Morgan Flores, M.S.
Morgan is a unique therapist in that she has training in psychology and also holds a pastoral license, making her uniquely qualified to incorporate biblical principles into therapy when desired.
In some church settings and Christian homes “psychology” and “mental health” have been considered taboo topics or concepts that are off the table for consideration. Christians can feel leery of counseling out of a concern that psychology can be used to try and navigate life without God or they believe that mental health problems are only faith issues. On the contrary, it is worth noting that God made humans very intricate and complex, and considering how we were designed is insightful in understanding how we function, or stop functioning in some way. The Bible says we were made in his image (Genesis 1:27, Bible verse) and we have a spirit, soul (mind and personality), and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23, Bible verse). From a Christian perspective, when talking about mental health issues or anything negative, destructive, or painful in life, it can be traced back to the fall of man in the first book of the Bible (Genesis 3). When the first humans, Adam and Eve, chose to disobey God, sin entered the world which not only affected them but every human thereafter. In everyday life, the suffering of the spirit, soul, and body occurs because of someone’s own sin, the sins of others, or simply because we live in an imperfect world. The general degeneration that sin introduced presents as physical and mental ailments in people's lives, both Christian and non-Christian alike. Mental health issues can genuinely be an affliction that some people experience like any other ailment. This knowledge can reduce the stigma that getting help can have.
Even in the case of mental suffering due to questionable decision-making, if someone came to get help, would it not be more like Jesus to go to that person rather than leave them to suffer? He came for the sinner (Mark 9:10-17), is close to the brokenhearted (Psalms 34:18), and gives wisdom generously to those who ask without finding fault (James 1:5). Something I love about God and that deeply comforts and challenges me is that He is not just interested in getting people to heaven; he wants people to live genuine, god-honoring, full, and abundant lives here and now. Walking in that reality is a faith-filled process that requires reflection, humility, and intentional growth! Amazingly, the principles in God’s Word benefit both Christians and non-Christians alike. Granted, as a Christian, I believe the biggest blessing in Christianity is God himself. It does not surprise me, however, when empirically based psychological research and interventions align with the Bible and beautifully complement the application of godly living.
When considering Christians specifically, it is important to note that having spiritual disciplines, such as going to church, serving, and keeping Christian company, does not automatically mean someone is emotionally mature. These are avenues God uses for growth and are worthwhile but a person can engage in these activities all their life and still be in the same place mentally and emotionally as they were before they were saved. Even reading the Bible does not automatically equate to biblical living. The application of the Word is what makes a difference and it is a very personal process as patterns of dysfunction are challenged in everyone's life. The wise see it not as a roadblock but rather an opportunity for growth, deeper intimacy with God, and a more fulfilling and meaningful life in relationship with others. Not all people, even those who call themselves Christians, are willing to go on this journey, however. Put another way, just like wisdom does not automatically come with age, spirituality does not automatically equal emotional maturity. Intentional work in therapy can facilitate the process of emotional maturity that honors God and leads people into the abundant life God wants them to have. From this perspective, it is very courageous and faith-provoking to engage in counseling when it is used to better understand ourselves, better understand God and truly allow our beliefs as Christians to define how we live and not just go on with the same old same old just because it is familiar.
In the case of non-Christians, I have personally seen God use therapy in a person’s life to meet them in their deepest pain and confusion, quiet the chaos, and bring light to the darkest places with utmost patience and care. For this reason, I am not exclusively a Christian counselor but rather a therapist who is a Christian who offers Christian counseling and non-Christian counseling as well. I deeply trust that God himself loves each of my patients and is actively pursuing them with such intentionality that I am not set on being the one who presents the gospel in direct terms with patients who are not of the same perspective. I respect each patient’s journey and where they are in relation to God. It is not my job to persuade or convince but rather speak the trust in love, modeling genuine connection and unconditional care. I ask God for discernment to see and understand each patient in their pain and to have the grace to be able to meet them there and begin the journey forward. In short, I believe that is what Jesus did and I am so honored to share that space with my patients too.
Let it be acknowledged, that the perspective that counseling is anti-Christian can come from a deeply admirable desire to trust God above all else and grow in faith. Having faith and trusting in God as our primary source, however, does not mean that God cannot use a medical or mental health intervention as the means of help and healing in a way that honors him (and even grows their faith in the process)! God can, AND DOES, heal people in a moment. He also can, and does, heal people through a process; of mending and restoring while also teaching and building up along the way. While it is not the only avenue, therapy can be a tool in God's hand to initiate, cultivate, and celebrate this process in a beautiful way.
Morgan is currently accepting new patients! If you are interested in services with Morgan, please contact our office and our Patient Care Coordinator will assist you.