Christian & Faith-Based Counseling in Tampa, St. Petersburg & Sarasota
Licensed Christian Counselors Offering Evidence-Based, Biblically-Grounded Therapy for Individuals, Couples & Families
Healing the mind, strengthening relationships, and restoring spiritual connection—through therapy rooted in both clinical excellence and Christian faith.
At It Begins Within (IBW), our Christian therapists help clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, infidelity, parenting struggles, grief, and seasons of spiritual tension. Whether you’re seeking deeper connection in your marriage, clarity in your purpose, or faith-centered support through life’s challenges, you’re in the right place.
At IBW, Christian counseling blends:
Licensed & evidence-based therapy
Utilizing approaches such as: CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, EMDR, attachment-based work, mindfulness
Biblical values, prayer (optional), and faith integration
To support emotional, relational, and spiritual growth.
Unlike “biblical counseling” or church-based lay counseling, IBW’s Christian counseling is delivered by mental health professionals who integrate:
Scripture-based wisdom
Emotional and relational skills
Clinical tools for anxiety, trauma, and communication
Faith-friendly healing practices
Judgment-free support for your beliefs and questions
Our approach respects where you are spiritually—whether you're deeply rooted in your faith, reconnecting after a hard season, or simply wanting therapy that honors Christian values.
What Is Christian Counseling at IBW?
Our Christian counselors provide compassionate support for:
Individuals
Couples
Parents & Families
Children & Teenagers
Christian Counseling for Individuals
Our individual Christian counseling addresses anxiety, worry, and burnout through faith-based approaches. We help with purpose and identity questions, spiritual confusion, and healing from trauma or childhood wounds. Whether you're navigating grief, loss, or major life transitions, our counselors provide biblical guidance combined with evidence-based therapeutic techniques to support your mental health and spiritual growth.
Christian Marriage and Couples Counseling
Our Christian marriage counseling strengthens relationships through biblical principles. We address communication issues, emotional disconnection, and intimacy concerns including mismatched libidos. Our counselors specialize in infidelity recovery, betrayal trauma, and rebuilding broken trust. Whether you're preparing for marriage through premarital counseling or working to restore your relationship, we provide faith-centered support for couples at every stage.
Christian Family and Parenting Counseling
Our Christian family counseling offers faith-based parenting support rooted in biblical principles. We help parents navigate raising teens in today's digital and complex world, establishing values-driven boundaries and healthy communication patterns. Our counselors specialize in restoring connection in Christian homes, resolving family conflicts, and creating Christ-centered family dynamics that honor God and strengthen relationships.
Christian Teen Counseling Services
Our Christian teen counseling addresses identity, self-esteem, and belonging issues through a biblical lens. We provide support for teens struggling with anxiety, depression, or stress, while helping them establish healthy boundaries in friendships and dating relationships. Our counselors create safe spaces for teens to explore faith questions and doubts, and work through family conflict or value disconnects with parents.
Who Christian Counseling Helps
Our Christian Therapists in Tampa & St. Petersburg, Fl
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![Melissa Zentner, LMHC, Christian marriage counselor at It Begins Within, providing faith-based couples therapy in St. Petersburg.]()
Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC
Melissa is a marriage counselor who integrates evidence-based therapy with a faith-informed approach to help couples rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and reconnect emotionally. She works with partners navigating conflict, disconnection, and life transitions, offering grounded guidance rooted in both clinical skill and Christian values. Melissa serves couples across St. Petersburg, Largo & Clearwater.
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![Drew Decker, MSW, RCSWI, Christian counselor offering faith-based individual and couples counseling in Tampa Bay.]()
Drew Decker, MSW, RCSWI
Drew integrates evidence-based therapy with a Christian perspective to support clients working through grief, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions. His approach reflects both clinical skill and genuine empathy, helping individuals and families find emotional and spiritual restoration. He provides faith-informed counseling to clients across the Tampa area.
Christian Marriage & Couples Counseling
christian marriage counseling
Christian marriage counseling at IBW offers a values-aligned space for couples to heal, reconnect, and strengthen their relationship through biblical wisdom and evidence-based therapy. Our Christian marriage counselors support partners navigating communication issues, trust concerns, infidelity, emotional distance, and repeated conflict patterns. We help couples rebuild safety, deepen emotional intimacy, and create a shared vision for their relationship centered on faith, respect, and clarity.
faith-based premarital counseling
Faith-based premarital counseling helps engaged and seriously dating couples prepare for a strong, Christ-centered marriage. We guide couples through foundational topics such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, blended families, intimacy, and spiritual alignment—ensuring you enter marriage with confidence and clarity. Our therapists combine Scripture-informed insight, relational tools, and structured exercises to help you build a marriage grounded in trust, unity, and shared values.
Compassionate Christian Support for Kids, Teens & Their Families in St. Pete
Christian Counseling Near Me in Florida
Christian Counseling in St. Pete
Our St. Petersburg location supports individuals, couples, and families across Pinellas County—including Clearwater, Largo, Gulfport, Seminole, Feather Sound, and Treasure Island—seeking Christian-based counseling rooted in compassion and biblical wisdom. Whether you’re navigating communication issues, infidelity recovery, spiritual disconnect, or emotional overwhelm, our Christian marriage counselors and faith-informed therapists provide in-person and virtual sessions tailored to your values and goals. Clients appreciate our steady, grounded approach that blends evidence-based therapy with faith-centered guidance.
Christian Counseling in Tampa
Located in Westshore, our Tampa office serves individuals and couples throughout Hyde Park, Carrollwood, Brandon, Riverview, and Apollo Beach who are seeking Christian counseling that aligns with both emotional and spiritual needs. Our therapists specialize in Christian marriage counseling, Gottman Method-informed work, EFT, and trauma-aware care for busy professionals, parents, and families. Whether you're rebuilding after conflict, strengthening your relationship, or seeking faith-guided support we offer a warm, practical, and spiritually grounded path forward.
FAQs About Christian Counseling at IBW
Is Christian counseling the same as biblical counseling?
No. Biblical counseling is often provided by pastors or lay leaders.
Christian counseling at IBW is provided by licensed mental health therapists who integrate faith with proven psychological techniques.
Do I have to pray or discuss Scripture in session?
Only if you want to. You lead the pace and level of faith integration.
Is Christian marriage counseling effective for issues like intimacy, communication, or infidelity?
Yes. Our counselors blend Gottman Method, trauma therapy, and Scripture-based guidance to rebuild trust, closeness, and unity.
Do you offer Christian counseling for teens?
Yes. Teens receive support for anxiety, identity, relationships, school stress, and faith questions in a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment.
Can Christian counseling help with anxiety or depression?
Absolutely. Many clients find that integrating faith with clinical therapy leads to deeper emotional and spiritual grounding.
Take the First Step Toward Faith-Guided Healing
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Whether you’re seeking clarity, connection, or spiritual grounding, Christian counseling can help you find peace and direction rooted in biblical wisdom. Reach out today for a confidential consultation and begin the healing you’ve been praying for.