The Power of Presence ~ We're Here for You
Here’s a challenge for you: Google “Here for You lyrics,” and count how many songs come up. You’ll observe a diversity of artists, genres, and eras, but these songs share a similar sentiment: the power of presence makes a huge difference. We seek the company of others to share burdens and joys, express friendship and love, and connect to God in worship. The fundamental human need for connection is real and powerful.
In his 2016 book The Power of the Other, Dr. Henry Cloud points to the experience of Navy Seals in training who are able to perform well beyond their personal capacity because they are strengthened by being part of a team. Positive connection with others enhances many area of our lives and contributes to productivity, wellbeing, and mental health.
Counseling research has repeatedly confirmed that the connection of relationship makes all the difference in the efficacy of therapeutic treatment, even over a wide variety of theories and techniques used by different clinicians. When a client is able connect with a counselor and feel heard and understood, therapeutic progress is likely to follow.
Lisa Firestone Ph.D. explores this concept in her article “The Importance of the Relationship in Therapy: How a strong therapeutic alliance can lead to real change” in Psychology Today, Dec. 22, 2016.
God created us with a need for connection, to Him and to other people. One of the names of Jesus, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” Scripture is full of examples of God reaching out to connect to His creation, and people reaching out to others to make a difference in their lives through relationship.
Connection is such a foundational value at Christian Counseling Connection that it is part of our name, and a key motto is “We’re Here for You.” Our counselors are caring people who love God and seek to serve Him by reaching out to those who need someone to walk with them through a difficult time. While all our counselors are state-licensed professionals with multiple degrees, it is their ability to listen and relate well to others that helps them to offer the highest standard of therapeutic care and be effective in their work.
Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it alone. Help is available. Reach out and get started. “We’re Here for You.”
Blessings to you!
M. Catherine (Cathy) Downen, MA, MA, LPC, NCC
Founder, Christian Counseling Connection, LLC
