Be Transformed by the Renewing (Renovation) of Your Mind

- (Romans 12:2)

Gretchen Stockman, MA, LMFT
LF 60725630

  • Counseling Type: Christian/Biblical; some use of Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, EMDR, Values-Based, Narrative, Family Systems, and other types of therapies.
  • Areas of Expertise and Study: Marriage/Pre-marital Counseling, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse & Addiction, Health & Nutrition, Life Coaching/Problem Solving, Blended Families, Spirituality, Healing from Domestic Abuse, Depression/Anxiety. No matter what your need is, I will help you with it or refer you to someone who is better equipped.
  • Education & Experience:

  • -- Master's Degree in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, Chapman University
  • -- Bachelor of Science in Health & Lifestyle Promotion, Central Washington University
  • --1 year study in Theology & Ministry with major in Christian Counseling, Dominion College
  • --Individual and group therapy practicum in the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
  • --Study of the Word of God and revelation by the Holy Spirit
  • --Life experience
  • --Over 27 years counseling experience
  • Methodology: Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in God's will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP) Biblical counseling, by its very definition and implication, is based upon the Holy Bible, God's life instruction manual given to us by inspiration of His Holy Spirit. God's Word is the final authority on all matters pertaining to the body, soul, and spirit of man. It stands to reason, then, that all troubles and need for change faced by human beings will find their solution in God's Word. My method of counseling is to facilitate change and recovery through ministry of the Word of God and to encourage counselees to look to the Scriptures themselves as their source for answers, instruction, hope, and strength—not as a temporary or quick-fix measure, but as an ongoing process and lifestyle.
  • Course of Treatment: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) According to scripture, transformation occurs by the renewing (renovation) of the mind with God's Word. To transform, according to Webster, is to "change the condition, character, or form" of something—a thought process, a belief, a behavior. Clearly in scripture we find that who we are is a product of what we think: For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7. If we want to change who we are, what we do, and how we feel, we MUST change what is permitted to go on in our mind. In order for the mind of the inner man (the born again spirit) to operate correctly, we need to "renovate" it from error with spiritual revelation from the Word. At the same time we harness the carnal mind and put it into subjection. By the agency of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of the New Birth, and the Word, this is possible. Feed the "new man" to make him strong, starve the "old man" (carnal mind) to put him down and keep him down.
  • Fees: For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." (1 Timothy 5:18 ) The fee for services rendered is $175 for initial intake and $160 per each additional 1 hour session for individuals, couples, and families. Apart from insurance payments, I accept cash, check, or money order as well as credit/debit/HSA cards. To assist people facing severe economic circumstances, I take on one client at a time for a nominal fee with proof of income.
  • "Counselors practicing counseling for a fee must be licensed or certified with the Department of Health for the protection of the public health and safety. Licensure of an individual with the department does not include recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily implies the effectiveness of any treatment."
  • The purpose of the Counselor Credentialing Act (Chapter 18.19 RCW) is: (A) To provide for public health and safety; and (B) To empower the citizens of Washington State by providing a complaint process against those counselors who would commit acts of unprofessional conduct.
  • Every client has the right to choose a counselor to best suit their needs and purposes.
  • Counseling sessions are completely confidential.

    • Social Media and Public Meetings: Due to the issues of confidentiality and privacy, I do not engage clients or former clients on personal social media. We can connect via my business Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Gretchen.LMFT/) and Twitter account (https://twitter.com/livrite) . Similarly, if we happen to see each other in public, I will not acknowledge you unless you acknowledge me first, so as to protect your confidentiality.