same boat. In another Christian group that I led for three years, we asked ourselves: What are our BEEPS? This acronym stood for 1) Behaviors 2) Events 3) Experiences 4) People and 5) Substances. These are different choices that we all make to attempt to artificially create“ happiness” and fill those inner voids temporarily. One of my favorite questions that I continually ask my clients is:“ How’ s that working for you?” It doesn’ t, and unfortunately, the enemy can have a powerful foothold as a result. Satan is the“ deceiver,” the prince of lies, and we tell ourselves these lies, which can result in a variety of mental health disorders: stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, you name it. And we can get stuck in a vicious cycle of trying to avoid these lies through continually exerting our free will by using these same hurts, hang-ups, habits / BEEPS only to get the same— or even worse— results. What is the definition of insanity? But the story does not end here, my friend! Stay tuned!
While the Enemy may feel that he can destroy us, God is always in control. Did you hear me, I said always. I have learned that 100 % of the time, God uses Satan to get our attention. It may not be easy going through this, and we don’ t ever have to understand why He allows some of the circumstances that He does. But what I do know is this: Only when we are truly broken can we finally surrender our“ control”( or the illusion of!). This is when God can do His best work. Up to this point, those lies that we have learned from the world have directed how we think, feel and behave in very negative, harmful ways. It is only at this point that authentic, permanent healing can begin!
My main objective in therapy is to specifically identify what I call the“ core lie” that is negatively impacting a person’ s life and reprogram this lie with God’ s truth.“ Then you will come to know the truth, and the truth will set you free” Jn 8:32. I am passionate about this reprogramming process because as a result, one can experience Jesus Christ more fully, and a personal relationship can begin or become stronger! I have been so blessed to journey with so many people who transform spiritually by surrendering what interferes with experiencing a closer walk with Christ. I also combine this with cognitive-behavioral techniques, prayer, Christian books and, of course, the Word. I am a directive therapist, yet I believe in the power and the importance of a trusting, secure, safe therapeutic relationship in order to accomplish all of what God does through me.
We cannot do this alone; we need support. We need Christian support. We need church, bible studies, Celebrate Recovery and professional Christian therapy to reprogram the lies we have learned from the world.
Please feel free to call me anytime for more information on any of these resources. May Jesus Christ richly bless all of you!
Dr. Heim Treats: Depression • Anxiety • Trauma / PTSD Addictions • Eating Disorders Women’ s Issues • Christians She also provides individual, couple, and family treatment( 630) 664-3211 • drdebhopecounseling. com
November 2016- March 2017 33