By Laurie Lechlitner
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — “I’m very interested in neuropsychology — the study of how behavior affects the brain and nervous system” stated Sandy Stauffer, Warsaw. “Because our brain is constantly regenerating cells, we can grow new brain cells even into old age. We can change some gene expression by our behaviors. Because of this, you can go to bed a slightly different person than when you woke up that morning. This gives us hope.”

Sandy Stauffer has been a counselor at Lifetouch Ministry, Warsaw, for five years. Because Lifetouch is a non-profit ministry, she is able to share the lifegiving message of Jesus Christ with her clients. It’s her desire for clients to understand the love of Jesus Christ as she works with them toward their personal goals. Photo provided by Sandy Stauffer.

Stauffer has been a counselor at Lifetouch Ministry, Warsaw, for five years.

“I’ve always wanted to help people. I started out as a dental hygienist in public health. I participated in Stephen Ministries at my church but I’ve always wanted to be a counselor.” Stauffer earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grace College in her early 60s.

Stauffer understands people need to be heard and understood. She doesn’t offer advice. She works with clients to understand who they are and what they’re struggling with. The first few counseling sessions are spent with Stauffer actively listening to the client.

“Clients talk and I reflect back what I think I’ve heard. This gives them a chance to correct me. We continue this process until the client feels that I understand them. Once a client feels really heard, we will begin work on goals and skills.”

Stauffer has always considered herself a pretty good listener. “Every person is a unique creation of God. As a counselor I need to be curious about the person sitting across from me. I want to help them discover their own uniqueness and help them see the person God created them to be — a uniquely lovely individual.”

Because Lifetouch is a non-profit ministry, when Stauffer has the opportunity, she can share with clients the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “Christ died for our sins. Salvation is a free gift for those who accept His payment for their sins. That’s good news.”

However, Stauffer makes it clear she does not force her beliefs on clients. “In a secular agency, I might not have the opportunity to share my faith but we are Biblically based. I hope to reflect that each person is made in the image of God and highly valued by Him. I want a client to understand their true identity based on their relationship to Jesus Christ.”

Counselors need to have particular skills to work in any organization. “We must be able to empathize. We must desire to help people. We need adequate training in theory and practice. We need to listen non-judgmentally without labeling clients.”

Stauffer emphasized, “It is not within the scope of my Indiana LMHC license to diagnose clients.”

She also sees the necessity of meeting a person where they are. “I’m not here to label clients or jump to conclusions. I want to help clients understand themselves better and to help guide them to more healthy beliefs and behaviors.”

Stauffer has been married for 45 years. She and her husband love spending time with their grandson. “My grandson is a joyful person.”

She concluded, “It is my desire for a client to fully understand the love of Jesus Christ as we work together toward their personal goals.”