Alicia Ratliff

I have been a counselor by calling most of my life but finished my official training and master’s program in 2015 from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. People often ask me why I do this work. The honest answer is, I truly believe counseling works! I have seen the darkness, and watched it turn to light. Providing a spark of hope for others is indeed a gift. There is hope for anyone and everyone, if you are willing to do the work. As believers, we also know that we are not alone in our healing. We have the great counselor in all our sessions to help lead the way. One that will never leave you or forsake you, in or out of session.

Coming from a Bible based program, I have learned how to integrate well known counseling practices with Biblical concepts. Many find looking out and up is helpful when life’s problems seem to be more than our strength can handle. We are each created uniquely, with our own stories and burdens. Learning more about you, we will be able to work together to explore your individual needs and goals during this season of your journey. Clinically, I tend to begin treatment with building trust combined with utilizing solution focused techniques. This often brings encouragement and motivation, as individuals start seeing improvements in various areas somewhat quickly. For more lasting change, we are able to integrate additional skills utilizing: CBT, DBT informed techniques, motivational interviewing and Christian/Biblical counseling. Biblical interventions can vary depending on your comfort and preferences. These may include: prayer, scripture and reflection and various homework assignments for deeper reflection.

If you choose to meet with me, you can expect to feel seen and respected. While creating a warm and welcoming environment, we will work to challenge the darkness together in the hard journey of healing. The hard truth is that pain is a gift from God. Essentially it means something is wrong and needs to be addressed. If not treated, injuries can heal improperly and need corrective procedures which often inflict additional discomfort. Taking every thought captive and challenging our inner distress is equally painful. You can expect to experience mutual grace, truth and honesty as we work together as a team to restore what has been broken to a new kind of beauty.