Faith-Based Counseling
Faith-based counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy integrates Christian principles and spiritual practices into evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Steven Makulinski, LMFT offers clients the option to incorporate prayer, Scripture, and biblical wisdom into their counseling experience, providing holistic support that addresses emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions of healing. Faith-based counseling is available for individuals, couples, and families who want their therapy to align with and be strengthened by their faith. This approach is always client-directed — your comfort and beliefs guide the level of faith integration.
What to Expect
What Is Faith-Based Counseling?
Faith-based counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy combines proven therapeutic techniques with the wisdom and comfort of the Christian faith. Steven Makulinski, LMFT integrates biblical principles, prayer, and spiritual reflection into the counseling process for clients who desire this approach. Faith-based counseling does not replace evidence-based therapy — it enhances it by adding a spiritual dimension that many clients find deeply meaningful and transformative. This approach recognizes that emotional healing and spiritual growth are interconnected.
How Faith-Based Counseling Differs from Pastoral Counseling
Faith-based counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy differs from pastoral counseling in that it is provided by a licensed mental health professional with advanced training in both clinical therapy and faith integration. Steven Makulinski holds an MA and MS degree and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas. This means he brings both clinical expertise and spiritual sensitivity to the counseling relationship. While pastoral counseling provides spiritual guidance, faith-based therapy at Hearts Aligned offers comprehensive mental health treatment within a faith-informed framework.
Topics Addressed Through Faith-Based Counseling
Faith-based counseling at Hearts Aligned Therapy addresses the same wide range of issues as traditional therapy, viewed through a faith-informed lens. Common topics include marriage and relationship difficulties, forgiveness and reconciliation, grief and loss, anxiety and fear, depression and hopelessness, identity and purpose, parenting challenges, life transitions, addiction and recovery, and spiritual struggles such as doubt, spiritual dryness, or difficulty trusting God. Steven Makulinski helps clients draw on their faith as a source of strength and meaning.
The Client-Directed Approach to Faith Integration
At Hearts Aligned Therapy, the level of faith integration in counseling is always determined by the client. Some clients want faith to be central to every session, incorporating prayer and Scripture throughout. Others prefer a lighter integration where faith serves as a background framework. Still others may not want faith integration at all, and Steven Makulinski fully respects that preference. During the initial session, Steven discusses your preferences and ensures that the approach aligns with your comfort level and spiritual beliefs.
Who Can Benefit from Faith-Based Counseling?
Faith-based counseling is designed for individuals, couples, and families who identify with the Christian faith and want their spiritual beliefs to be part of the therapeutic process. It is especially beneficial for those going through spiritual struggles alongside emotional challenges, couples who want to build their marriage on a faith foundation, individuals seeking to understand their purpose and identity through a biblical lens, and families who want to raise their children with shared values while navigating real-world challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Take the first step toward healing. Schedule a session to discuss how faith-based counseling can help you.