Our Mission

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)

Stronghold started as a vision of founding partners J.C. Chambers, Ed.D., and Marlene Ruff, M.A., as a place where those who are hurting could experience both clinical excellence AND God’s grace. There are certainly many fine treatment centers specializing in traditional clinical care along with several outstanding Christian based counseling services. However, we find the combination of these two healing approaches to be unique.

The mission of Stronghold is to dispense God’s grace while providing services that are clinically astute, sound, and at the highest level of excellence. Everyone is welcome. This is a safe place. Stronghold is about healing. The kind of deep healing that happens when therapy resides on the spiritual level, addressing all the elements that make up the whole person.

Stronghold Counseling
Clinically Excellent… Biblically Sound.

THE STRONGHOLD DIFFERENCE

Stronghold was created in 1993 to offer Hope… the hope of real healing for those hurting in a broken world. Healing never takes place alone. Many times it is the result of deliberate, intentional, caring service from committed professionals with years of experience… professional counselors who have already helped hundreds in similar situations. This hope is the foundation of the Stronghold experience.

HOPE WITHOUT HYPE

 Healing is never easy. There is no quick fix. It is often times painful. It does not happen overnight. But real, life-changing healing can and does happen regardless of what often may seem like a mountain of overwhelming circumstances. At Stronghold, you’ll never have to face what you’re going through alone.

GUIDANCE WITHOUT JUDGMENT

Stronghold was founded on a philosophy of non-judgmental counseling. Before healing can happen, open communication must take place in a safe environment free of judgment. Stronghold provides a “judgment-free” zone where individuals and families can honestly open up, often for the first time without any fear of repercussions.

SPEAKING TO THE HEART OF PAIN

Pain is real. But Pain as it is felt emotionally is often times a passing event. Shame on the other hand, the kind associated with painful emotional circumstances lingers on… soon becoming a dividing force isolating individuals from each other and help they would otherwise receive. According to Dr. JC Chambers, “Shame stains people in such a way that problems end up as shamed experiences that people try to hide. In the same manner that we try to hide stains on our clothing, the stain of Shame compels us to hide our painful circumstances. Pain in the form of problems can be easily accessed and dealt with IF we perceive that we are not alone. But because Pain + Shame = Alone… the primary need is that of a graceful, confidential, non-judgmental, and compassionate response.”

We understand you are hurting. But if you’re hiding the stain of brokenness, feeling beat up and at your wits-end… if you need someone to walk beside you on your journey, from beginning to end there’s help waiting for you at Stronghold.

Here at Stronghold,
we promise:

1) To Listen.  We will listen to you with patience, compassion, and understanding. We want you to not simply be listened to, but heard. Each story is special. And we will listen closely to them all.

2) To Earn Your Trust.  We understand that we must first earn your trust in order to earn the right to hear your story. We want to develop a genuine relationship of trust with you so you feel comfortable sharing those “behind the scenes” of your distress.

3) To Provide The Highest Level Of Quality.  Our vision is to pursue clinical excellence in all areas of service because we believe you deserve it.  Just as you have, we come from challenging life experiences. These experiences have molded us into a dynamic, passionate group of counselors and staff who are committed to excellent grace-based counseling. 

4) To Be A Refuge.  Based on Christlike love, grace, and mercy, we eagerly welcome all regardless of culture or creed. The work of therapy is sometimes uncomfortable and painful. It’s hardly ever easy, but we promise to help you feel safe as you grow and heal. We will be with you during those uncomfortable and painful times. That is what grace promises. 

Have more questions? Check out our FAQs or simply give us a call.