The unique challenges faced by veterans and first responders—whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or psychological—can have a lasting impact on every area of life. The stress of serving on the front lines at home and abroad, witnessing traumatic events, and dealing with the pressure to always be "strong" can leave individuals feeling isolated, anxious, or struggling with PTSD. These challenges can also affect relationships, sense of identity, and spiritual well-being. Pine Coast Counseling offers a compassionate, faith-based approach to help veterans and first responders process their experiences, heal from trauma, and rediscover hope and purpose through God’s grace. You don’t have to carry the weight of these burdens alone.
Moral injury occurs when a person’s sense of right and wrong is deeply conflicted due to actions taken, witnessed, or failed to prevent during times of intense stress or trauma, such as in military service or emergency response situations. It can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and self-condemnation, as individuals struggle with the moral consequences of their experiences. This type of inner turmoil can deeply affect one’s sense of identity, faith, and spiritual well-being. Christian counseling offers a safe space to address the pain of moral injury, helping individuals process these feelings, find forgiveness, and rebuild their relationship with God, themselves, and others.
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, leading to overwhelming emotions like fear, anxiety, and helplessness. The effects of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and difficulty trusting others. It can impact relationships, work, and even spiritual well-being, as individuals wrestle with feelings of anger, guilt, or isolation. Christian counseling can provide a supportive environment to process trauma, find healing through God’s grace, and learn healthy coping strategies. With faith as a foundation, counseling can help individuals regain a sense of peace, hope, and wholeness after the weight of trauma.
Military service and first responder work can strain personal relationships due to the emotional toll of trauma, stress, and long, unpredictable hours. The weight of these experiences can lead to emotional withdrawal, difficulty with communication, and challenges in building trust, leaving loved ones feeling disconnected. Christian counseling provides a compassionate space to address these relational struggles, helping individuals and families rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and find healing through faith.
Pine Coast Counseling provides a compassionate, Christ-centered approach to healing, offering support for those facing the unique challenges of military service, first responder work, and other high-stress professions. Through counseling, individuals can find emotional and spiritual healing, process trauma, and restore balance in their lives. With the wisdom of Scripture as a foundation, counseling helps people navigate the emotional, relational, and spiritual difficulties they face, offering hope, strength, and renewed purpose. Whether dealing with post-traumatic stress, moral injury, or relationship struggles, biblical counseling can guide you toward peace, healing, and a deeper connection with God.
I am a 18 year Navy veteran, formerly serving in the Submarine Service and as a Navy Diver, and now currently as a Navy Reserve Chaplain. I also volunteer as a local Police Department Chaplain, and have previously volunteered as a Police Department Search and Rescue Diver assisting with evidence and victim recoveries. With firsthand experience in the military and around law enforcement, I understand the unique challenges faced by those who serve in these high-stress environments. My background allows me to offer a compassionate, informed perspective to those navigating the emotional and spiritual difficulties that come with military service, first responder work, and the everyday challenges of life.
Take the First Step Toward Healing and Restoration
If you're struggling with the emotional, relational, or spiritual challenges that come with military service or first responder work, biblical counseling can offer the support and healing you need. Through a Christ-centered approach, we’ll work together to process trauma, rebuild relationships, and find peace in the midst of life’s difficulties. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—let’s begin the journey toward wholeness and renewed hope.
Start your path to healing and strength.
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Telephone: 207.707.1052
E-mail: jshafer@pinecoastcounseling.com
1538 Post Rd.
Wells, ME 04090