PSYCHOLOGY FOR CHRISTIANS
Tender Studio Psychology believes that faith impacts every area of who we are and how we heal.
Christians don't need to see a Christian psychologist to receive excellent mental health treatment - but, just as some people may prefer to work with a psychologist of a particular gender, having a psychologist who aligns with your values and worldview can make a world of difference.
For some, it gives them comfort to speak to a psychologist without having to explain the unique intricacies of their faith and/or church. For others, their concerns are specific to their faith, and a Christian psychologist is essential to offering freedom and healing.
Tender Studio is able to utilise a faith-based approach for Christian clients if that is what they desire.
WHAT IF I DON'T IDENTIFY WITH THE CHRISTIAN FAITH?
Yes! The primary purpose of Tender Studio is to provide the best psychological therapy to everyone in our local community - regardless of their age, gender, cultural background, beliefs, or life journey.
All psychologists are bound by a code of ethics that ensures they remain impartial and non-judgmental of all patients regardless of their beliefs. Clients of any religious background can be assured that they will be treated respectfully and receive the same high quality of care. Tender Studio will not discuss anything associated with the Christian faith unless our clients invite it or take the first step.
SHOULD I SEE A CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGIST?
​At Tender Studio, we believe seeing a Christian psychologist is particularly helpful for two types of Christians:
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Those who identify as Christian, but want psychological support for non-faith related issues (we have to work through the human stuff before we can work on the spiritual stuff!)
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Those whose concerns are specific to their faith
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SHOULD CHRISTIANS GO TO THERAPY? HOW DOES FAITH INTEGRATE WITH PSYCHOLOGY?
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Some of the ways that a Christian psychologist can uniquely help you on your faith walk if your concerns are specific to your faith:
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Identifying thoughts, emotions, or behavioural patterns that get in the way of your relationship and connection with Jesus
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Identifying wounds that need to experience the healing presence of Jesus
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Acknowledging parts of you that have a hard time trusting God
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Disillusionment and doubt about God, the Church, or church members
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Restoring and healing parts of you that have been hurt by God, the Church, or church members
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At Tender Studio, we believe that we have been made in God's image. Along the way, we pick up thoughts about ourselves that have distorted seeing ourselves in God's image - the mirror has become smudged and unclear.
Tender Studio is passionate about cleaning the mirror so that you have more clarity about who you are in Jesus, more access to His healing presence, and the ability to abide in Him whilst living an abundant life.
COMMON STATEMENTS FROM CHRISTIANS WHO START THERAPY
I've been deeply hurt by church and can't move forward.
I feel like I'm always trying to
win God's love.
I frequently help others with their pain and have no one to talk to about mine.
I struggle being transparent and vulnerable.
I just need someone outside of my church to vent to.
I'm ashamed of who I am and the things I've done.
I need to learn how to set and maintain boundaries.
I feel like no one at my church understands me.
Why has God allowed this to
happen to me?
There's something getting in the way of going deeper in my faith.
I want to learn how to take every thought captive.
I have religious trauma that I want to work through safely.
CHRISTIAN PSYCHOLOGIST
Brittany Van de Straat, Principal Psychologist at Tender Studio, has a long-standing Christian background. Brittany has been a Christian for over 15 years and is currently an ACC ordained minister and pastor at her local church in the Sutherland Shire, focusing primarily on individual pastoral care for the community. Despite being an active member of a pentecostal church, Brittany welcomes all Christian denominations, backgrounds, and understandings. Brittany also possesses a Diploma in Christian Ministry and Theology. If you'd like to know more, we welcome your questions - contact us at hello@tenderstudiopsychology.com.au.