ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COUNSELING
WHY BIBLICAL COUNSEL?
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to
do what is right.
2 Timothy 3:16
If you were offered an instruction manual for how to live your life wisely, you would take that offer, right? You may own that book already, but haven’t read it much because you didn’t know where to start.
The Bible doesn’t just talk about symptoms of our issues, it addresses the problem itself. Under all of our good and bad choices lie the motivations of our heart.
As a Christian counselor who bases their counsel on the Bible, I help uncover those driving forces that cause disruptions. My counseling work is directing people to the answers God already revealed. Those answers are in that book you own, the Bible. We just need to find God’s answers to your specific questions.
AREAS WE FOCUS OUR COUNSEL
Mark Brandes, MABC
I’ve been a follower of Christ for over 30 years. Before that time I played the role of hedonist very well. Let’s face it. Changing direction isn’t easy. It takes time and determination.
Transforming one’s life and one’s relationships requires looking at some things that can be difficult, and it’s our pride that makes us avoid those kinds of conversations. If you really want to change, then you need to become friends with humility.
I believe my clients feel I’m a safe person. I may ask questions that are uncomfortable, but we both know that change won’t occur without looking at how we might have missed the mark. The standard we will use is God’s Word, and all of us fall short of that. Truly, we are all in the same predicament.
I earned my Masters in biblically based Christian counseling from The Master’s University, and in the distant past, B.A. degrees in both psychology and photography. Since 2013 I’ve done a lot of writing about shame and guilt, so it’s no surprise that’s a special focus of my work. My marriage coaching has benefited from 45 years of marriage…all to the same woman!
But we're really here to talk about you. If you would like to set up an initial phone consultation, please fill out our contact form. We will set up that appointment with you very soon.
Don’t wait. Hope is around the corner.
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE MARK
- "Mark's guidance helped tear down many years of hurtful actions,"
-
I began meeting with Mark to help me better manage my feelings of anger and hurtful communication with my kids. Instead of simply providing me with strategies to control my actions and thoughts, Mark led me through biblical passages to help me understand the root of my anger and how to change my heart. Mark's guidance helped tear down many years of hurtful actions, and I’ve seen my kids drawing closer to me. I’ve also had an opportunity to teach them how to handle their own angry feelings and actions. My wife loves seeing this!
Mike
- "...it was such a transformative experience,"
-
My husband worked with Mark over a 4 month period of time and it was such a transformative experience, not just for my husband but ultimately in its impact on our whole family. Mark wasn't only listening and guiding through his instructive wisdom but he had practical application and homework that my husband would work on each week. This was all done from a spiritual perspective, so as my husband worked through his struggles, Mark provided spiritual connections to these challenges through a study of the Bible, other topical reading, prayer and journaling. I'm so thankful for Mark and the spiritual growth he led my husband through during that season.
Kristin
- "Mark has a special way of listening in a calm, caring, non-judgmental way"
-
When my husband and I started biblical counseling with Mark, we could tell from the beginning that it was going to be different from counseling we experienced in the past. Mark has a special way of listening in a calm, caring, non-judgmental way which creates a safe and trusting place allowing us to grow by communicating openly and honestly. He is gifted in being able to approach sensitive or difficult topics in a grace-filled way while offering wisdom and advice that is grounded in the truth of God’s Word. With Mark’s guidance based on biblical principles, we have begun to take steps toward healing and restoration in our marriage.
Ann
- "When talking with Mark I feel heard and understood."
-
Right from the first few minutes of meeting Mark, I knew it was going to be a good experience. When talking with Mark I feel heard and understood. The guidance he gives comes from wisdom, is relevant, and applicable. His knowledge of the Bible and his way of counseling is what I have been needing all of these years. I can’t express enough thanks for Mark and all that he has done to help strengthen my marriage and my relationship with God.
Christopher
- "Mark guided us well, giving us tools to have more positive, honest conversation"
-
Biblical counseling was a new experience for me, and I believe bringing God into the center of my marriage each week was a catalyst for progress and change that will result in a new level of maturity and love within our relationship. Mark guided us well, giving us tools to have more positive, honest conversations and soften our hearts to each other and to the Holy Spirit at work.
Katherine
Thank you for contacting us!