St. Raphael Counseling

By Dr. Angela Wall, St. Raphael Counseling of Catholic Charities Denver

Acts of violence, especially in schools, can leave children anxious and afraid. They may wonder if they or their loved ones are in danger. In these moments, children look to parents, teachers, and caregivers for reassurance. As people of faith, we are called to comfort our children, remind them of God’s loving presence, and guide them toward peace and hope.

1. Reassure Children of Their Safety

Tell children they are safe and remind them that God has placed caring adults—parents, teachers, and community helpers—in their lives to protect them. Even though the news may seem frightening, schools remain among the safest places for children.

2. Listen and Validate Their Feelings

Every feeling is acceptable after a tragedy. Let children express their worries through words, drawings, or play. Acknowledge their fears while also offering hope: violence is real, but many good people are working to make the world safer.

3. Make Time for Conversation

Allow their questions to guide you. Younger children need simple reassurance that home and school are safe, while older children may want to discuss causes of violence and solutions. Remind them that while adults carry the main responsibility for safety, students also help by reporting threats, following school guidelines, and treating others with respect.

4. Keep God in the Conversation

Pray with your children for victims of violence, for peace in our schools, and for hearts to be healed. Remind them that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and that God can bring good even out of terrible situations.

5. Review Safety and Support

Go over school and community safety measures. Encourage your child to identify trusted adults they can go to if they ever feel unsafe.

6. Watch for Signs of Distress

Children may show anxiety through changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite. While most will recover with love and routine, some may need professional help—especially those with past trauma or special needs. Seek help early if you’re concerned.

7. Limit Media Exposure

Graphic images and constant news updates can heighten fear. Be mindful of what children hear in conversations and on social media. Instead, encourage family activities, prayer, and time outdoors.

8. Correct Misinformation

Children may hear rumors or stereotypes about violence. Gently correct misunderstandings and remind them that most people, including those with mental illness, are not dangerous. Stress that violence never solves problems.

9. Maintain Routine and Healthy Habits

Normal routines—meals, rest, schoolwork, play—offer security. Encourage activities that foster joy, connection, and gratitude.

10. Encourage Positive Action

Help others build resilience by inviting your children to pray, volunteer, or participate in school and parish efforts that promote prayer and peace. Small acts of love can make a big difference.

Key Points to Emphasize with Children

• Schools are safe places where adults work hard to protect you.
• Adults are responsible for safety, but children can help by speaking up when something feels wrong.
• Violence is never God’s answer; we are called to resolve conflict peacefully.
• Guns and weapons are dangerous—always tell an adult if you see one.
• Staying close to family, friends and God gives us strength and peace.

Even though violence is difficult to understand, our Catholic faith reminds us that Christ is with us always, especially in times of fear. With prayer, love, and trust in God’s care, families and schools can help children feel secure and grow as instruments of peace.

Reference (National Association of School Psychologists)

Catholic Therapy – is it for you?

Mark R Sanders, LPC, CAS

St Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver

How to Have a Great School Year
By Kim Mack, LPC, St. Raphael Counseling

The start of the school year offers Catholic families more than just a chance to aim for academic success—it’s an opportunity to grow in faith, character and community. A truly great school year nurtures the whole child—mind, body and soul. When the school experience is rooted in faith, children can flourish spiritually and emotionally while thriving academically and socially.

Here are six ways to help make this school year one of joy, purpose and growth:

1. Begin with Prayer
The best way to start both the school year and each school day is with prayer. Pray together as a family each morning, asking for God’s guidance, wisdom and peace. Encourage your child to pray before tests, during challenges and in moments of celebration. Prayer centers the day on what matters most and reminds children they are never alone.

Tip for Parents: Keep it simple. Say, “Jesus, walk with us today” or pray a decade of the Rosary before school. Let your child lead sometimes to foster ownership and connection.

2. Prioritize Virtues over Achievement
In a culture focused on competition and performance, Catholic parents are called to raise children with strong moral character. Show them that who they are matters more than what they achieve. Integrity, kindness and humility should be celebrated alongside school success.

Tip for Parents: At dinner or bedtime, reflect on virtues your child practiced—patience, honesty and generosity—and celebrate them as joyfully as you would grades or awards.

3. Stay Actively Involved—Body and Spirit
Your presence communicates love and support. Attend school events, talk with teachers and stay engaged in your child’s learning. Support their spiritual growth by attending Mass and getting involved in parish life together.

Tip for Parents: Put faith events on the family calendar just like school activities. Make Sunday Mass a priority and explore volunteer opportunities as a family.

4. Model a Growth Mindset Rooted in Faith
Children learn more from what you do than what you say. When setbacks come—a poor grade, a friendship challenge or a tough subject—demonstrate a faith-filled growth mindset. Remind them that God can use struggles to help us grow.

Tip for Parents: Encourage your child with Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Show how mistakes can be part of God’s plan for building virtue.

5. Balance is Holy
Overscheduling drains energy, focus and faith life. Protect time for rest, family meals, unstructured play and spiritual renewal.

Tip for Parents: Review extracurricular activities and ask, “Does this bring us closer to God or pull us away?” Sometimes saying no opens space for something more important.

6. Create a Culture of Service
Catholic education forms disciples who serve. Find consistent, simple ways to involve your child in acts of kindness—helping a neighbor, donating toys or sending cards to the elderly.

Tip for Parents: Pick a monthly family service project. Even small actions—collecting food for a pantry or baking for a neighbor—teach that faith is lived through service.

A great school year isn’t about perfection—it’s about purpose. When faith anchors your child’s day, academics, friendships and challenges are all shaped by God’s love. Your witness, presence and prayer can guide them toward not just a successful year but a holy and joyful one.

Let this year be filled with grace, growth and God’s presence in all things.

By: Mark Sanders
Substance Use: A Growing Concern
Addiction to a wide range of substances remains a significant issue, not only in the United States but globally. It is estimated that about 10% of the U.S. population uses some form of illegal drug—ranging from “hard drugs” like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to marijuana and prescription medications—over any 30-day period. In Colorado, the legalization of marijuana has brought the issue into sharper focus, with annual sales exceeding $1 billion. Coupled with an estimated 7% of the population struggling with alcohol-related problems, the need for accessible resources for both adults and adolescents becomes increasingly urgent.
In recent years, heightened anxiety—especially during and after the pandemic—has led to increased substance use across all demographics.
From a Catholic perspective, substance use is not merely a physical or mental health issue but also a spiritual one. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law” (CCC 2291).
Pope Francis has also urged Catholics to “Say NO to every kind of drug use” in order to say YES to the richness of life’s opportunities. This perspective often contrasts with societal attitudes toward substance use.

Signs of Problematic Substance Use
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of substance misuse in both adults and adolescents. Key signs include:
• Consuming larger amounts of substances than intended or struggling to cut down or control use.
• Spending excessive time using substances and giving up previously enjoyable activities.
• Experiencing strong cravings for substances.
• Facing work, school, or relationship issues as a result of substance use.
• Developing physical tolerance (needing more of a substance for the same effect) or withdrawal symptoms when not using.
• Continuing use despite negative consequences in personal or professional life.
For adolescents, the majority of substance use issues often begin in middle school, around ages 11–12. Parents should be aware of the following potential warning signs:
• Declining academic performance, especially if the child was previously a good student.
• Changes in friendships, mood, or time spent with family.
• Increased isolation from family activities.
• Frequent use of items like aftershave, cologne, perfume, eye drops, or incense to mask behavior.

Supporting Teens: Communication and Prevention Tips
It’s important for parents to address concerns proactively. While not all behavioral changes signal substance use—adolescence itself is a time of significant emotional and social shifts—dramatic changes may indicate underlying issues, such as substance use or mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety).
Here are some practical tips for increasing communication and prevention:
• Set clear expectations: Establish rules and discuss family, religious and personal values about substance use, especially as your child approaches high school.
• Encourage healthy activities: Help your child engage in sports, clubs or hobbies. Participation in enjoyable activities can be one of the most effective deterrents against substance use.
• Use teachable moments: Leverage opportunities to discuss substance use, such as news stories, movies or TV shows. Share your thoughts and allow your child to express their opinions.
• Stay involved: Know your child’s friends and their families. Understand what they do when they’re together and maintain open communication about their social circle.

By recognizing the signs of substance misuse early and fostering open communication, we can help individuals and families navigate these challenges. Ensuring that professional resources are available to those in need remains a vital step in addressing this pervasive issue.
Written by:
Mark Sanders is a therapist with St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country. The practice, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, school counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. They also provide evaluations for learning difficulties, attention problems and autism in a timely, thoughtful way that supports children and their families. With flexible scheduling, insurance options and a sliding scale, St. Raphael Counseling make care accessible.
Spanning the Archdiocese of Denver, their team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Get started today.

The calendar is already turning from January to February, and chances are you’ve already made—and maybe abandoned—your New Year’s resolutions. Lose 10 pounds, save more money, get healthier…the list often feels like an endless loop, year after year.

As we step into 2025, it’s common to wonder why so many resolutions fail. How can people create lasting change in their lives? As a therapist at St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, I frequently work with individuals seeking transformation. Despite their good intentions, many of these goals don’t succeed. So, why is that, and how can we do better?

One key reason resolutions fail is the lack of a concrete plan. The calendar may change, but unless your actions change too, nothing will be different. Being intentional can make all the difference. For instance, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” set a specific and measurable goal like, “I want to lose 10 pounds.” Break it into manageable steps and be realistic—if you haven’t been to the gym in years, aiming to go six times a week isn’t practical.

Rather than creating yet another list of changes, I encourage you to start with two important steps.

First, recognize and be grateful for what you already have. As Catholics, we’re called to “count our blessings.” Gratitude shifts your perspective from scarcity to abundance and helps you focus on fine-tuning your life rather than overhauling it entirely.

Second, reflect on the “why” behind your goals. Don’t just decide, “I want to pray more.” Ask yourself why this matters. Is it to center yourself and reduce stress? To strengthen your relationship with Jesus or Mary? To give thanks for your blessings? A clear purpose will help you persevere when challenges arise.

Adopting a long-term mindset can also make a big difference. For example, saving $1,200 in a month can feel overwhelming, but saving $100 each month for a year is much more manageable—and achieves the same result. Avoid the trap of short-term thinking and embrace steady, consistent progress.

That said, some situations may call for a more dramatic shift. In a previous career, I worked with individuals trying to quit smoking. Research shows that those who quit abruptly—going from 20 cigarettes a day to zero—were more successful than those who tapered off gradually. While abrupt change can feel intimidating, it often fosters a sense of accomplishment and momentum that slower methods may not provide.

Change takes time, especially when addressing long-standing habits. But with intentional decisions, a clear plan, and a mindset of gratitude and purpose, your goals can become achievable.

Written by:
Mark Sanders is a therapist with St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country. The practice, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver, offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, school counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. They also provide evaluations for learning difficulties, attention problems and autism in a timely, thoughtful way that supports children and their families. With flexible scheduling, insurance options and a sliding scale, St. Raphael Counseling make care accessible.
Spanning the Archdiocese of Denver, their team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment

Grief and Loss in the Holiday Season

Allison Anyamele, Therapist at St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities

The holidays are here! And with them comes an expectation from many directions—stores, ads, workplaces, friends, family—that says we must be excited and full of cheer! We should be eager to pull out our decorations and start our holiday meal planning. For some, this is the experience. But what about the many who approach this season with dread, sorrow and pain due to the loss of a loved one?

In addition to the salvific reality of these days, the holidays are a time of celebration and memory—remembering good old times with delight, creating new memories, striving for nostalgia. However, for those who are grieving, remembering the old times can be painful and the reminder that there won’t be new memories is excruciating. This time of year, the grieving person may well be thinking “can we just skip the holidays?”, “how can I possibly celebrate?”, “what is there to be cheerful about?”

For the grieving person there are often several experiences. There is a deep sorrow and dread of encountering the holidays without their loved one. Sometimes there is even fear of how they will cope with the acute pain of missing their person. Could my physical heart literally tear apart on Christmas because the pain and longing is so intense?

Another experience is feeling the expectation to celebrate. It feels unacceptable to have the holidays be a time of sorrow and people feel pressure to put on a smile or fake it. That is asking quite a lot of a grieving person, who may be just barely getting through a normal day.

Paired with that is the expectation to not bring anyone else down with their sadness. Don’t ruin it for everyone else! Inevitably this sends the message that “your grief has no place here” or you should “keep your grief to yourself.” Thus, at a time when the griever most needs support he or she is being shoved into isolation.

And for the faithful, we’ll add a fourth experience; the internal conflict created by the question of whether sorrowing means a person doesn’t have faith. Too often a grieving person is told, “Don’t be sad! He is with the Lord now,” as if that fact should wipe away the deep love, vivid memories and dreams of the future that will never be.

If these experiences resonate with you, I hope the following suggestions will help you approach this season with some bit of peace, relief, or just less bracing. I also hope these suggestions will enable you to keep moving in your grief, rather than bottling it, getting stuck in it or pretending it’s not there.

Be flexible with traditions

Loss of a loved one changes us. You have changed, and so too might your traditions. Allow for omissions or adaptations to what you usually do. Perhaps you create a new tradition in memory of your loved one. Do not force yourself to keep traditions that stir up excessive anxiety or fear.

Plan for grieving time.

Schedule into your days whatever helps you exhale—time alone, time with a close and supportive friend, time to cry, time to be “off.” I often refer to this as giving yourself a daily dose. In order to move in our grief we have to turn towards it, even if it’s just for 30 minutes each day. Plan for this so that it is guaranteed rather than fit in after everything else or forgotten entirely.

Set reasonable expectations for yourself and for those with whom you will be spending time.

Now that you have some freedom in which observances you will keep, adapt or omit along with scheduled grieving time, you are creating reasonable expectations for yourself. You are setting the stage within the reality of your grief, not trying to force your grief into a mold. Tell those you will be with about these plans and expectations you’ve set for yourself so that they can join you in them.

Plan your exit strategy.

Brainstorm, plan and even rehearse what you will say if you find yourself needing to exit the activities. Plan for who you will tell, what you will say, and where you will go. Perhaps you decide you’ll tell just your sister (and she can relay the message) that you’re stepping out for some quiet and you’re going on a walk around the neighborhood.

Remember why you grieve.

We grieve because we love. Grief is the continuation of your love without the beloved’s physical presence. If you are proud to say you loved the person you lost, so too be proud to continue loving him or her in your grieving. Grant yourself permission to keep loving through the holidays.

At St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver and the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, we provide assistance for individuals, couples and families who may be grieving a variety of losses – not just of a person, but also loss of jobs, expectations for the future, changes in a family (i.e. a child goes to college and moves out), etc. Be kind to yourself as you approach this festive season.

If you or someone you love could use our help, please reach out directly at 720-377-1359. Learn more about us on our website.

By Derek Rusnak
St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities

Many people would rather endure electric shocks than be alone with their thoughts. This surprising finding from a 2015 study published in the journal Science echoes Blaise Pascal’s saying: “All of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone.” I see this echoed in my work at St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities and the largest Catholic therapy practice in the nation, where clients who once experienced a deep, fulfilling prayer life find themselves in a difficult phase where prayer—especially mental prayer—becomes painfully impossible. This struggle can compound their suffering, leaving them feeling not only disconnected from God but also guilty for not praying. Although many factors, both natural and spiritual, can contribute to this, I’ve observed a common thread that, when addressed, can bring healing and revive one’s prayer life.

According to St. Ignatius’ discernment of spirits, the core reason people often struggle with prayer is desolation—an experience marked by feeling distant from God, clouded by discouragement, distraction and dryness. This state stands in stark contrast to consolation, the blessed experience of feeling close to God, which makes prayer feel like a gift rather than a task. While consolation comes from the Holy Spirit, desolation, as Ignatius describes, can be stirred by the Enemy—whether it’s the world, the flesh, or the devil.

When incorporating the discernment of spirits into our spiritual life, Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, advises us to: 1) Be Aware—identify whether we’re experiencing consolation or desolation, 2) Understand—explore how it started and how it impacts us, and 3) Take Action—work to reject desolation and embrace consolation. Fr. Gallagher also clarifies the difference between spiritual and non-spiritual (physical or psychological) consolation and desolation. Though distinct, these are interrelated: non-spiritual consolation can make prayer feel naturally life-giving, whereas non-spiritual desolation can make it feel almost unbearably difficult.

For our discussion here, I recommend exploring Fr. Gallagher’s work for deeper insights into discernment of spirits. I’d like to focus on the influence of non-spiritual desolation and consolation, particularly through the lens of the polyvagal model of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), developed by researcher Stephen Porges and popularized by clinician Deb Dana.

In simple terms, this model addresses how our ANS—the part of our nervous system that automatically regulates functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion—operates beyond our conscious awareness, continually evaluating whether we’re safe or threatened.

The ANS is organized into three parts: Ventral, Sympathetic and Dorsal, each correlating with different responses to our environment. When our ANS senses safety, it engages the Ventral part, which fosters connection, presence and ease with others. In the face of a perceived threat, it activates the Sympathetic state, which triggers fight-or-flight responses. When facing an overwhelming threat, it engages the Dorsal part, which brings feelings of freeze, numbness and disconnection.

People often find Sympathetic or Dorsal states distressing or even shameful. However, they are natural mechanisms meant to keep us safe. Rather than avoiding these states, the therapeutic goal is to maintain a baseline in Ventral, so that any shifts into Sympathetic or Dorsal are temporary, balanced and help us live our vocations for God’s glory.

So, how does this apply to prayer? On an experiential level, non-spiritual consolation aligns with the Ventral state, while non-spiritual desolation aligns with the Sympathetic and Dorsal states. When a client’s nervous system is stuck in Sympathetic or Dorsal, prayer can feel painfully impossible. Their body’s response to perceived danger makes sitting still feel daunting or even distressing, as if prayer requires them to override their natural fight, flight or freeze instincts.

However, when clients learn to recognize and understand their ANS state at any moment, they can work on moving from Sympathetic or Dorsal back to Ventral. Not only can this make prayer more doable and enjoyable, but the ability to navigate their ANS helps reduce the distress they feel during challenging states. This practice also makes them less likely to feel “stuck,” fostering a sense of freedom and a greater awareness of how Jesus brings liberation to captives on every level of our being—even within the silent struggle of our prayer life.

St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers individual, couple, family and school-based counseling. Spanning the Archdiocese of Denver and part of Catholic Charities, our team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Call 720-377-1359 or visit straphaelcounseling.com to get started.

As a parent, God calls you to raise your children in faith and guide them through appropriate correction. However, there may be times when it feels like all you’re doing is correcting and directing. Whether your child is strong-willed or easy-going, each one deserves to be met with curiosity and connection. While correction is necessary, there should also be a time and place for love and curiosity. Imagine being in a relationship where all you hear is criticism; most would want to leave. Children, however, don’t have that option.

Connection Over Correction

The first question to ask yourself is: how does the amount of connection you provide compare to the correction you’re giving? Many experts encourage parents to picture their relationship with their child as a bucket. Carrying around an empty bucket—a relationship full of only correction—has little purpose. Buckets are meant to carry water, which, in this metaphor, represents connection. Connection means feeling seen, heard and valued. Think about how much correction and direction you give each morning as they get ready for school, or each afternoon when they come home. Instead of reacting with frustration or correction right away, take a deep breath and approach your child with curiosity—what might be motivating their behavior? You can delay a consequence and still follow through with correction, but first use connection and curiosity. Remember the three C’s: Curiosity, Connection, then Correction.

Acceptance and False Expectations

Sometimes, as parents, we may have false expectations that affect our relationships with our children. Perhaps you hoped to connect with your child over sports or faith, but those aren’t their interests. It’s common to find it easier to connect with one child than another, but this is where releasing false expectations is important. Parent the child you have, not the one you thought you’d have or the one you’ve already raised. Each child is unique, with their own struggles and strengths.

Practical Ways to Connect

Catch Your Child Being Good
When you notice your child doing something positive, acknowledge it in front of them. Our brains are naturally wired to spot problems, but how often do you look for small positive behaviors? Perhaps your child struggles with homework, but they managed to start it or asked for help. They might not finish a chore completely, but they made an effort. Acknowledge these small wins before giving further direction.

Learn Your Child’s Love Language
Understanding your child’s primary love language—whether it’s physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, gifts or quality time—can help strengthen your connection. Although it may shift as they mature, it’s crucial to focus on what makes them feel most valued.

Let Your Child Teach You Something
You’re typically the one teaching, but letting your child teach you can make them feel seen and heard. Whether it’s learning about technology, a favorite sport, a school subject or one of their hobbies, this helps build their confidence.

Engage with Their Passions
Ask your child about their interests. Play one of their favorite songs while you’re making dinner or plan a regular “agenda-free” date—time spent together without correction or lessons. Let them lead for a few minutes, stepping into their world with curiosity. Just as God calls us to connect with Him beyond our flaws, children also long for simple, unconditional connection.

With a shift toward curiosity and connection, you can strengthen your relationship with your child and create a more balanced approach to correction.

St. Raphael Counseling, the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, offers individual, couple, family and school-based counseling. Spanning the Archdiocese of Denver and part of Catholic Charities, our team of clinicians provides therapy and counseling in alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Call 720-377-1359 or visit straphaelcounseling.com to get started.

Rachel never imagined she would find herself in a counseling office. “I didn’t know who needed to go to counseling or why.” Her perspective changed dramatically in November 2021 when trauma struck inside her home.

For three days, Rachel endured violence at the hands of her now ex-husband, leaving her in critical condition at Littleton Hospital. “As he was beating me, I kept praying to St. Michael the Archangel,” she said, recounting the ordeal that left her physically and emotionally shattered. As she hid in her closet, fearing for her life, she felt an overwhelming sense of a spiritual presence.

“I can swear to you, I saw St. Michael sitting on my island in my closet, reassuring me. And I just kept praying and kept praying. Then at one point, he (her ex-husband) decided to stop and went to bed and left me in the closet. I couldn’t move, but St. Michael literally came off the island with his wings and lifted me up to a window so that I could get air to breathe.” In her darkest moments, Rachel repeatedly prayed to St. Michael for protection.

In the days that followed, Rachel’s parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in Denver, rallied behind her and her three children and connected them with St. Raphael Counseling for early intervention. There she met her counselor, Dr. Michelle Connor Harris, executive director of St. Raphael Counseling and a licensed clinical psychologist, who understood and affirmed her visions of seeing St. Michael on her island in that closet. Dr. Michelle encouraged her to lean on her Catholic faith during her healing process.

St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is the largest Catholic therapy practice in the nation and serves individuals, couples and families at 24 locations across the Front Range. In addition, 19 Catholic schools are home to St. Raphael therapists, providing mental health services to thousands of students across the Archdiocese of Denver.

“Coming to a Catholic counseling place was amazing,” Rachel said. “It felt like a safe space where I could talk about everything—my trauma, my faith, my healing.”

The integration of faith into the therapeutic process proved transformative. “We pray before and after our sessions,” Rachel shares. “I could talk about my experiences without fear of being judged. Michelle didn’t think I was imagining things; she understood my journey.” This holistic approach allowed Rachel to address her mental health while nurturing her spiritual well-being.

Dr. Michelle has witnessed Rachel’s incredible resilience firsthand. “Her ability to rely on God throughout all of the trauma has been a witness of faith to me.”

The impact of Rachel’s journey extended to her children as well. After the incident, her boys who were students at Our Lady of Lourdes and Bishop Machebeuf at the time, went to school, where they were already connected with St. Raphael’s school counselors.

“Having a counselor available at their school was divine intervention for our family,” Rachel reflects. The continuity of care provided a natural next step for the boys as they navigated their own healing process.

Rachel’s story is a testament to the critical role St. Raphael Counseling plays within the community. “We are here to help students, teachers, and parents,” Dr. Michelle explains. “When tragedy strikes, we want to be the support system that families can turn to.”

The need for Catholic counseling services is more pressing than ever, and Rachel’s experience highlights how vital it is for individuals and families to seek help when they need it.

After three years of seeing Dr. Michelle and getting to know the St. Raphael team of therapists, Rachel emphasizes the importance of the ministry. “I never knew how much I needed this until I got here,” she says. “It’s life-changing work that deserves more attention.” Through her healing journey, Rachel has not only reclaimed her life but also found a deeper connection to her faith and community.

For those considering counseling, Rachel encourages them to take that step. “You might be surprised at how much it can change your life.” Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope and healing available through faith and community support.