AYSF Asks: What’s Goin’ On??

God tells us in his Word “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)  What an amazing promise!  So… If God is true to his word, how can it be that within the body of Christ there is so much anxiety, dysfunction in relationships, neglect of our bodies unto the deterioration of our health, and much more?  Why aren’t we seeing the kind of total life transformation we would anticipate in a follower of Jesus, especially in one who is doing all the standard Christian things?

Well, the Lord also says: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)  So transformation requires the “renewal of your mind,” but if we seek change in ways that are “conformed to this world” it’s not going to work. 

Here are some common approaches to “renewing our minds” and the reasons they are NOT resulting in the transformation we need. Moreover, here is what AYSF offers as an effective alternative so you can experience increasing more of the “new creation” life God has for you.

Problem 1:

One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Learning

We may listen to lots of sermons and Christian podcasts, attend a bible study, read Christian books and blogs and more, and still…not much changes in our lives. The thing is: these messages are designed for the masses. To cast a wide net, we speak in broad-strokes: lots of theory, lots of “should’s,” but little or no support in applying the truths we hear about to the details of our unique lives. There’s no guidance in our particular challenges, and no ongoing follow up to ensure we persevere on a new path. The one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working…

AYSF Solution:

Custom-Tailored Care

AYSF Counseling is your opportunity to deeply address whatever is really going on with you.  No more getting lost in a crowd. At AYSF, your care is customized according to what you need. Your challenges, desires, behaviors, priorities, feelings, and decisions. We help you connect the dots between the powerful truths in God’s Word and your real life. We help you chart your personalized course for change and walk with you every step of the way.

Problem 2:

Un-biblical Counseling

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:8

In our desperation, many Christians are turning to “the world” for solutions: self-help and secular therapy (whether practiced by unbelievers or by Christians). But this leads to greater confusion and distress as it reinforces self-reliance, misunderstandings about our identity, the use of coping strategies that do more harm than good, and the pursuit of our own misguided agendas, none of which can lead to flourishing…

AYSF Solution:

Thoroughly Biblical
With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.

Job 12:13; 22

AYSF counseling is anchored in Scripture (that is skillfully applied, not slapped on in trite ways!) We guide you – whether you are a newer or seasoned Christian – in mining the Bible’s bottomless treasures and making impactful application wherever it is needed.  We help you to think biblically about every area of your life so that your choices are in alignment with God’s good design…which leads to greater flourishing in a way that the “wisdom of this world” never can.

Problem 3:

“Counsel”- less Counseling

Many of us have tried counseling only to be left frustrated that we did most of the talking, regurgitating what we already knew about ourselves, while someone simply listened, nodded empathetically, and asked an occasional question. Should you dare to ask for input, you are likely met with an evasive “Well, what do you think?” But the emotional relief of  just “venting” is momentary. What have you received that will actually change the way you live? Without insightful, actionable feedback, you go home to all your same problems…

AYSF Solution:

Wise Counsel
Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

Proverbs 20:18

At AYSF we do a lot of compassionate listening. You need to tell your story to heal, and we want to really see and know you. But with us, that skillful listening facilitates robust dialogue. At AYSF, we incorporate teaching and coaching into your care. You will be offered helpful feedback, meaningful answers to questions you’ve been wrestling with, knowledge that, when applied, will lead to real change in your life. Because we know that contrary to the claims of secular theories, the truth is not hidden within each of us; it is in God and must be imparted to us. At AYSF, we offer biblically-sound, practical guidance, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and fruitful experience.

Problem 4:

Our Blindspots are Killing Us

We all bring into counseling the concerns that feel most pressing to us. But it is often what we can’t see in ourselves, what we are minimizing or hiding from ourselves or others, that is doing the most damage in our lives. In typical counseling, a counselor only addresses topics the counselee initiates. As a result, it is not uncommon for a person to be in counseling for years, addressing one or two issues, while they are knowingly or unknowingly self-destructing in other areas of their life. The result: our blind spots are killing us…

AYSF Solution:

Total Life Alignment

At AYSF, we welcome – and raise – the topics that people often don’t know how to broach (out of fear, shame, hopelessness, or just lack of awareness.)  Are you struggling in your parenting in ways that scare you?  Is your sexual life healthy and satisfying or is something awry?  Let’s talk about money: are you flourishing financially or is it a source of stress?  What are you doing with food when no one is looking?  At AYSF, we help you bring whatever is needed into the light so you can heal and heed God’s loving invitation to walk a better path with him. 

At AYSF, we are all about whole-person care: heart, mind, soul, and body. We are prepared to incorporate Christ-centered coaching in finances, in nutrition and other elements of body care, and much more. At AYSF, we help you get in alignment with God’s glorious design across the board in your life: for his glory, and your flourishing.

Problem 5:

Lots of talk + not much action = not much change

Faith apart from works is useless.

James 2:20

Too often we talk about our problems in ways that lead nowhere. We experience a fleeting sense of relief from getting things off our chest, yet we continue to engage in the same patterns of behavior that cause us distress. We commiserate with fellow strugglers and settle for feeling “validated” in our feelings without being challenged and supported in consistently making better choices so that we can experience better results…

AYSF Solution:

Review & Activate

At AYSF, we help you move you beyond just talking about your problems. While exploring the origins of your struggles, we help you devise a battle plan for how to prevail now. We teach you actual skills that you can put into practice in the real situations you face. 

Another distinctive of our approach is that we guide you in taking notes during our sessions. This results in the creation of a powerful resource you can continue to draw from for years to come. (Our clients rave all the time about how valuable this is!)  Reviewing your notes between sessions will prepare you to “activate” what you are learning where it really matters: your daily life. 

We are also excited to:

  • Help you troubleshoot obstacles so you can keep progressing and don’t get stuck
  • Provide accountability, because knowing someone is eager to hear about your progress from week to week helps you stay focused and committed to following through
  • Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate with you because rejoicing over every “baby step” of progress is essential to staying motivated as we continue to refine and grow.

Problem 1:

One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Learning

We may listen to lots of sermons and Christian podcasts, attend a bible study, read Christian books and blogs and more, and still…not much changes in our lives. The thing is: these messages are designed for the masses. To cast a wide net, we speak in broad-strokes: lots of theory, lots of “should’s,” but little or no support in applying the truths we hear about to the details of our unique lives. There’s no guidance in our particular challenges, and no ongoing follow up to ensure we persevere on a new path. The one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working…

AYSF Solution:

Custom-Tailored Care

AYSF Counseling is your opportunity to deeply address whatever is really going on with you.  No more getting lost in a crowd. At AYSF, your care is customized according to what you need. Your challenges, desires, behaviors, priorities, feelings, and decisions. We help you connect the dots between the powerful truths in God’s Word and your real life. We help you chart your personalized course for change and walk with you every step of the way.

Problem 2:

Un-biblical Counseling

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:8

In our desperation, many Christians are turning to “the world” for solutions: self-help and secular therapy (whether practiced by unbelievers or by Christians). But this leads to greater confusion and distress as it reinforces self-reliance, misunderstandings about our identity, the use of coping strategies that do more harm than good, and the pursuit of our own misguided agendas, none of which can lead to flourishing…

AYSF Solution:

Thoroughly Biblical
With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.

Job 12:13; 22

AYSF counseling is anchored in Scripture (that is skillfully applied, not slapped on in trite ways!) We guide you – whether you are a newer or seasoned Christian – in mining the Bible’s bottomless treasures and making impactful application wherever it is needed.  We help you to think biblically about every area of your life so that your choices are in alignment with God’s good design…which leads to greater flourishing in a way that the “wisdom of this world” never can.

Problem 3:

“Counsel”- less Counseling

Many of us have tried counseling only to be left frustrated that we did most of the talking, regurgitating what we already knew about ourselves, while someone simply listened, nodded empathetically, and asked an occasional question. Should you dare to ask for input, you are likely met with an evasive “Well, what do you think?” But the emotional relief of  just “venting” is momentary. What have you received that will actually change the way you live? Without insightful, actionable feedback, you go home to all your same problems…

AYSF Solution:

Wise Counsel
Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

Proverbs 20:18

At AYSF we do a lot of compassionate listening. You need to tell your story to heal, and we want to really see and know you. But with us, that skillful listening facilitates robust dialogue. At AYSF, we incorporate teaching and coaching into your care. You will be offered helpful feedback, meaningful answers to questions you’ve been wrestling with, knowledge that, when applied, will lead to real change in your life. Because we know that contrary to the claims of secular theories, the truth is not hidden within each of us; it is in God and must be imparted to us. At AYSF, we offer biblically-sound, practical guidance, resulting in a uniquely satisfying and fruitful experience.

Problem 4:

Our Blindspots are Killing Us

We all bring into counseling the concerns that feel most pressing to us. But it is often what we can’t see in ourselves, what we are minimizing or hiding from ourselves or others, that is doing the most damage in our lives. In typical counseling, a counselor only addresses topics the counselee initiates. As a result, it is not uncommon for a person to be in counseling for years, addressing one or two issues, while they are knowingly or unknowingly self-destructing in other areas of their life. The result: our blind spots are killing us…

AYSF Solution:

Total Life Alignment

At AYSF, we welcome – and raise – the topics that people often don’t know how to broach (out of fear, shame, hopelessness, or just lack of awareness.)  Are you struggling in your parenting in ways that scare you?  Is your sexual life healthy and satisfying or is something awry?  Let’s talk about money: are you flourishing financially or is it a source of stress?  What are you doing with food when no one is looking?  At AYSF, we help you bring whatever is needed into the light so you can heal and heed God’s loving invitation to walk a better path with him. 

At AYSF, we are all about whole-person care: heart, mind, soul, and body. We are prepared to incorporate Christ-centered coaching in finances, in nutrition and other elements of body care, and much more. At AYSF, we help you get in alignment with God’s glorious design across the board in your life: for his glory, and your flourishing.

Problem 5:

Lots of talk + not much action = not much change

Faith apart from works is useless.

James 2:20

Too often we talk about our problems in ways that lead nowhere. We experience a fleeting sense of relief from getting things off our chest, yet we continue to engage in the same patterns of behavior that cause us distress. We commiserate with fellow strugglers and settle for feeling “validated” in our feelings without being challenged and supported in consistently making better choices so that we can experience better results…

AYSF Solution:

Review & Activate

At AYSF, we help you move you beyond just talking about your problems. While exploring the origins of your struggles, we help you devise a battle plan for how to prevail now. We teach you actual skills that you can put into practice in the real situations you face. 

Another distinctive of our approach is that we guide you in taking notes during our sessions. This results in the creation of a powerful resource you can continue to draw from for years to come. (Our clients rave all the time about how valuable this is!)  Reviewing your notes between sessions will prepare you to “activate” what you are learning where it really matters: your daily life. 

We are also excited to:

  • Help you troubleshoot obstacles so you can keep progressing and don’t get stuck
  • Provide accountability, because knowing someone is eager to hear about your progress from week to week helps you stay focused and committed to following through
  • Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate with you because rejoicing over every “baby step” of progress is essential to staying motivated as we continue to refine and grow.

At (AYSF), we are ready to support you in being transformed by the renewing of your mind so you can flourish no matter what you face.