Why Do We Call Ourselves “Christian” Counselors and Coaches?
Dr. Mike, our firm’s founder, started his career as an associate pastor of a local church in Raleigh. In that role he began walking with people through trauma and saw that in many situations traditional counseling and pastoral counseling each fell short when practiced alone. He saw that far better results could be achieved when therapy was guided by faith-informed principles and a biblical worldview. This allowed him to effectively address the “whole” person.
While all of our providers are Christians and incorporate that worldview into their practice, we fully respect that not all of our clients share this faith. We never force a client to discuss their faith or incorporate it into their care. We have found that most Christians are more likely to trust a counselor or coach that shares their core beliefs, and we feel this is a significant benefit to their care. We often see families where members share different beliefs from one another and are seeking a professional who can reach both sides. We also have a number of non-religious clients who simply trust us because they know we hold a traditional worldview that is not shifted by cultural tides.
Founded to Be Different
Christian Counseling Associates of Raleigh (CCAR) was born out of a desire to provide compassionate, faith-informed care to individuals, couples, and families. Founded by Dr. Mike Garrett, Ph.D., LCMHC, and his wife Rhonda Garrett, M.A., LCMHCA, it grew from a part-time ministry into a full-time counseling practice serving the Raleigh-Durham community and beyond.
By 2014, the practice had grown so significantly that Dr. Mike stepped away from his pastoral role to focus entirely on counseling, dedicating himself to meeting the growing need for professional, faith-informed care in the Raleigh area. Rhonda soon joined the team after completing her Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling, bringing her own wealth of experience and empathy to the practice. Together, they expanded CCAR into a place where individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life can find trusted support.
Today, CCAR is a widely recognized resource for anyone seeking help with life’s challenges. We have expanded our team to include multiple licensed therapists and certified coaches. While we are honored to be referred to by local pastors, ministry leaders, and organizations like the International Mission Board, our services extend far beyond ministry. CCAR welcomes individuals navigating personal struggles, couples looking to restore their relationships, families seeking stronger connections, and adolescents facing the complexities of growing up. We have built a reputation for providing care that is professional, compassionate, and personalized to the unique needs of every client we serve.
A Holistic Model for Better Results
Our client care model is holistic, emphasizing the integration of spiritual and emotional health. Clients often come to us with deeply personal challenges—such as struggles in their marriage, issues with pornography or infidelity, or the desire to work through trauma—and we work alongside them to uncover practical paths to healing.
Marriage counseling is at the heart of our practice, reflecting our commitment to restoring and strengthening relationships. We also support individuals in need of personal growth, adolescents navigating life transitions, and those seeking premarital guidance. Many of our clients value the additional privacy we offer, especially when seeking spiritual support outside their immediate community.
No matter the challenges in life, CCAR exists to provide a safe, professional space where clients can address their challenges, develop new skills, and experience restoration in all areas.
