Trista Blankenship
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I was always drawn to the field of psychology but after God began a great work in my own life of healing and restoration, God revealed to me that He was calling me to counsel. He gave me 2 Corinthians 1:4: “Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort we ourselves have received.”
Where did you go to graduate school? What did you like most about your program of study?
I went to graduate school at Truett McConnell University. What I liked most about my program of study was that we explored counseling from both biblical and scientific worldviews. I feel that being encouraged to learn both allowed me a deeper understanding of my field and prepared me to work with all people.
Describe your approach to counseling.
My approach to counseling is eclectic. I prefer to use a combination of approaches that best fit my client and their needs. I believe many of us have pain or traumatic experiences that affect how we see ourselves and others. Often, because of our hurt, we have a skewed view of ourselves and others that can affect our functioning in life. I desire to help people heal these areas of hurt and walk-in restored relationships.
While I do not require that my clients ascribe to the same beliefs that I do, I also cannot separate myself from my faith. I believe that God is the ultimate healer. However, I am comfortable with clients who do not wish for me to directly incorporate faith in the counseling room.
What significant events in your life have shaped your counseling?
God has used so many events in my life to shape my counseling. I grew up in a broken home and my mother struggled with drug addiction. My life growing up had so much pain. I did not know what to do with all that pain for many years and I walked in brokenness. That brokenness negatively affected almost every area of my life and how I viewed myself.
After becoming a wife and mother, I knew that something had to change to prevent that same cycle from continuing. That realization led me on a path to healing that has shaped my personal and professional life. God gave me a verse during this time, and it was Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” I know that what was intended for evil in my life, God intends to use it to accomplish His purpose. These experiences and others shape my counseling by showing me firsthand how the hurt can destroy our lives and how healing to restore it.
How does your Christian faith inform your counseling?
My faith informs my counseling in many ways. One way is that I try to intentionally see all people as Imago Dei. That allows me to understand how each of us is a unique creation and reflection of God. Another way is that as a professing believer I strive to reflect God to my best ability. My faith reveals in me that I am a sinner in need of grace which helps me not to judge others. The grace that was given to me compels me to have grace with my clients. Ultimately, because of my faith, I want to strive to honor God and love His people through counseling.