Christian Counseling

Christian Counseling at Sandpiper Counseling

What Is Christian Counseling?

Christian counseling at Sandpiper Counseling blends evidence-based therapy with the hope and wisdom of the Christian faith. It’s gentle, never pushy, and always centered around your comfort. Whether you’re deeply connected to your faith, wrestling with church hurt, or simply curious about integrating spirituality into therapy, you’re welcome here.

Amanda works from a Protestant perspective and most often uses the ESV and NLT translations when clients request Scripture integration.

A Safe, Client-Led Approach

Christian counseling is always client-directed at Sandpiper Counseling. You decide if, how, and when faith becomes part of the conversation.

Many clients choose Christian counseling to:

• connect their faith and mental health in practical, healing ways

• process spiritual pain, doubt, or church hurt

• strengthen identity, purpose, and resilience

• integrate prayer, Scripture, or Christian mindfulness—if desired

Others prefer a fully clinical approach with no spiritual language at all. Both are welcome.

Our Protestant Framework

Our Christian counseling work is grounded in key Protestant themes:

• God’s nearness in suffering (Psalm 34:18)

• Renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2)

• Honest lament as part of healing (Psalm 13)

• Grace, not shame (Ephesians 2:8–10)

• A belief that emotional and spiritual formation often grow together

Amanda incorporates Scripture when invited, drawing primarily from the ESV and NLT for clarity and accessibility.

Faith + Evidence-Based Therapy

You don’t have to choose between strong clinical care and a faith-informed lens. Christian counseling at Sandpiper integrates:

• iCBT for OCD

• EMDR-informed resourcing

• Trauma-focused and attachment-based approaches

• Nervous system regulation

• Values-based and purpose-oriented work

The goal is deep, sustainable transformation—not pressure, perfectionism, or spiritual performance.

Do I have to be a Christian to see you?

No. Many clients never discuss faith at all. Others want space to rebuild trust in God or process spiritual trauma. You will never be judged for your beliefs or questions.

What if I’ve experienced church hurt or spiritual trauma?

You’re in the right place. Amanda offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore wounds caused by unhealthy church environments, rigid teachings, manipulation, or shame-based spiritual messages. Healing does not require leaving your faith behind—unless that’s what you choose.

Will therapy feel like a Bible study?

No. Sessions are grounded in professional clinical training first. Scripture or Christian practices are only integrated when you request them and only in ways aligned with your goals.

What if my faith is complicated, evolving, or uncertain?

That’s completely okay. Therapy is a place to explore, not perform.

Who Chooses Christian Counseling?

People choose Christian counseling for many reasons—some deeply personal, some practical, and all completely valid. Clients who often request faith integration tend to:

• Want their therapy to align with their spiritual values

• Feel comfort in exploring how faith intersects with anxiety, trauma, or relationships

• Use prayer, scripture, or Christian community as part of their support system

• Seek a therapist who understands both spiritual struggles and mental health

• Desire a space where faith questions can coexist with emotional healing

Others simply want the option available “if it feels right that day.” Some choose it occasionally; others never do. All approaches are welcome.

Amanda Whichard’s background in Christian Counseling

Amanda Whichard’s foundation in the Christian faith runs deep—she has been in church literally “from the womb”. She attended private Christian schools from preschool through high school, and later continued her education in a Christian graduate program. Throughout her life, Amanda has been part of Southern Baptist, Non-Denominational, and Presbyterian churches, giving her a broad and compassionate understanding of how different Protestant denominations approach faith, healing, and community. She also completed specialized training with Kevin Huggins, author of Friendship Counseling, learning how to wisely and ethically integrate scripture and biblical principles into counseling sessions when clients request it.

Over the years, Amanda has witnessed the Church’s perspective on mental health evolve—from the “pray it away” mindset, which can sometimes unintentionally minimize real emotional pain, to a more whole-person understanding that therapy and faith can work hand-in-hand. Amanda believes healing is often strongest when we allow God to meet us through all the resources available to us: therapy, prayer, scripture, community, and everyday practices that support emotional well-being.