Pain and Suffering
It seems impossible to go throughout life without experiencing at least some level of pain and heartache.  While the Bible has much to say on the subjects of pain and suffering, for the sake of space, I will merely point out here that suffering was often connected with hope—especially in the New Testament.  James even goes so far as to say, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and compete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV.  In I Peter 4:12-13 we see Peter urging the church not to be surprised by painful trials and suffering.  In Romans 5:3-4 suffering produces hope.  It would seem that pain and suffering are normal parts of life.  God never intentionally causes the problems we encounter nor the resulting hardships and suffering.  But we see from these verses that it is equally clear that they need not be wasted, but instead used as opportunities to develop character and hope.  But to explain the benefits of suffering does not help one discover its source or how to alleviate it, if possible.  For that, I will defer to the writings of C. S. Lewis.  In his book, The Problem of Pain, Lewis (2001) explains that it was impossible for God to create beings endowed with freedom without simultaneously creating independent creatures able to choose love or hate.  In order to truly be free, these beings would have to possess the capacity to choose to either help or hurt each other.  Lewis continues by clarifying that while God could certainly intervene on behalf of those suffering from the effects of evil choices, this corrective intervention would also remove the possibility of choice and thereby reduce the universe to a state of meaninglessness, in which nothing important remains for man to decide or become.  In an attempt to exclude suffering and pain from nature and humanity, we would discover that we have excluded life itself.

Healing
Though originally created good, man chose to reject God’s perfect and healthy ways as he grasped for independence.  Selfishness resulted in evil and wickedness, which in turn has led to pain and suffering.  Everyone since then has been born with a natural bent towards selfishness and independence.  By God’s grace we are not left alone in our depravity and darkness.  Throughout history God has made provision for healing and a reunion with Him.  The ultimate healing is unity with God through a relationship with Jesus- built upon the foundation of God’s choice to forgive us.  Christ provided a very costly way for us to receive healing and a new life, but even here we are confronted with suffering and pain- the required payment for our selfish choices.  Jesus chose to suffer and die in our place so that we might be free once again to choose a fulfilling life with Him forever.  In my perspective, all healing begins with God.  Even those who choose not to acknowledge it have benefited from physical and emotional healing by following the laws of healing created by God for the mind and body.  But there remain certain sicknesses and diseases that are beyond modern medicine that God alone can cure.  My goal in becoming a therapist was to study the many natural methods of healing the soul already discovered, while maintaining my belief that Christ alone is the “…Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace,…” and “…healer of the broken hearted”(Isaiah 9:6, Psalms 147:3).  I have received training in many of the most popular methods and have enjoyed combining the discoveries of man with the wisdom and healing of God into a counseling method that I believe can be tailored to the uniqueness of each person and family. 

Made in God’s Image
It says in the Bible that we are made in the image (or likeness) of God.  To me, that means that each person represents a unique attribute of God.  Science has discovered that no two people are alike in this world. With nearly 7 billion people alive right now, I wonder if God is trying to show us just how complex His image is.  It seems to me that if we all reflect His image and that each of us is unique that it takes at least 7 billion people just to represent the image of God at any one time.  What a mosaic we make!  In my mind, each time I get the privilege to sit down with someone in a counseling setting, I’m coming face-to-face with someone that uniquely exhibits a portion of the image of God.  I often think to myself, “I wonder what attribute of God is hidden in this person?” Sometimes the troubles and hardships of this world and the poor choices we’ve made hide our “God-likeness”.  I consider it my honor to help each person discover their unique calling and the God-given beauty that is hidden inside.  By no means am I suggesting that we ourselves are somehow gods-that’s ridiculous!  I am simply joining Mother Teresa in searching for the image of God that can be seen reflecting in the face of each person.  To me, counseling is one method of making that image and glory shine brighter. 

My most recent training as a Certified Gottman Therapist has equipped me to help others repair and strengthen their current relationships.  It has also helped me to see each person in light of the multiple relationships that surround and affect them daily.  This includes training in premarital and marriage counseling, family conflict and navigating the challenges of each life-stage a person will encounter along the journey.  I look forward to being able to help you with any relational or personal needs you may have as you discover the wonderful plans God has for you.

Sincerely,
Bill Gorman