SUMMIT COUNSELING ASSOCIATES, Inc.
Craig L. Loving, D.Min.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Helping you succeed in your most important relationships
303-349-7398 Email
Welcome
Welcome!
Everyone faces challenges in life. Some face more; others, less. But let’s face it: there is no “Get out of jail free” card.
Some of the challenges we face are no one's fault. Life happens.
There are other times when our problem has someone's name attached to it. Sometimes that name is our own.
Regardless of the challenge, it doesn’t matter so much whose fault it is as much as what we do next.
I help people sort out what to do next.
Who I Am
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in Thornton, Colorado, and a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). I hold a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Marriage and Family Counseling from Denver Seminary, as well as a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Luther Theological Seminary.
I’ve been an ordained Lutheran pastor since 1980, and have served churches in Texas and Colorado.
As a Christian psychotherapist, I approach my work as a counselor looking at problems and their resolutions through the twin lenses of the Bible and psychological research. Together, these two lenses provide a clearer understanding of who we are and why we act the way we do.
While I am a Christian, some of my clients are not. They hire me to help them resolve their challenges. Their faith and spirituality are a matter for counseling only when they wish to include it.
As a Christian, I subscribe to the National Association of Evangelical’s Statement of Faith, and the Statement of Faith of the American Association of Lutheran Churches.
As a Clinical Member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), I adhere to AAMFT’s Code of Ethics, as well as to the Code of Ethics of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
My specializations include men’s issues, stress, depression, marriage conflicts and enrichment, marriage preparation, and the unique issues pastors face.
If you have questions, please email me.
How I Practice
Among the various types of counselors around, Marriage and Family Therapists view the challenges people face from a unique point of view. We look at the interrelationship between people and the various systems or networks in their lives. Rarely are problems caused by one relationship or event. Instead, the fabric of family, social, and work relationships play a role in the development and maintenance of a problem. This same network often plays a role in the resolution of a problem.
While I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, my practice is not limited to marriages or families. Approximately half of my clients are individuals.
How does counseling begin?
After someone has asked me to help them respond to the challenges they’re facing, they fill out a number of preliminary information forms. They also complete a number of self-assessments that help me understand how they see themselves and the issues they want help with.
With these forms and assessments, I collaborate with my client to develop a goal and plan that meets their objectives. Throughout therapy, the client is in the driver’s seat. The client tells me the destination they want to reach. My job is to plot out the map, and keep them on course. Throughout the journey, they stay in control.
The meetings with clients are 45-50 minutes in length. Depending on the client’s need, these sessions can be weekly or bi-weekly.
What is counseling like?
Real life counseling is nothing like what you see on reality TV or hear on the radio. Most counselors aren't like Dr. Phil or Dr. Laura.
I don’t ridicule, shame or judge anyone. If you hire me to help you, you’ll always be respected.
Counseling is a guided conversation. I listen to my clients’ story and ask relevant questions. I help them make sense of their problems and discover answers that fit them. No psychobabble. No hocus-pocus.
How long does counseling take?
Short answer: It depends.
The longer version: People who have allowed their difficulties to run unchallenged for some time find that it takes a while to get back in control of their lives. Old habits do die hard. However, I’ve found that people who are motivated to do something about the pain they’re living with get their lives back on track more quickly.
Regardless of the time it takes, the client is always in the driver’s seat. They decide when they’ve reached their goal.
All contents of this site copyright (c) 2006 Summit Counseling Associates, Inc., & Craig L. Loving.
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