What we believe at Bloom Counseling Orange County

Yes, Scripture affirms that God loves His creation deeply. In 1 John 4:9-10, it is written: "This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." This passage underscores God's profound love for humanity, demonstrated through the sacrificial gift of His Son.

Additionally, Romans 5:8 declares, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse highlights that God's love is unconditional and not based on human merit. Similarly, Psalm 136:26 states, "Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever," emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of His love.

God's love is also evident in His care and provision. Matthew 6:26 reminds us, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This verse reassures believers that God values and cares for them deeply. Moreover, Jeremiah 31:3 affirms, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness."

Ephesians 2:4-5 also emphasizes God's love and mercy: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." This illustrates that even in our brokenness, God's love reaches us and restores us.

These passages, among many others, demonstrate that God’s love is not only profound and sacrificial but also eternal, nurturing, and ever-present in the lives of His people.

For me, Scripture is the foundation of therapy, providing the ultimate truth and guidance for healing and renewal. It is integrated often in therapy to align thoughts and actions with biblical principles. While Christian books and sermons can be valuable resources, they are supplementary and serve only to complement the wisdom found in Scripture.

In therapy, evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) align with biblical principles by focusing on transforming thought patterns. Philippians 4:8 instructs believers to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, which mirrors CBT's approach of replacing negative thoughts with constructive, truth-based thinking. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 10:5 speaks of "taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ," which reinforces the process of challenging and restructuring destructive thought patterns. Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," a core concept in CBT that supports lasting change through the renewal of one’s thoughts and behaviors.

By integrating Scripture with evidence-based approaches, therapy becomes a holistic process that not only fosters psychological healing but also deepens spiritual growth. Anchoring oneself in God's Word ensures faith remains at the center of the healing process, guiding individuals toward emotional and spiritual restoration.

For me, a faith community is an essential source of encouragement, accountability, and support in my healing and growth process. I have found that surrounding myself with other believers who share my faith helps me carry burdens and celebrate victories together. Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." By engaging with a faith community, I am reminded that I am not alone in my struggles and that God often works through others to bring healing and restoration.

I also encourage clients to engage and root themselves in a faith-based community, as God designed us to be in community with other believers. In the New Testament, after Jesus' ascension, believers remained in constant fellowship, supporting and uplifting one another. Acts 2:42 describes how "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Hebrews 10:24-25 further emphasizes the importance of gathering together: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." A strong faith community influences individuals positively, providing wisdom, accountability, and encouragement, reinforcing biblical truth, and helping one another grow in faith.

For me, the Bible is my ultimate guide for determining right from wrong. I strive to align my thoughts, decisions, and actions with Scripture because I believe God's Word is the source of absolute truth. Philippians 4:8 encourages me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, shaping my moral compass. When faced with difficult decisions, I rely on prayer and biblical principles to seek discernment. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds me to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," challenging me to filter my thoughts through God's truth rather than personal feelings or cultural influences.

I have found that when I ground my understanding of right and wrong in Scripture, I experience greater peace and confidence in my choices. Romans 12:2 warns against conforming to the world’s standards and instead calls for transformation through the renewing of my mind. By seeking God's wisdom and allowing His Word to shape my heart, I can navigate life with clarity and integrity, knowing that His ways are higher than mine.

The fundamental problem humanity faces is sin, which separates individuals from God and distorts relationships with others. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This inherent sinfulness leads to various personal and interpersonal issues. Sin is destructive, causing brokenness in our relationship with God and in our relationships with others. However, God, in His love and mercy, did not leave us in that state. Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Through Jesus, restoration is possible. John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." My goal in therapy is always to point people back to God and to strengthen their relationship with Him. By addressing the impact of sin and brokenness, and guiding individuals toward Christ, I aim to help them experience the renewal and healing that only He can provide.

The fundamental problem humanity faces is sin, which separates individuals from God and distorts relationships with others. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This inherent sinfulness leads to various personal and interpersonal issues. Sin is destructive, causing brokenness in our relationship with God and in our relationships with others. However, God, in His love and mercy, did not leave us in that state. Romans 6:23 tells us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Through Jesus, restoration is possible. John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." My goal in therapy is always to point people back to God and to strengthen their relationship with Him. By addressing the impact of sin and brokenness, and guiding individuals toward Christ, I aim to help them experience the renewal and healing that only He can provide.

Yes, I believe relationships should prioritize restoration, with forgiveness as the foundation. Since we have been forgiven much in Jesus Christ, we are called to forgive others (Ephesians 4:32). Tim Keller, in his book Forgive, emphasizes that forgiveness is essential for personal healing. However, forgiveness does not mean allowing continued harm—boundaries are necessary to protect ourselves. Dr. Henry Cloud states that God does not want us to remain in relationships that continue to hurt us, but rather to establish boundaries when necessary. Ultimately, restoration involves both forgiveness and wisdom in setting healthy boundaries when needed.