Christian Counselor

Sarah Szymanski-Williams

pastoral counselor · 16+ years of experience

I believe we are created for connection, healing, and hope. My desire as a counselor is to walk alongside people with compassion, humility, and grace as they navigate life’s challenges and seek restoration. With 16 years of ministry experience, including serving as a missionary abroad, I have had the privilege of journeying with people from many cultures and backgrounds. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every person carries a unique story that deserves to be heard and met with care. I earned my B.F.A. in Visual Arts from Azusa Pacific University and my Master’s in Christian Counseling (M.A.C.C.) from Gateway Seminary, where I am currently pursuing my doctorate. I continue to grow through ongoing education and training, including pursuing certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT). As a Christian counselor, I believe in the ministry of reconciliation and the power of safe, authentic relationships. I have a particular heart for those healing from trauma, spiritual abuse, grief, and relational wounds. My hope is to create a space where you feel seen, valued, and supported as you move toward healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace. My faith in Christ has been the foundation of my life and calling. Raised in a loving Christian home, I learned from an early age the importance of prayer, Scripture, compassion, and dependence on God. Through my family’s example and my own journey, I developed a deep commitment to serving others with grace, perseverance, and hope. God cultivated my passion for ministry and cross-cultural service through experiences in South Africa, Australia, Cambodia, Nepal and Hawai‘i, where I witnessed His faithfulness and gained a greater understanding of people’s diverse stories and struggles. These experiences, along with seasons of personal hardship and healing, shaped my desire to walk alongside others with empathy and understanding. My calling as a counselor grew through years of ministry, particularly while serving youth and supporting individuals facing emotional and spiritual challenges. I recognized the importance of integrating compassionate care with sound counseling practices to support people navigating complex struggles. Through my counseling education, God has used my experiences to equip me to serve others with wisdom, empathy, and humility. I believe lasting healing is found through God’s grace and is supported through authentic, compassionate relationships. We were created for connection. As a counselor, my goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, find hope, and move toward growth and restoration.