Why I Share My Faith as a Therapist

One of the foundations of therapy is trust. Clients deserve to know who they are inviting into some of the most vulnerable conversations of their lives and who they are trusting with their heart and mind.

For that reason, I believe transparency matters. While my faith is never the focus of therapy, I don't ever want clients to feel misled. I am a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and my faith is a meaningful part of who I am. It influences how I understand people, relationships, suffering, hope, and healing.

My passion is providing quality clinical care with thoughtful faith integration. Much of my training, continuing education, and professional interest has focused on Christianity, while also helping me better understand the diverse traditions within it. At the same time, I believe faith integration is always centered on the client's beliefs—not mine. That means the client's faith—not my own—is the framework we explore when faith becomes part of therapy.

I see it as a professional responsibility to understand the worldview my clients bring into the room. That conviction has led me to study Christian traditions beyond my own so I can better understand the language, doctrines, practices, and experiences that shape their lives. Rather than expecting clients to translate or defend their beliefs, I believe it is my responsibility to become fluent enough in their faith tradition that they can speak naturally about what matters most to them.

I recognize that my faith may influence whether some people feel I am a good fit. For some, it will be reassuring; for others, it may not. I believe clients deserve to make that decision with accurate information from the beginning. Although I am Latter-day Saint, my understanding of Christianity has been shaped by experiences across many traditions.

I studied at Liberty University, where my education was grounded in a broadly evangelical Christian framework. That experience strengthened my understanding of Christian faith integration while deepening my appreciation for the diversity within Christianity. My respect for other traditions has also grown through personal relationships. Growing up, my neighbors were Roman Catholic, and their devotion gave me a lasting appreciation for the richness and beauty found within a tradition different from my own.

Later, while living in Japan, I met both Christian and Buddhist monks. Those experiences deepened my respect for the many ways people express devotion, practice discipline, and seek connection with something greater than themselves. These experiences did not diminish my own faith. They broadened my appreciation for the sincerity and depth of other people's spiritual journeys and reinforced the importance of approaching every client with humility and curiosity.

I work with clients from a variety of Christian traditions, as well as those exploring spiritual questions or whose beliefs differ from my own. I approach these conversations with curiosity, respect, and humility. Therapy is most effective when people feel safe enough to bring their whole selves into the room. If your faith is important to you, my hope is that you never feel you have to translate or defend it before the real work of therapy can begin.

I share my own faith because I believe transparency builds trust, and trust is where meaningful therapy begins.