Rev. Dr. Brian Smilde
Pastoral Counselor - M. Div, D. Min
Life can be busy, complex, distracting, painful, unnerving, and stressful. I am passionate about helping people know and live out of their true identity as beloved children of God, resulting in peace and calm in the midst of life’s challenges. Both my vocation as a pastor and my personal life, where I wear many hats, give me a unique perspective into joy, suffering, faith and healing.
Counseling approach:
My experience as a caregiver in the church has allowed me the opportunity to help people experience recovery and healing from various painful or traumatic life experiences. I understand that you have current life circumstances that may feel overwhelming, out of control, and complex. Along with that, many people have deeper wounds that also need attention. My care-giving approach offers safety to people so that they can pursue emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. I position people for transforming encounters with Jesus so they experience Jesus in life-changing and soul nurturing ways.
As a Christian, I believe that you are created uniquely and amazingly. This informs how I view you and work with you. However, I respect you may have different spiritual beliefs and I will not force my beliefs on you. You get to decide what role spiritual beliefs and practices are involved in your healing.
Specialties:
- Trauma
- Vocational stress/anxiety/pressure
- Identity
- Pre-marital and Marital
- Anxiety, depression
Focus areas:
- Abuse (sexual, spiritual)
- Burnout
- Life purpose/belonging
- Relationships
Treatment Approaches:
- Trauma-informed
- Experiential
- Mindfulness
- Healing Care/Formational Prayer