MARRIAGE & INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING
Marriage Intervention, 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
The journey to breaking free from addiction is undeniably challenging, but through Christ’s strength, it becomes possible to overcome even the most difficult battles. Addiction, whether chemical, behavioral, or emotional, can feel like an insurmountable weight. However, Scripture reminds us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), offering hope and a path forward for those willing to trust Him.
Understanding the Role of Christ’s Strength
Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This verse provides reassurance that we are not alone in our battles.
Isaiah 41:10: God promises to strengthen and uphold us during times of fear and struggle.
A Relationship with God as a Source of Power
Recovery isn’t just about willpower; it requires spiritual surrender. By seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, individuals can access divine guidance, peace, and inner strength that surpass human effort.
How Faith Transforms the Recovery Process
Replacing Despair with Hope
Addiction often leads to feelings of hopelessness or shame. Leaning on Christ reminds individuals of their inherent worth as children of God.Breaking Chains Through Prayer
Prayer serves as a direct connection to Jesus’ power and enables those in recovery to lay down their burdens before Him. Persistent prayer strengthens resolve and invites God into every aspect of the healing process.Developing New Patterns Through Scripture
Immersing oneself in Scripture provides practical wisdom while renewing the mind (Romans 12:2). It reframes destructive thoughts and instills healthier patterns rooted in grace.
Practical Steps for Finding Strength in Christ During Recovery
Daily Devotions & Reflection: Dedicate time each day to prayerful reflection and Bible study.
Worship Practices: Engage with Christian music or attend services that uplift your spirit.
Memorize Key Scriptures: Write down verses like Philippians 4:13 or Psalm 46:1 ("God is our refuge and strength") as reminders during moments of temptation.
Surrender Your Weaknesses: Journaling prayers about struggles allows you to consciously give them over to God's care.
Practical Action
Purpose
Joining small groups
Encouragement from others helps maintain focus on spiritual growth
Seeking pastoral counsel
A trusted pastor or counselor can provide guidance rooted in biblical truth
Fasting when appropriate
Fasting serves as both spiritual discipline and a way of drawing nearer to God's voice
Encouragement for Those Struggling
For anyone struggling with addiction, stepping into recovery through faith begins with recognizing that God’s power covers all weaknesses. Romans 8:37 declares that “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” This isn’t just an abstract promise—it is an invitation into active partnership with Jesus Christ as both Savior and Healer.
By believing in His limitless power over any stronghold—no matter how overwhelming—it becomes possible not only to break free but also to walk fully restored into the abundant life He desires for each person (John 10:10).
Seeing Addiction as Both a Spiritual and Emotional Battle with Christian Counseling in North Miami, FL
Addiction is a complex challenge that impacts both the spirit and the emotions, often creating a cycle of guilt, shame, and hopelessness. Many people approach recovery by focusing solely on physical or psychological aspects of addiction, but it’s equally essential to address the spiritual dimension. By understanding addiction as both a spiritual and emotional battle, individuals can access deeper healing and transformation.
The Dual Nature of Addiction with a Christian Marriage Therapist in North Miami, FL
Addiction often fills a void meant for connection with God. It can distort priorities, leading to feelings of separation from Him.
Spiritual struggles like doubt, guilt, or fear can act as barriers to seeking God’s strength in recovery.
Overcoming addiction requires reconnecting with Christ’s unconditional love and grace.
Addiction may stem from deep-seated emotions such as unresolved trauma, loneliness, or low self-esteem.
Emotional wounds often fuel cravings for substances or behaviors that provide temporary relief but long-term harm.
Recovery involves learning healthy ways to regulate emotions while addressing underlying pain.
SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES
EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
Feeling distant from God
Unresolved grief or trauma
Struggles with faith
Chronic stress or anxiety
Guilt over past actions
Low self-worth
Connecting Faith with Emotional Healing with Christian Marriage Counselors in North Miami, FL
Spiritual Healing: Start by seeking forgiveness and surrendering control to Christ. Prayer, scripture reading, and worship can help restore the relationship with God that addiction often damages.
Emotional Healing: Work through emotions in a safe environment—whether through Christian counseling, journaling prayers about your feelings, or talking openly in faith-based support groups.
When spiritual restoration aligns with emotional growth, individuals are equipped to replace destructive coping mechanisms with healthier habits rooted in their relationship with Christ.
Practical Steps for Navigating This Battle with Christian Marriage Counseling in North Miami, FL
Daily Surrender: Begin each day by inviting God into your struggle and asking for His strength to resist temptation.
Faith-Based Counseling: Seek professional help from counselors who incorporate biblical principles into therapy. They can guide you through both emotional healing and spiritual renewal.
Scripture Study on Identity in Christ: Focus on Bible verses that reaffirm who you are in God’s eyes (e.g., Psalm 139:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Combat lies about self-worth that fuel addictive behaviors.
Community Support: Engage regularly with Christian groups who understand both the spiritual and emotional challenges of recovery.
A Reminder of Hope with Christian Based Counseling in North Miami, FL
Understanding addiction as both a spiritual and emotional battle reminds us that recovery is not just about willpower—it’s about partnering with Christ for transformation. With His guidance and support from others in faith-filled community settings, it becomes possible to overcome not only the surface-level symptoms of addiction but its deeper roots as well.
Faith-Based Strategies for Preventing Relapse with Online Christian Marriage Counseling in North Miami, FL
Preventing relapse is one of the most critical aspects of addiction recovery, and faith-based strategies offer a unique and transformative approach. By integrating spiritual practices, biblical principles, and practical applications, individuals can find strength in their faith to maintain sobriety. Below are some key Christ-centered strategies to support long-term recovery.
1. Strengthening Daily Connection with God
A strong and consistent relationship with God provides a foundation for lasting recovery. This connection can be nurtured through daily practices such as:
- Prayer: Begin and end each day by seeking guidance, strength, and renewal in prayer. Praying during moments of temptation can also help refocus the mind on spiritual priorities.
- Scripture Reading: Meditate on passages that emphasize freedom, grace, and renewal (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:17 or Philippians 4:13). Memorizing these scriptures offers encouragement in moments of weakness.
- Journaling: Write thoughts, prayers, or reflections on scripture. Journaling helps to process emotions while staying grounded in faith.
2. Recognizing Triggers Through Spiritual Discernment
Understanding personal triggers is essential to relapse prevention. Faith-based counseling encourages individuals to seek discernment from God in identifying these triggers:
- Emotional triggers such as loneliness or anger. - Environmental triggers like certain places or people associated with past behaviors. - Spiritual struggles such as doubt or feelings of unworthiness.
Once identified, pray for wisdom on how to address these vulnerabilities effectively while intentionally avoiding them.
3. Cultivating Healthy Habits Through Biblical Guidance
Replacing harmful behaviors with positive habits rooted in biblical teachings promotes ongoing transformation:
- Service to Others: Engaging in acts of service shifts focus away from self-destructive tendencies toward helping others (Galatians 6:9-10). Volunteer work or church ministries are excellent opportunities for service. - Physical Wellness: Caring for the body as a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19) through regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest aids in both physical and emotional healing. - Mind Renewal Practices: Meditation on God’s word allows the mind to be transformed (Romans 12:2), reducing susceptibility to negative thoughts leading to relapse.
Positive Habit
Spiritual Foundation
Practical Example
Daily Prayer
Building intimacy with God
Morning prayers for strength
Service
Loving your neighbor
Volunteering at a Christian shelter
Physical Wellness
Honoring God's creation
Going for nature walks and eating healthily
Renewing the Mind
Transformation through Scripture
Regular Bible study sessions
4. Supporting Accountability Through Christian Mentorship
Accountability plays an integral role in preventing relapse by fostering transparency within a trusted relationship: - Connect with a pastor, counselor, or mature Christian mentor who can provide guidance. - Schedule regular check-ins to discuss struggles or victories in sobriety. - Share prayer requests during accountability meetings for mutual encouragement.
Having someone walk alongside you ensures that you remain supported spiritually and emotionally when challenges arise.
5. Relying on God’s Grace During Setbacks
Recovery is not always linear; there may be setbacks along the way. In these moments: - Turn to scripture that emphasizes grace (e.g., Ephesians 2:8). - Confess struggles openly to God without fear of condemnation (1 John 1:9). - Seek out prayer support from trusted members of your church community.
Remember that God's grace is sufficient even during times of failure—He provides the strength needed to persevere despite obstacles.
By implementing these faith-based strategies consistently and trusting Christ's power over addiction, individuals can build resilience against relapse while growing deeper in their spiritual journey toward freedom.
Healing the Emotional and Spiritual Roots of Addiction with Christian Couples Counseling in North Miami, FL with Online Christian Counseling in North Miami, FL
Addiction often stems from deep emotional pain or spiritual disconnection. Overcoming it requires addressing these underlying issues, which are often intertwined. Christ-led recovery counseling provides a framework for healing both emotional wounds and spiritual brokenness, offering individuals a path to freedom that is grounded in faith, grace, and renewal.
Understanding the Emotional Triggers of Addiction
For many individuals struggling with addiction, unresolved emotions such as fear, shame, anger, or grief can drive destructive behaviors. Identifying these triggers is the first step toward healing.
Past trauma (e.g., abuse or neglect)
Feelings of inadequacy or rejection
Anxiety or depression stemming from life challenges
Journaling as a way to process emotions and identify patterns in thought and behavior.
Seeking Christ-centered therapy to uncover and confront past wounds in a safe environment.
Practicing forgiveness—both self-forgiveness and forgiveness of others—as an essential step toward freedom.
The Role of Spiritual Wholeness in Recovery
Addiction often leaves individuals feeling spiritually disconnected from God, others, and themselves. Restoring this relationship is critical for true recovery. Faith-based counseling emphasizes building trust in God’s plan to replace feelings of despair with hope.
Daily prayer and meditation on Scripture to strengthen one’s relationship with Christ.
Participating in worship services or small groups focused on recovery through faith.
Reflecting on biblical truths that remind individuals they are loved unconditionally by God despite their struggles.
Tools for Healing Emotional Wounds Through Faith
Tool
Purpose
Example Practice
Prayer
Invites God into the healing process
Praying regularly for strength, courage, and clarity
Scripture meditation
Grounds truth about identity and purpose
Meditating on verses such as Psalm 34:18 ("The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.")
Renewing one’s mind
Replacing destructive thought patterns with godly thinking
Practicing Philippians 4:8 by focusing on "whatever is true... admirable."
Embracing Grace While Confronting Pain
Healing involves facing discomfort but also leaning into God's grace. It means acknowledging hurtful experiences without allowing them to define your present or future.
Recognize that healing is a process; setbacks do not mean failure.
Trust that God's power works through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Surround yourself with supportive believers who encourage accountability while extending grace during difficult moments.
By addressing both the emotional scars left by addiction and the spiritual disconnect it causes, individuals can experience transformation not just on the surface but at their very core—finding freedom through Christ’s redemptive power.
Healing the Emotional and Spiritual Roots of Addiction
Addiction often stems from deep-seated emotional wounds and spiritual disconnection. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for achieving lasting recovery, particularly within a Christ-centered framework. By embracing healing through faith, individuals can experience renewal in both their emotional and spiritual lives.
Understanding the Roots of Addiction
Emotional Pain: Many individuals turn to addictive behaviors as a way to numb or escape unresolved trauma, grief, or stress. This pain often goes unaddressed, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.
Spiritual Void: A lack of spiritual connection or purpose can leave people feeling empty and disconnected from God, leading them to seek fulfillment in unhealthy ways.
Shame and Guilt: Feelings of unworthiness or guilt over past actions can drive addictive behaviors as individuals attempt to cope with their internal struggles.
By identifying these root causes, counselors and individuals alike can focus on meaningful strategies that promote healing.
Christ's Role in Emotional Healing
Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Prayer for comfort and guidance during times of pain.
Reflecting on Scripture that affirms God’s love and forgiveness.
Practicing gratitude as a way to shift focus from pain toward hope.
Addressing Spiritual Disconnection
Repentance: Acknowledging past mistakes opens the door for receiving God’s mercy (1 John 1:9).
Fostering a Personal Relationship with Jesus: Commit to daily practices like prayer, worship, or Bible study.
Engaging in Fellowship: Joining a church community provides encouragement for continued growth in faith.
Practical Tools for Healing Emotional Wounds
Tool
Description
Christian Counseling
Professional therapy rooted in biblical principles addresses trauma effectively.
Journaling
Reflective writing allows individuals to process emotions while seeking God's wisdom.
Support Groups
Sharing experiences within a safe Christian environment promotes healing through shared understanding.
Replacing Shame With God's Truth
Shame keeps many addicts trapped in their behaviors by convincing them they’re beyond redemption. Through Scripture-based affirmations like Romans 8:1 ("There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"), individuals can replace lies with truth about their worthiness in God’s eyes.
By focusing on both emotions (addressing wounds) & spirituality(restoring divine connection), sustainable transformation becomes attainable
Building a Long-Term, Christ-Centered Recovery Plan with Christian Family Counseling in North Miami, FL
Developing a sustainable recovery plan rooted in Christ-centered principles requires intentionality, commitment, and reliance on God's guidance. A long-term plan should not only address the immediate challenges of addiction but also focus on spiritual growth, emotional healing, and maintaining a strong personal relationship with Christ. Below are key components to consider when building a faith-based recovery plan.
1. Establishing Daily Spiritual Practices
Prayer: Commit to daily, intentional prayer times to seek God’s strength and wisdom. Prayer anchors individuals in God’s presence and provides clarity during moments of struggle.
Scripture Reading: Regularly study the Bible for encouragement, direction, and reminders of God's promises. Focus on passages that reinforce your identity in Christ (e.g., Romans 8:1–2 or 2 Corinthians 5:17).
Worship: Incorporate worship into your routine as a way to connect emotionally and spiritually with God through music or praise.
Daily spiritual disciplines will help build resilience against temptation by keeping your heart and mind focused on God’s truth.
2. Creating Healthy Boundaries
Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining progress in recovery. These boundaries may include both external factors—such as avoiding environments or people that trigger addictive behaviors—and internal ones aimed at protecting your mental and spiritual well-being.
Limit exposure to individuals who enable harmful habits.
Replace unhealthy coping mechanisms with life-giving activities like exercise or serving others.
Dedicate time to relationships that encourage accountability and mutual growth in faith.
A clear set of boundaries ensures you remain focused on what aligns with the goals of your recovery journey.
3. Establishing Accountability Partnerships
Type of Accountability Partner
Role
Pastor or Counselor
Provides spiritual guidance and counseling support
Accountability Partner
A close friend or mentor who regularly checks in
Small Group Community
Offers consistent encouragement through shared fellowship
These partnerships strengthen commitment by providing external perspectives, prayer support, and encouragement when challenges arise.
4. Developing Relapse Prevention Strategies
Identify triggers (emotional stressors, specific situations) that may lead to relapse.
Memorize scripture verses that combat lies or temptations (e.g., Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me").
Develop an emergency plan for moments of weakness—this could include reaching out to your accountability partner immediately or engaging in prayer for strength.
Having a structured response empowers you to navigate difficult situations without reverting back to old patterns.
5. Embracing Service as Part of Recovery
Volunteer within your church or local community.
Share your testimony when appropriate to inspire others walking similar paths.
Use the gifts God has given you to contribute positively wherever possible.
Engaging in service fosters purpose while deepening trust in God's ability to use every part of one’s story for His greater glory.
By integrating these Christ-centered principles into daily life, individuals can build a lasting framework for recovery—a framework not only focused on overcoming addiction but also living abundantly in their identity as a loved child of God (John 10:10).
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