In Jesus, growth and change are possible

2 Cor. 5:17

Services Offered

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is for anyone yearning for God. Sometimes this desire appears as a sense of longing for something greater or a sense of discontent with the status quo. For others this pining is more focused, rising from a clear understanding that a sense of God’s presence is missing from particular parts of life. (Source: https://renovare.org/articles/what-is-spiritual-direction)

Individual Counseling

Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients to:

A) Identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil

B) Seek to improve communication

C) Strengthen self-esteem

D) Promote heart change and optimal mental health.

Pre-marital and Marriage Counseling

I use the Prepare-Enrich Assessment to guide our conversations. You can learn more about the assessment tool here: https://www.prepare-enrich.com/the-assessment/premarital/

About the Counselor

Bethel was born in Manila and was raised in Laoag City, Philippines. She earned a BA in Social Sciences (2014) from the University of the Philippines-Baguio, an MA in Biblical Counseling (2018), and a Doctorate in Education (2021) from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bethel’s research interests are in Epistemology, Discipleship & Human Development, Christian education, Cross-cultural Education, and Biblical Counseling.

Bethel also works with Dr. Eric Johnson as the coordinator of Christian Psychology Institute.

Growing up as a pastor’s kid exposed Bethel to the challenges of full-time ministry. She partners with Practical Shepherding through providing counseling to pastor’s wives.

Contact Bethel

Kind Words

Janet | Pastor’s Wife | Maine

Anxiety brought me to counseling, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Through this journey, I’ve learned to trust God in a deeper and more meaningful way than I ever had before. Bethel was compassionate and caring, and she helped me connect the dots of my life in a way that finally made sense of what I was feeling. My life has been forever changed in the most wonderful way, and I am so grateful I took that step.

Pastor’s Wife | UK

Grief was my greatest challenge. Learning to speak with someone in a completely honest and open way has deepened how I talk with God, and I see His kindness reflected in that. This journey has drawn me closer to Him in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re hesitant about counseling, please know that having a safe place to work through life’s trials is a true gift. It will strengthen you in ways you can’t yet imagine. Don’t be afraid to take that first step.

Christy| Pastor’s Wife | Missouri

Carrying the weight of three children with difficult diagnoses while quietly wrestling with God’s goodness in suffering brought me to counseling and I’m so glad it did. The loneliness of being a pastor’s wife, surrounded by people yet feeling unseen, along with a painful friendship that left me doubting myself, made it clear I needed support. Through this journey, I’ve been gently reminded that God is not far off or disappointed in me. His heart is actually full of love and compassion toward me. That shift alone has been worth everything. If you’re on the fence about counseling, I just want you to know: yes, it’s hard and uncomfortable at times, but it is so, so worth it.

Pastor’s Wife | Florida

After facing ministry burnout and the weight of marriage stressors, I knew I needed more than I could offer myself. Through this counseling journey, I’ve grown increasingly convinced of God’s real love for me. The safety of His tenderness and the permanency of His goodness and the progress I see in my own heart is truly encouraging. To anyone hesitating about counseling, I’d gently say: don’t underestimate the good that can come from seeking godly wisdom and practical help! It can be tempting, especially in ministry, to wear self-sufficiency like a badge, but I’ve found that opening myself to confidential, safe support has grown both my own capacity and my ability to walk alongside others. After all, if we take our minivan in for a tune-up whether she needs it or not, how much more should we tend to the inner workings of our own hearts?