

Lauren Bozarth - Scottsdale, AZ

Assertive communication has been one of the key take-aways from my counseling sessions. I learned the benefits of assertive communication and some practical steps for communicating more effectively. Implementing assertive communication has significantly improved my relationships and has given me newfound courage. I also have become more aware of the internal dialogue in my head and as a result improved my ability to reframe negative self-talk and be more compassionate toward myself. I’m better able to evaluate my thoughts against Gods’ truth and discern where they are coming from (God, the enemy, or myself). What I enjoyed most about my sessions was how practical our discussions were and the resources I was given. I also loved ending in prayer and bringing scripture into our conversations.

Female, Anonymous - Waxahachie, TX

When I began counseling I struggled with a lot of anxiety, self-hatred, and negative thinking. Through my counseling sessions I learned that I don't have to let my thoughts control my life. A big "Aha!" moment for me was learning that the spiritual war occurs in our minds. Becoming aware that most of these thoughts are coming directly from the enemy helped me to begin fighting this spiritual battle. I am applying what I have learned by grounding myself in truth. I don't want to be easily deceived by the enemy or get upset over trivial things in life. I realize now that I have to be rooted in the truth of who God is and what He says about me for that to change. I feel like, over these last few months, I have been able to fully surrender to God. I have more of a desire to know Him and to read His word. What I liked most about my counseling sessions was feeling free to truly express how I felt. I loved the guidance that Stephanie gave me and liked that she listened but then always took action. I benefited a lot from the homework that was given because it helped me apply what was discussed during my sessions.

Female, Anonymous - The Colony, TX 

What I like most about my sessions is having an advocate in my life to help me navigate and process my thoughts and emotions. I like that I have accountability in doing the work to heal and applying what I've read in the recommended books. I enjoy having an outside perspective on what I'm dealing with, and I appreciate Stephanie's knowledge of God's word. My relationship with God has also improved, and I find myself spending my morning drives in prayer and praise. I am more aware of how necessary it is to read the Bible, and I'm better able to stay grounded in the truth. I know God is my provider, and I'm reminded of His grace daily. 

During my work with Stephanie, I learned how to forgive others and myself and now live in freedom from resentment. I have more peace and freedom knowing that I don't have to hold onto things of the past. Especially the painful memories from when I was younger growing up with a mom who I felt wasn't there for me and was overbearing and demanding. When I decided to forgive my mom, I really found that my perspective shifted. I saw that my mom was always there for support, and she supported me in ways that she could. She wasn't always able to be there for everything, but she did her best with what she had, and I find a sense of gratitude in that. I don't have to live with resentment or be upset anymore about whatever happened years ago. 

I'm learning to take better care of myself by setting healthy boundaries and learning when to say 'yes' and 'no' to work requests, friends, and family. I feel comfortable knowing when to rest and when to push through. I feel like I have life balance and overall peace. Also, with loving and taking care of myself, I've found that it's necessary for me to do even the littlest things like getting my nails done or buying myself something nice. I've also learned to add humor to my relationship with my boyfriend, which did not exist before. I have more patience and a grace for myself and others, and I'm becoming better at knowing when I'm betraying myself and not being a friend to myself.

Tina Casey - Winchester, VA

When I first became a client, I was seeking advice on getting over my boyfriend of 7 years. I was given tools on how to deal with negative self-talk and confidence. Everything incorporated God’s word and I needed that. My boyfriend and I got back together, and both started doing couples counseling. The sessions have made such a dramatic improvement in our relationship. We went from an affair, to separation, and then got back together again - this time even stronger than before. With our sessions, we learned healthier communication habits and have more respect for one another. Total game changer! We now listen to each other "to understand" instead of listening "to respond".

​What I liked most about our couples' sessions was how I felt like we were on an "even playing field". One of us was never made to feel better or worse than the other, and we were given different ideas to try out in our relationship. We have incorporated the skills given to us and we work things out a new way instead of arguing. We have been actively working on leaving the past in the past and moving on together. My personal relationship with God has also become stronger. I’m wanting to learn more. I’ve asked Him to be part of our relationship and to help guide our hearts toward Him. I believe since I have invited Him in things have changed for the better. I now put more effort into living God’s word.

James Longo Jr - Scottsdale, AZ

What I liked most about my sessions with Stephanie was being able to speak what was on my mind and not feel judged. I liked that she was able to relate things I was going through back to the Bible. She has a great way of articulating things so I can understand them. We never moved on from a topic until I completely understood it or was comfortable with grasping what it was. I liked that even though the sessions were on Zoom they still felt very personal.

During our work together I learned how to see myself through the eyes of God. I have a better understanding of how God loves me, and I feel like a child of God. As a result, I've gotten over my rejection mindset and the tendency to be a people pleaser. I am now able to make time for myself and say "No" to things that don't serve me. I dive into the Bible a lot more now and read it with intentionally rather than as a checklist. I trust that God has my best interest in mind at all times and that everything I go through is a steppingstone to the future and my end place in heaven. 

Additionally, I learned how not to let myself get in the way of my own life and calling. I learned that I have a voice and should use it to help others get through their traumas. I am strong, confident, and know I will be able to make a positive impact on this world. This has helped me see that I could be a Christian Counselor as well. To this end, I have started the Christian Counseling Training Course and look forward to having my own counseling ministry one day soon.

Kristine Pellegrino - Dracut, MA

I have seen a lot of change in my life, and it's been encouraging. I have learned how to navigate and heal the pain of growing up without a present father. Releasing my worldly father from the bondage of expectations and placing God in that position was extremely healing for me. My worldly father may never be able to be the father I need him to be, but God can be. Knowing my identity in Christ and placing God at the center of every aspect of my life, has impacted my heart and spirit for the better. 

​I have released the old "story in my head" that was holding me back and have created a new story that I now live my truth from. Every day is not perfect, but I am more aware of when I fall into old patterns, and I can implement healthy boundaries for myself much more often.

​What I like most about my sessions is that I never feel rushed to work through something. Even if we are over time, Steph always make sure to allow room for healing if we are still working through a topic. I also admire the level of trust I felt right from the start without fear of judgement. Most importantly, it was crucial that I confided in someone who loves God's word and lives by it. I feel comfortable and honored recommending Stephanie to friends or family who may need counseling as well. 

Brianne McDonough - Norwood, MA

What I like best about my sessions with Steph is that they bear fruit! I’m heard, validated, challenged, and held accountable! I no longer need to perform for God's love and acceptance, instead I live from a place of already being loved "in Christ". I can allow myself to rest and not feel I have to strive so much. As stated in 1 John 4:18, “Perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” And, in 1 John 4:18, "We love because he first loved us.”

​My relationship with the Lord is much more beautiful and consistent. I now live in a steady flow with God rather than being up and down based on my performance, moral barometer, the kind of day I had, or how “good” or “bad” I was. I am allowing myself to "be okay with myself" and to let go of the fear of being wrong! Knowing I’m an adopted daughter of God and not a slave, I can live in freedom - free of bondage to religious performance, perfectionism, or inadequacy. Condemnation is no longer a tenant in my head renting invaluable space. Love and peace rent the space now! ❤️🙏🏼🙌.

Female, Anonymous - Pawtucket, R​I

What I really enjoy most about my sessions with Stephanie is that "she gets it" and understands where I'm coming from. I like that she challenges me without being harsh or judgmental. I feel like she genuinely cares for my growth and development in all areas. She is also incredibly encouraging, and I really appreciate that. I have gained clarity on some of the issues I face in my life and learned tools that I can use so that these challenges don't cripple me. I also have a better understanding of my behavior. I

​'m practicing how to identify when I'm giving life to a negative mindset so that I can stop and practice more positive self-talk. I am working on breaking agreement with inner vows, thoughts, and beliefs that no longer serve me. My relationship with God has grown, and I no longer feel as closed off as I was. I no longer feel like I need to perform for God (or others), and I understand where that comes from now and that it is not true.

Dereck Boyd - Bridgewater, MA

What I like most about our sessions are the conversations we have; they can be very encouraging. Not only am able to express how I feel but I am able to open up about creating things that help me become a better man instead of keeping it all in. During our time together, I have learned what rejection is, why I have excessive neediness, more about God and His word, and I have developed more confidence talking with females. I am applying what I have learned by reminding myself that I am good enough and that I am loved by God.

​My prayer life has improved, and I started writing down prayers and scriptures that I post on my wall. I am also more aware of my neediness and back off when people don't answer me by not frantically texting or calling them. I better understand God's will for my life, and I'm more grounded in the knowledge that I am loved by Him in Christ.

​Female, Anonymous - Norton, MA

I have learned to focus on being more mindful and to take a second to think about things before I react. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn and a lot to work on, but that working on anxiety and depression is something that won't happen overnight. I am genuinely working every day to apply what I have learned. For example, I am thinking more win-win when it comes to things that might bring me anxiety but that bring other people joy. Also, I'm gentler in my reactions with my kids and husband; I think more before I speak; I'm more mindful to reframe negative self-talk; and I am fueling my body with healthier choices.

​I have become closer with God, and I reference the Bible more frequently as compared to before (I didn't even have a Bible before I started counseling! 😬) What I like best about Stephanie is her openness and ability to be honest. She is caring and doesn't enable poor behavior but helps to others with ways to react differently so they can improve their behavior.

Karen Harris - Mansfield, MA

One of the issues I presented when I started counseling was feeling disconnected from God. I learned a lot about loving myself and staying away from negative self-talk. I learned that I am loved by God and that my sins are forgiven in Christ. I am confident that there is nothing I can do to make God stop loving me. When I pray now, I can sense the Spirit of the Lord because I have released myself from condemnation. Also, I learned how to practice being more assertive rather that giving into my anger.

​I have become more aware of the thoughts that enter my mind and how to reject, question, and reframe them. I've realized feelings are not above the truth of God's word. Today, I am being more intentional and applying the strategies I learned by not letting negative thoughts fester or stew. Stephanie is very down to earth and easy to open up to. I like her practical advice and the resources she gives... And of course, I love the fact that this is Christ-based counseling.

Briana Tondreault - Foxboro, MA

I learned how to cherish myself and to speak more positively about myself. I learned how to shift out of a negative mindset, set boundaries, heal a rejection mindset, and be more assertive. I also learned that I WAS causing a lot of my own problems and addressed it in a comfortable safe setting with someone who is not judgmental. I found Stephanie easy to talk to and someone who always has great advice.

​As I move forward, I am growing in the knowledge of God. Understanding how He views me is helping me transform the way I see myself to align with the way God sees me. When I feel myself falling back into negative thinking patterns, I go back over older assignments to help remind myself of what I learned. Even if I haven’t conquered everything yet, I’m more mindful of what I’m doing.

Female, Anonymous - North Providence, RI

Stephanie has been such a blessing to my life. I have been meeting with her for 4 months and have learned so much. I struggled with self-image, self-worth, and ultimately self-love. I learned that I had a rejection mindset and didn't fully understand the depth of God's love for me which, at its core, created so many of my struggles. Through Steph's counseling I now understand that God's love and grace for me "in Christ" is unconditional. This understanding has enabled me to give love and grace to myself and others.

​I no longer have a rejection mindset, which had held me back for 20+ years. I no longer put my worth, acceptance, and love in others, but rather, look to God for all I need. I understand God is everything I had been seeking. He is the ultimate Father. Humans are imperfect. They can't fill us up like God can. I enjoy how Steph is SO thoughtful. She truly gets to the root of the problem and doesn't just put a band aid on the client. I appreciate how she doesn't hold herself back and is honest with her insight and advice. REAL healing requires REAL advice.

Mary Wagne - Boynton Beach, FL

I worked with Stephanie for about 3 months and can honestly say I feel more alive now! I was scared of starting therapy at first but Steph really made it something I looked forward to. These counseling sessions opened a flood gate of information and emotions that before I tried to just bury and bottle up. During my sessions, I wasn't only just talking about my emotions but I really had to examine myself as a whole. I liked how Steph would not only listen but would also hold me accountable. There were times when it felt like chunks of weight had been dug out of myself and just thrown away. The weight has lifted out of my heart and it feels great! I have learned how to handle issues in a healthier manner that before would really bother me.

My relationship with God has also improved and I feel more connected. I always knew Jesus loved me but my heart didn’t grasp it completely. Now that it has, I lean to God more, and my life feels like it makes sense. I remind myself that God loves me every day. I don’t allow the enemy to bring me down like he did before. There will always be issues in life but I am committed to not "fall back" to old patterns. Today, I love myself better and have created necessary boundaries to protect myself and my family... And doing so has made me feel so much better. Things are falling into place and it’s amazing!

Jessica Murphy - Attleboro, MA
​
My favorite thing about my first session was that at the end there was a plan in place. After my first session, I knew immediately that change was coming in the best way. Each time I meet with Steph it is like meeting with a trusted advisor who listens to you, and then in turn teaches you too. There are so many things I have gained and learned from our sessions together. I learned how to recognize and reframe negative self-talk. I now find myself reframing bad thoughts that come up throughout the day. I also learned more about how to set boundaries in my life and have successfully applied boundaries at work.

​The skills I have learned with Steph have given me more confidence in myself. Lastly, my relationship with God has only improved since my sessions with Steph. Adding another Bible study with new people in my life has allowed me to broaden my scope of reading. It also has allowed me to hear different perspectives of the Bible and learn more from other people too.

Female, Anonymous - Palm Springs, FL

​I have started to learn how to love myself and how not to think so negatively about myself, my body, and my mind. I learned that God created me the way He wants, and now I can appreciate that. I have stopped complaining about things that are in my power to change. Whenever I find myself thinking negatively, I try to stop it and think more encouraging thoughts. When that doesn’t help, I write whatever I’m feeling down in my notebook and write something true and encouraging about myself. I try not to jump to conclusions and draw negative assumptions.

​I’m finally understanding that I can find a way to change the things that are in my control to work on. I'm also allowing myself to grieve the loss of my mother instead of suppressing my emotions. I am now reading God's word more and learning to put my trust in God. I’ve been trying to include God more, and I find myself trying to better myself more for Him. What I liked most about my sessions with Stephanie was how she would go over things that I need to do that helped to guide me in the right direction.

Saskia Ridley - Lake Worth, FL

​I have gained so much from my sessions! I can honestly say that I have been set free from scary thoughts. I have learned ways to deal with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and so much more. Stephanie not only help me with all that I was going through, she also provided me with so many resources to help me in my journey. I am so grateful that God lead me to her. I am applying what I have learned simply by practicing them with every opportunity I get. What I have learned has changed so many things for me. I like the fact that I had someone listen to me and really care about my wellbeing. I never felt rushed to end a session or pressured to say anything I wasn’t ready to talk about.

Female, Anonymous - Chicago, IL

Throughout my time with Stephanie, I have gained insight into many of my life challenges and tools to use when I am triggered. I am using the information to increase my self-awareness and decision-making. What I like most about our sessions is how Stephanie is consistent, validating, non-judgmental, supportive, and is able to meet me where I'm at.