Agape Christian Counseling Services in St. Louis, MO

Serving greater St. Louis, MO
Appointments: 314.994.9344

In Christianity, the term agape refers to the unconditional and voluntary love of God, God's love for humanity, and our call to love one another.

What's New at Agape:

	If you have questions about depression, for yourself or those you love, Darrell Provinse's presentation at Hope Christian Church might be just what you're looking for. Join with fellow women Saturday, March 13 as Darrell speaks on "Dark Night of the Soul: Understanding, Identifying, and Treating Depression." He one of the keynote speakers at the church's Women's House Seminar on Empowerment: Healing Inside and Out. Where? Hope Christian Church When? 9 am-4 pm, March 13 How much? $15 (includes deli lunch)
	Kristin Pierre is on a week-long medical team trip to Haiti with her church, New City Fellowship. She is providing trauma and grief counseling to victims in the earthquake.
	Welcome home, Kylie Manner (counselor intern)! She recently returned from a two-week counseling trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
	We are proud to announce Frances Thomas' article "The Awesome Power of Optimism: A Personal Journey to HOPE" has been published in the book Overcomvers, Inc.: True Stories of Hope, Courage and Inspiration, complied by Lynne Klippel. The article speaks specifically about overcoming personal medical and socio-cultural challenges through hard work, and about spiritual empowerment. Frances' own struggles and accomplishments drive her to believe that as long as there is a God, optimism rules. Her counseling style presumes that in spite of disease or circumstances, some degree of abundant living is possible. Please contact Frances via Agape or visit Overcomers, Inc if you would like to purchase the book.
	Thank you! Mike Maninger has graciously donated two new computers for our Olivette location. His gift will be a blessing to many.
	Are you feeling alone in your battle against pornography and sexual addiction? Consider yourself invited to join with other men in the fight in a Christian therapeutic context. Mike Diller will be leading a Sexual Integrity Group starting January 14.
	We are pleased to announce that Agape Christian Counseling Services has been listed in the United Way of Missouri 2-1-1 database. Information regarding Agape's services is available via the United Way website.
	We have added a new location to be more accessible to you. Kelly Maxwell is available to provide counseling services at Covenant Theological Seminary's counseling center.
	Darrell Provinse and Kristin Pirrie gave a presentation on adolescent suicide to the youth group at Korean First Presbyterian Church on October 26. Beginning and ending with corporate prayer and worship, the counselors presented statistics, risk factors, and signs of suicide ideation in teens. Kristin led the group in discussing personal insight and research on the topic, shedding light on warning signs and depressive symptoms that put teens at high risk. They recognized that thoughts of suicide are the result of "an imbalance of pain and hope, and often a permanent solution to a temporary condition." The group also examined how to empathetically respond to friends when they are in crisis and how to seek help if the crisis is their own. Darrell effectively magnified biblical truths that can refresh a hopeless heart: tethering the temporary painful circumstances of our world to the irrefutable permanency of God's perception of us. Both Darrell and Kristin had a wonderful experience--thank you Jim Han and other at Korean First Presbyterian for the opportunity to connect with your youth!
	Tai Yong co-led a Saturday marriage seminar to couples at New City Fellowship on August 22. The seminar was based on research from the Preparation and Relationship Enhancement Program, focusing on recognizing poor communication, learning speaker-listener techniques, expressing the self in specific terms, coming to proper resolution, and developing friendship. Not only did Tai present reliable theory, he also allowed the couples the opportunity to make the knowledge practical through role play exercises.
	Perhaps you are interested in belonging to a community of faith or exploring Christian spirituality, but don't know where to start or whom to trust. We are currently in the process of actively linking with local churches in order to help you in your search. Here is a listing of a few churches that are friends of Agape, and that we believe to be healthy and scripturally-sound.