MARRIAGE & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Marriage Intensives, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)
Serving Sarasota, Venice,
Bradenton, & the Online
Community Worldwide!!
Are You Struggling with Personal or Marital Challenges?
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Do you feel disconnected in your marriage?
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Are past wounds and emotional struggles keeping you from moving forward?
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Have traditional counseling methods failed to address your spiritual and emotional needs?
You’re not alone. Relationships and personal struggles can be overwhelming, but healing is possible.
At Relational Skills, we offer faith-based counseling that blends biblical wisdom with clinically sound therapy techniques to help you restore emotional and relational health. Even if you’ve never considered yourself a person of faith, the foundation of biblical wisdom is where healing is found.
We believe healing happens when faith meets practical guidance.
Our approach combines:
Let us help you navigate your challenges with wisdom, faith, and proven strategies.

Real Stories, Real Healing
“Our marriage was at a breaking point, but thanks to Relational Skills, we’ve found a new beginning. Their faith-centered approach gave us the tools to rebuild our connection.”

Teresa
🌟 "My husband and I are a blended family and we were looking for ways to improve all that comes with that. We were so thankful to find Anita and Pepe at Relational Skills and their Marriage Mediation program. They gave us a safe space, guidance, and strategies that have given us the best"

Terecita
🌟 "Anita has helped me overcome trauma and even habits that I thought I was never going to be able to get through! Her patience, love and genuineness is impeccable. Thank you so much for everything. If anyone is thinking about it, please do not hesitate!"

Valerie
🌟 "Anita guided me with questions to help me get to the root of the issue, and using ART, I was able to erase and rewrite parts of my story to heal confusion and past pain. If you appreciate efficiency and thoroughness in healing, definitely schedule an appointment with Anita."
Meet Your Counselors: Dr. JM & Dr. Anita Arrunategui
With over 40 years of combined experience in counseling, ministry, and medicine, Drs. JM and Anita Arrunategui have helped countless individuals and couples find hope and renewal.
Having personally walked through marital struggles and healing, they understand firsthand the power of faith and professional guidance in restoring relationships.
Their mission is to:
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Help individuals and couples find lasting healing through Christ-centered counseling.
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Equip and train those called into the counseling ministry.
Heal Trauma and Break Free from Emotional Pain with A.R.T.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) is a cutting-edge, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress quickly and effectively. Using eye movement techniques similar to EMDR, A.R.T. allows clients to process painful memories and replace them with positive images, often achieving significant breakthroughs in just a few sessions.

The ART of Rapid Recovery | Laney Rosenzweig | TEDxSpringfield
Discover the Benefits of Online Christian Counseling in Coral Springs, FL
Christian counseling plays a unique and vital role in offering guidance, healing, and spiritual renewal to individuals navigating life's challenges. Its foundation is rooted in biblical principles, aiming to integrate faith with professional therapeutic practices. Answering the call to Christian counseling is not merely about addressing emotional or psychological struggles but also about nurturing the soul and strengthening one's relationship with God.
The Need for Christian Counseling
In today’s world, individuals face a myriad of challenges that affect their mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- Marital and family conflicts: Building stronger relationships based on biblical teachings.
- Anxiety, depression, and stress: Providing comfort through scripture-based encouragement.
- Grief and loss: Offering hope grounded in eternal truths.
- Identity struggles: Helping individuals find their worth in Christ rather than societal standards.
The Core Principles of Christian Counseling
Biblical Foundation– All advice, strategies, and interventions are rooted in Scripture.
Holistic Healing– Focus on both spiritual growth and psychological well-being.
Faith-Centered Perspective– Incorporation of prayer, scripture reading, and reliance on God’s wisdom.
Compassionate Care– Reflecting Christ’s love by creating a safe space for clients.
Key Components of Effective Christian Counseling
Component
Description
Prayer
Interceding on behalf of clients for wisdom, peace, and strength from God.
Biblical Guidance
Using Scripture as a reference for moral clarity and decision-making.
Empathy & Listening
Actively listening without judgment while extending Christ-like compassion.
Why It Matters Today
In an era marked by competing ideologies and shifting cultural values, many people struggle to find clarity amidst confusion or trauma.
They guide clients toward forgiveness—both self-forgiveness and forgiving others—by unpacking Christ's teachings.
They emphasize resilience found through faith rather than fleeting worldly solutions.
They foster communities where people feel loved, understood, valued.
Christian counseling is more than therapy; it is a ministry that seeks to draw people closer to God while addressing their deepest concerns. It requires answering a divine call—a commitment not only to provide care but also to lead others into transformation through faith-guided support systems designed for lasting change.
Finding Clarity Through Christian Couples Counseling in Coral Springs, FL
Counseling often involves navigating through the complex web of stories and perspectives that individuals bring with them. These narratives are shaped by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, societal influences, and individual belief systems. As counselors, the ability to discern truth, foster clarity, and create a path forward amidst these competing narratives is both a challenge and a vital responsibility.
Understanding Competing Narratives
Competing narratives emerge when individuals hold conflicting stories about their experiences or identities.
Personal Beliefs vs. Societal Expectations: A client may struggle between their intrinsic values and the expectations imposed by family, community, or culture.
Past Trauma vs. Present Reality: Unresolved trauma can create a narrative of fear or self-doubt that conflicts with the opportunities available in the present moment.
Internal Conflict: Individuals may grapple with contradictions within themselves—wanting change yet fearing it simultaneously.
External Influences: Media, social networks, or peer groups might exert pressure that distorts personal truths.
Counselors must approach these narratives with an objective lens while respecting their complexity.
Tools for Finding Clarity
The counselor's role is not to impose solutions but to guide clients toward self-discovery and clarity.
Listen without judgment to fully grasp each story being shared.
Reflect back what you hear to confirm understanding.
Build rapport by validating emotions tied to conflicting narratives.
Acknowledge pain points without reinforcing false beliefs.
Help clients view their situations from different perspectives.
Encourage transforming negative self-talk into constructive dialogue.
Facilitate exercises that help clients identify core values.
Clarify which values align with authentic goals versus external pressures.
Teach grounding techniques that center emotions during moments of overwhelm.
Encourage journaling or meditation as tools for reflection.
Encouraging Discernment Through Faith-Based Counseling
Referencing scripture can provide timeless insights into decision-making (e. g. , Proverbs 3:5-6).
Prayer and spiritual exercises can support clients in aligning their choices with divine wisdom.
Encourage reliance on faith as an anchor amidst uncertainty while affirming God's role as an ultimate counselor.
Approach
Description
Purpose
Active Listening
Focused attention on client’s verbal/non-verbal cues
Builds trust; fosters clarity
Reframing
Shifting perspective on negative thoughts
Reduces cognitive distortions
Values Exploration
Identifying priorities based on personal beliefs
Aligns actions with identity
Faith Integration
Including spiritual principles for decision-making
Provides deeper guidance
The Counselor's Role in Guiding Toward Truth
Ultimately, navigating competing narratives requires patience and intentionality from both the counselor and the client. By focusing on empathy, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving within sessions, counselors empower individuals to untangle conflicting ideas and discover clarity in their lives' direction.
The process is not merely about resolving conflict but fostering growth through understanding—helping others create a cohesive story that honors both their past experiences and future aspirations while holding space for grace along the journey forward.
Christian Premarital Counseling Coral Springs, FL: Building Strong Foundations for Marriage
Counseling plays a vital role in helping individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing significant challenges, failures, or crises. These difficult moments—referred to here as "the fall"—can stem from personal mistakes, relational conflicts, health issues, or traumatic events. The process of recovery requires not only practical guidance but also a compassionate approach that honors the dignity of each person.
The Importance of Compassion in Counseling
Compassion is the foundation upon which effective counseling is built.
Listens actively and empathetically to understand the client's unique experiences.
Respects the client’s pace when addressing sensitive topics.
Validates emotions while gently challenging harmful thought patterns.
Encourages growth through meaningful support and understanding.
By demonstrating compassion, counselors can help individuals feel seen and valued during times when they may feel most vulnerable.
Key Strategies for Rebuilding Lives After Difficult Times
Identifying Strengths and Resources
Counselors can help clients recognize their personal strengths and external support systems:Skills such as resilience, adaptability, or problem-solving abilities.
Support networks including family members, friends, or faith communities.
Available resources like therapy groups or community organizations.
Setting Achievable Goals
Rebuilding requires direction.Short-term goals (e. g. , improving daily routines or seeking employment).
Long-term aspirations (e. g. , rebuilding relationships or pursuing education).
Addressing Underlying Issues
The fall often reveals unresolved issues that require exploration:Processing grief or trauma through therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or narrative therapy.
Identifying unhelpful core beliefs contributing to negative behaviors.
Fostering Hope Through Faith (If Applicable)
For clients who value spirituality as part of their recovery process:Exploring faith-based frameworks that align with their beliefs.
Reflecting on themes like forgiveness, renewal, and grace.
The Role of Reflection and Self-Awareness
Recovery after a fall often involves fostering self-awareness and reflection in clients through practices such as journaling or mindfulness exercises. These practices empower individuals to better understand how they respond to challenges while guiding them toward healthier coping mechanisms.
Reflection Practices
Benefits
Journaling
Facilitates emotional expression; tracks progress over time
Mindfulness
Reduces stress; promotes focus on the present moment
Prayer/Spiritual Reflection
Offers comfort for those with religious beliefs; fosters connection with higher meaning
Empowering Clients Beyond Recovery
Compassionate counseling doesn’t stop at helping clients recover—it equips them with tools for long-term resilience. By fostering emotional intelligence, building strong communication skills, and encouraging continuous self-growth, counselors help individuals walk confidently into the future with strength and purpose.
Through intentional care and guidance, counseling provides a path forward from even the most difficult circumstances—allowing those who have fallen to rise again stronger than before.
Discover Christian Counseling in Coral Springs, FL: Embracing Faith in Healing
Faith-based counseling holds a unique and transformative power for those seeking guidance. It integrates spiritual principles with psychological practices, creating a holistic approach to mental health that addresses not only emotional and mental well-being but also spiritual growth. Understanding the role of faith in counseling is essential for those who wish to serve others through compassionate, purposeful care.
Navigating Faith and Relationships with a Christian Marriage Therapist in Coral Springs, FL
Faith offers individuals a framework for understanding life’s challenges, providing meaning and hope during difficult times. When incorporated into counseling, it allows clients to draw strength from their beliefs as they navigate personal struggles.
Spiritual Guidance:Helping clients reconnect with their faith or explore deeper spiritual truths.
Moral Clarity:Assisting individuals in aligning their values and actions based on their faith traditions.
Hope and Resilience:Encouraging clients to find solace in the belief of divine purpose during challenging circumstances.
This approach ensures that clients feel supported not just emotionally but also spiritually, acknowledging the interconnectedness of these aspects in human experience.
Faith-Based Guidance from Christian Marriage Counselors in Coral Springs, FL
Counseling through a lens of faith has distinct benefits that can empower both counselors and clients.
Personalized Healing:Tailoring therapy to match individual spiritual beliefs creates an environment where clients feel understood on every level.
Strengthened Identity:Faith-based counseling helps individuals better understand themselves within the context of their spirituality.
Enhanced Coping Mechanisms:Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, or scripture study can foster resilience against anxiety, depression, or grief.
Deeper Connection:It promotes trust between counselor and client by acknowledging shared or respected values tied to faith traditions.
Understanding Challenges in Christian Marriage Counseling Coral Springs, FL
Challenge
Solution
Respecting Diverse Beliefs
Approach all religious perspectives with openness and sensitivity.
Balancing Spirituality & Science
Merge theological concepts with evidence-based therapeutic techniques pragmatically.
Avoiding Personal Bias
Focus on the client’s belief system rather than imposing personal views.
By addressing these challenges thoughtfully, counselors can create meaningful therapeutic experiences while respecting individual autonomy.
Guiding Your Journey with Christian Based Counseling in Coral Springs, FL
Faith-focused counselors are called not only to provide expert advice but also to serve as empathetic guides who walk alongside their clients during life’s complexities.
- Offering active listening grounded in compassion. - Encouraging reflection on spiritual principles relevant to life circumstances. - Supporting growth without judgment while fostering self-discovery within one’s faith journey.
Counselors embody patience, humility, and understanding—qualities often emphasized within religious teachings—allowing them to connect deeply with those they help.
Faith plays an integral role in shaping how individuals perceive challenges and seek resolution through inner strength fostered by belief systems. For counselors called by this noble purpose, integrating spirituality with therapy provides an opportunity for profound transformation in people’s lives while honoring their journey at every step.
Online Christian Marriage Counseling in Coral Springs, FL: Support and Direction for Couples
Counseling serves as a vital tool in providing support and guidance to those navigating the complexities of life. For sojourners—individuals metaphorically traveling through life's challenges—the role of counseling is to offer direction, encouragement, and a safe space for self-reflection. It is about equipping individuals with the tools they need to face obstacles while fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
Addressing the Unique Needs Through Christian Family Counseling in Coral Springs, FL
Sojourners often face unique struggles that require tailored support.
Transition and Change: Adapting to significant life changes such as relocation, career shifts, or personal losses.
Emotional Distress: Managing anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation during periods of uncertainty.
Identity Exploration: Struggling with questions about purpose, values, or spiritual identity while navigating life's journey.
Relationship Struggles: Addressing difficulties in personal connections or familial relationships due to stressors encountered along the way.
By recognizing these specific needs, counselors can design personalized approaches that speak directly to the experiences of their clients.
Strategies for Providing Support
Effective counseling for sojourners involves both empathy and practical strategies aimed at fostering growth and healing.
Creating a nonjudgmental environment where individuals feel heard and understood.
Reflecting back what clients share to validate their emotions and experiences.
Helping sojourners define tangible goals based on their values and aspirations.
Breaking larger goals into manageable steps to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Identifying negative thought patterns that may hinder progress.
Encouraging positive reframing to cultivate healthier perspectives.
Highlighting client strengths as resources for overcoming challenges.
Fostering self-efficacy by reminding individuals of past successes.
Incorporating faith-based practices for clients who find solace in spirituality.
Exploring how spiritual beliefs can offer meaning during difficult times.
The Counselor's Role as a Guide
A counselor acts as both a guide and companion on the sojourner's path toward clarity and healing.
Role
Description
Example
Educator
Teaching coping skills or stress management techniques.
Sharing relaxation exercises like mindfulness meditation or journaling practices.
Advocate
Supporting the client’s voice in difficult situations.
Assisting with communication strategies during conflicts.
Collaborator
Partnering with clients to develop solutions together.
Co-creating actionable plans for achieving set goals.
Encouraging Long-Term Growth
The ultimate goal is not just immediate relief but sustained growth over time. Counselors can empower sojourners by helping them build inner resilience through tools such as mindfulness practices, boundary-setting techniques, or gratitude exercises that enhance mental health long after sessions conclude.
Through compassion-driven counseling tailored specifically for those on life's unpredictable journey, counselors provide not only comfort but also lasting tools that equip individuals to navigate future challenges with confidence and hope.
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