About Guardian Counseling Center
Guardian Counseling Center is a private counseling agency which is based on the foundation of a Christian world view. While we are sensitive to peoples’ different faiths, we believe that faith in God and finding wisdom and healing from Him is the basis for finding true freedom and fulfillment in life.
Our name, Guardian Counseling Center, is taken from a verse in Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (NIV). Another verse, Proverbs 23:7 says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (NKJV). Guarding our hearts means guarding our minds and our deeply held beliefs. The importance of guarding our minds is basic to Biblical teaching; It is also foundational to one of the most commonly used therapy models: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is an evidence based therapy, based on the concept that our thoughts and feelings influence our behaviors. The way we think influences our feelings, and ultimately produces behaviors. Research has shown that CBT is helpful in treating issues like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, anger, and addiction. In fact, CBT is one of the most researched and widely used forms of therapy.
While we use a variety of therapeutic models as appropriate to each individual, our primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy within the framework of Biblical teaching and principles. Our therapists help clients identify unhealthy thought patterns and change them to more rational, truth-based thoughts, which, in turn, help one’s feelings and functioning to improve.
Ken holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He has experience in the Community Mental Health setting, working with Children and their families; providing individual, family, and group therapy. He has been trained in Substance Abuse counseling and has worked with both individuals and groups (Substance abuse and Anger Management groups). He has worked in Outpatient Counseling Centers, Hospitals, Group Homes, Crisis Stabilization Units, and Juvenile Detention Center settings. He also enjoys providing clinical supervision to Residents in Counseling who are working toward Licensure.
Ken enjoys working with adult clients with a wide range of issues, including: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Anger, Grief, Shame, Substance addictions, sexual trauma and/or addiction. He primarily works from a Cognitive Behavioral approach from a Christian perspective, and uses various therapeutic approaches as appropriate to meet his clients’ needs. He believes strongly in encouraging clients to use their faith in God and to build upon their strengths in order to experience growth and fulfillment in life.
Ken believes the foundation of success in counseling is the therapeutic relationship between he and his client, based on respect and unconditional positive regard toward his clients. Therefore, he strives to provide a safe, encouraging, and uplifting environment for each of his clients. This foundation is the basis for successful therapy and tangible growth in peoples’ lives. He loves people, and enjoys hearing the stories of the lives of his clients. Working together with you, his hope is that you will be able to live a life filled with more love, joy, and freedom.
Ken has been married to his lovely bride, Kathy, for 34 years. They have two grown children (daughter and son); a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and have recently been blessed with the addition of four precious grandchildren! Ken and Kathy enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and exploring Lynchburg.