Hidden Gems: Meet P.J. Stohlmann of Arising Hope Christian Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to P.J. Stohlmann.

Hi P.J., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always knew I loved one-on-one and deep conversations, but I actually didn’t consider becoming a counselor until I went to seminary. After being a pastor for several years, I realized that what I enjoyed most about ministry was coming alongside people in their struggles, the deep spiritual conversations, and seeing people’s lives changed. I then went back to school to get my masters in counseling, and have now been in private practice for four years and love it! In my personal journey, counseling has been very transformative for me as well so I know the power of it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think anything worth doing is going to come with its own set of challenges. For me, what really developed my passion for counseling was my own internal struggle with shame, depression, anxiety, and faith. It was also hard to get my masters in counseling while working three jobs to pay for school and the cost of living, but God provided! My internship was also during COVID, so that obviously was a challenge. I believe God brings strength out of our weaknesses and I’ve witnessed firsthand how His work in me has shaped me to become a better counselor!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is a private counseling practice that offers individual counseling for adults and teens. I specialize in Christian counseling and am also happy to work with people of any different spiritual or religious background. I’m known for being Christ-centered, biblical, kind, empathetic, compassionate, and my ability to balance grace and truth to challenge possible negative thought patterns and false beliefs. If you are struggling with your faith, depression, anxiety, church-hurt, addiction, anger, or trauma, I would be honored to help and show you that change is possible! I use many different modalities to bring change such as CBT, REBT, Mindfulness, IFS, EMDR, and Scripture Meditation.

What does success mean to you?
To quote one of my favorite authors John Maxwell, “success is determined by the seeds you sow not the harvest you reap.” While it is very rewarding to see clients change and I do see this a lot, I know that is not ultimately in my control. I need to focus on engaging people with love, wisdom, grace, truth, and empathy. If I do that, then I am giving my clients the best chance to experience positive change. I also believe feedback is important, and if an intervention or technique is not working, I have several different modalities to find what is the best fit for a client. If necessary, I also realize at times I may need to refer them out if things aren’t working. I am always seeking to grow as a professional counselor as well.

Pricing:

• Self-Pay: $150/hour session
• Insurance: Kaiser, Cigna, and United

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arisinghopecc.com

Image Credits
Josh Belt Photography