Beyond The Gates Beyond the Gates | Page 35

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
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