PASTORAL COUNSELING &
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

"These two disciplines are actually two very different forms of guidance for the Soul."

Whether you are a college student, a mother isolated at home, a new husband, or just exiting a job you loved involuntarily or a marriage and you are very disappointed, let’s face it, this is the roughest of times to stay happy, focused and being the whole person you have always previously felt yourself to be in your life.

Life brings many struggles, some of which we expect and, all too often, some that surprise us unexpectedly.

Pastoral/spiritual care can address the whole person within the deep complexity of your soul, refine your understanding and build a deep relationship with the " will of the heart."

A spiritual counselor is a listening ear for what is called "cura personalis," care for the whole person. This is done by integrating the whole person's mental health and spirituality and, therefore, a faith tradition. This in turn, is in a vessel, a divinely inspirited physical matrix of complexities which we can only begin to imagine how it all fits together for health and wellbeing, happiness and joy, love and compassion. We must try and do our best to succeed so we can then turn and serve others to the best of our ability in our lives.

Spiritual Direction, on the other hand, is the navigation of deeper waters. This means moving out of the here and now and into our faith, which is not confined to time and space, moment by moment. We can utilize forms of communication with our spiritual selves like journaling, drawing, and learning the language of LOGOS: intelligence of uncreated essence, but with identity, form, precision, and purpose within a whole relational unfolding narrative for both us and our relationships – this is for those who value the inner locutions: mind and heart of the Creator – the brave hearts.
I begin with directees in a pastoral counseling space,then with direction.

Psycho-spiritual therapy, a psychological model within a spiritual context, is very individual & the potential for growth and learning is exponential!

At times of grief and loss, low self-esteem and feeling unsafe we can often learn the most because it is less of us and more of our loving creator urging us to our purpose.

I welcome a discussion and to get to know you better in a session in either discourse and see simply where the spirit leads and trusting that the journey is about what is good, whole, and holy for your being here.

God Bless, Elizabeth

March 15, 2025
For all those seeking therapy,

I have had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth James. At first, I was skeptical about finding a counselor, as this is new for me. I didn’t feel that I would be understood and was a little unsure how much I was willing to share. I realized I was seeking help but was unclear if this choice was going to work.

I was seeking a counselor on the web and came across Elizabeth. I saw that she is a pastoral counselor and since I am a strong Christian woman, I thought I would give it try. I called Elizabeth, still unsure if this was a fit for me and a bit anxious, I told her that I would get back to her. Elizabeth called me back quickly after my hesitant reply and I am so happy that she did!

First she asked my concerns and after a full conversation with Elizabeth I soon realized that this was the best option for me; all my fears subsided. She made me feel comfortable because she was so kind and easily approachable. Best of all she too is a strong Christian woman.

I have been extremely blessed to have the opportunity to work with Elizabeth. She has wealth of advice and is always great at communicating this with her client. I now feel a warmth of a friend as her client because she is extremely at ease in talking with her client.

I feel that she understands my situation and has helped me immensely!
Elizabeth also shares many of her resources to help me with the stress of living in this non-Christian world.

I was also fearful at the start because I wasn’t sure of her religious affiliation but soon I realized that we share the same values and religious views. I am an Orthodox Christian and she is Catholic. I told Elizabeth that she reminds me a lot of my sister and how there is no one I love more and appreciate more than my sister.

I cannot express enough how I have been so blessed to find Elizabeth and to always feel comforted in knowing that at any time she is available to help and/or just be there to listen.

Best of all, she ends the session with a prayer and words of wisdom. I would strongly recommend Elizabeth to anyone seeking help and you will see what mean shortly after speaking to her.

May God bless you too in your journey with Elizabeth and healing

Christine D.
Professional Teacher 30 years

March 18, 2025

I've been lucky enough to find Elizabeth James. I have only recently come back to the Catholic faith with her encouragement and have taken this decision seriously. It's difficult to admit that I have been to a few therapists before, but it's important to understand how the decision to take my faith as a Catholic seriously informed my decision for her counseling. The previous therapists all approached counseling from a secular and clinical angle, which until recently would not have been a concern.

Also, in my prior experiences with counseling, there was a fundamental lack by them to address professional or career-oriented assistance; this topic had been consistently under-addressed.

Elizabeth's understanding, kindness, and empathy have been important to my growth and betterment. To begin I was skeptical and fearful at what she thought of me. I had a few moments of hesitation but her understanding and patience were strong enough to help me put my fears to the side and see clearly, I had support. She always has great advice and it's always easy to be open and be honest with her.

If you are open to an integrated experience including faith Elizabeth will emphasize prayer. Putting my faith first has been a blessing. I have a long way to go but I have made the right first step.

I can certainly recommend Elizabeth to anyone who is truly seeking help.

God Bless You,
Justin Graduate Student Pre Law

March 20, 2025


I am a mom who is going through some difficult transitions and trying to heal from past trauma and current difficulties. My spirituality is important to me. I am a Pentecostal Episcopalian (yes that is an option) who is very particular about my beliefs, and Elizabeth has been accepting of my unique perspective.

Elizabeth is a good balance of kind and no-nonsense. I can tell she cares and knows how to help. I love that she is spiritually capable, and willing to address the sorrowful aspect of life in our sessions. It's been great to talk to someone who understands the spiritual side of life when God is often forgotten in our culture altogether.

I do believe she can handle situations that include the demonically harassed, and abuse cases involving faith, and would be able to facilitate freedom for people affected by evil.

Elizabeth has helped me work through some complex internal conflicts by supporting my faith, and it's easy to work with her which I appreciate. I feel like we are making progress at a good rate, which doesn't always happen in therapy.

As an integrative pastoral counselor with additional training and a strong health and wellness coaching background, she will make God’s love known and felt and she will use prayer and the Holy Spirit to help you grow in your relationship with the Holy Spirit. This means growth for your body, mind, and soul. The prayer is free and she makes time for this and words of knowledge in each session after we talk.

I highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone who is a Christian following Jesus Christ or is considering the faith.

Gabriella
Business Owner, Mother (foster mom) and Follower of Jesus Christ