Christ-Centered Counselor

When you find yourself in confusing or painful life circumstances, I am here to walk with you, hold space, and point you to Jesus.

Hardship, loss, trauma...

Our world is broken. The effects of this are seen in natural disasters, governments and unjust systems, relational conflicts, sickness & death, and even in our own hearts and minds.

No matter what caused your current struggle, the power of the Spirit, communion with Jesus, and the wisdom of Scripture pour out healing and transformation for a hurting heart.  

hope

God meets you in the gap

At the intersection of spiritual formation and mental health is what we sometimes call Soul Care. There are lots of resources for our bodies and minds, but sometimes we forget our souls. Hard seasons of life can make us feel like we are lost in the wilderness. Yet, scripture tells us God draws near when his people suffer. When reality falls short of what you expected and hoped for, I am here to walk with you in that gap and help you find a way forward with God.

“Heartache forces us to embrace God out of desperate, urgent need. God is never closer than when your heart is aching.” ― Joni Eareckson Tada

peace

If you...

  • wonder where to look for God in the chaos
  • feel angry at or let down by God for how life has turned out
  • are overwhelmed by anxious thoughts
  • feel crushed by the weight of the world 
  • find hope dwindling 
  • need to process a complicated childhood
  • are in a difficult season of parenting
  • are struggling to resolve conflicts
  • need help healing from abuse
  • are reeling from church hurt and feel spiritually disoriented
  • experience shame or guilt over past life choices
  • want an ear, a safe place to work through a confusing season
  • need help finding direction and purposefulness
  • are grieving infertility, adoption loss, or miscarriage
  • grieve the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship

You don’t have to walk this journey alone

You are loved...

“The love of Christ for me will get last say. He is merciful to me for his name’s sake, for the sake of his own goodness, for the sake of his steadfast love and compassion. When he thinks about me, he remembers what he is like, and that is my exceeding joy. My indestructible hope is that he has turned his face towards me, and he will never turn away.”
― David Powlison

Meet Loraena

Like many people, I’ve walked through loss on multiple occasions. Through those experiences, I found that God is still good even when everything else isn’t. Jesus is my hope when all else fails and he has never let me down. My own experiences with loss, relational brokenness, and spiritual abuse shape my work and I come alongside you as a wounded healer who can relate to your struggles.

I live in the Cedar Hills area west of Portland with my husband and our two daughters through adoption. We round our family out with Olaf, a fluffy schnoodle. Most days you’ll find me squeezing in some time to read on my back patio or in front of my fireplace. I also enjoy making music, brunching around Portland, and navigating my ever-evolving love/hate relationship with working out.

 Education:

Master of Arts in Counseling – Westminster Theological Seminary

Advanced certificates in biblical counseling – CCEF

Supervision & former internship under Kristin Silva, kristinsilva.org

joy

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