Counseling

Sonrise offers the services of highly trained Christian counselors. The counselors are independent professionals, not employed by the church, available to provide faith-based counseling for a small fee.

What is Christian Counseling?

Christian counseling is faith-based counseling which draws upon the science of Psychology filtered through the biblical foundations of Christian teaching. The unifying factor is the therapist, who integrates a combination of Christianity, psychology, and psychotherapy into an applied program. Clients may see Christian counseling as a relationship with a caring counselor directed toward increased awareness of themselves, others, the societies and cultures in which they live, and their understanding of the Christian God. The point of Christianity is the healing of relationships: Relationships between man and God and relationships between people.

Some information we would like you to know about the Christian counseling services at Sonrise Church:

1. The counselors are independent professionals who are not employed by the church.
2. We have an agreement to provide space for their counseling activities in exchange for a sliding scale fee for their services for Sonrise Church members & attendees.
3. Sonrise Church members who utilize the services and have financial limitations in regards to payment of the counseling may be eligible for support from the Mercy fund, however this needs to be discussed prior to the counseling sessions.
4. Any debt owed to the counselors is the sole responsibility of the person receiving the counseling. 
5. Our counselors will occasionally work collaboratively with each other and with the pastoral staff. In the event this is considered necessary you will be asked to sign a consent form indicating your agreement with sharing of your personal health information.
6. The counselors are required to follow all applicable established church policies in regards to confidentiality, appropriate dress, personal and client safety. Additionally, the counselors adhere to the ethical standards of their profession.

Counselors:

• Brandi K. Walters, M.A., brandi@brandikwalters. com
• Paulie Tietz, M.A., LPC, (503) 880-5125.

Paulie Tietz, M.A., LPC

Paulie Tietz provides professional counseling for individuals, marriages, and families.  She specializes in the areas of spiritual warfare, “Christ” esteem, women’s issues, parenting issues, anger, depression, rape crisis and abuse issues.
She is nationally certified and licensed by the State of Oregon.  Paulie received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis & Clark College.
Married for 46 years, Paulie and her husband have two adult sons, two precious daughters-in-love, and four charming grandchildren.  She has been in professional practice for seventeen years, but has been in lay work for many more.

Brandi K. Walters, M.A.

Brandi has a Bachelor’s Degree in Bible, Theology, & Youth Ministry from Multnomah University, and a Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University. Brandi works with individuals of all ages on issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, career counseling, parenting, grief, life transitions, and blended family issues.
Additionally, Brandi has a passion for and specializes in couples therapy and child play therapy. She practices from an Emotion Focused Therapy perspective, which looks at the level of bond, connectedness, safety, trust, and contact in relationships. She believes a counseling relationship provides a safe place for clients to experience healing, growth, and hope. Brandi has specialized training in play therapy, sandtray therapy, pre-marital and marital therapy.