Willie L. Brown, B.S.,M.Min.,BCMMHC, MLC

Executive Director, Brown Professional Coaching Services (virtual)

Note: My Coaching, Consulting and Teaching is from a Biblical Worldview. The coaching business name is Brown Professional Coaching Services.

ThESE specialization in coaching

Mental Health Coaching
Positive Psychology Coaching
Life Coaching (retirement, career, marriage, family & mental illness, gerontology)
Cognitive Behavioral Coaching
Person-Centered Coaching
Solution Focus Coaching
Life Coaching website: www. brown-professional-life-coaching.com

Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America 2024

Ministries, Credentials and Mental Health Training and Work

First license to preach by Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, Midwest City, Oklahoma; Former Pentecostal Fellowship leader at Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C , Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; Completed my Ministerial Internship Program in 1987 at National Church of God in Fort Washington, MD; Ordained to Counseling Ministry by AEGA and Former Area Coordinator Association of Evangelical Gospel Assemblies (AEGA)for the state of Maryland, previously ordained by Church of God in Christ 2007. Moved on to Independent church. Ordained by World Christianship ministry 2002. Former Assistant Pastor, Pastor, Former Bus Ministry Director, Former Director of Biblical Counseling at Echoes from the Street Ministry, Former Chaplain and Vice-President Christian Fundamentalist Internal Revenue Employee (CFIRE), Veteran Mental Health First Aid certified, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland former Veteran Council Representative, NAMI Family to Family Teacher, NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator, Former Board member NAMI Prince George County, Member Steering Committee NAMI Southern Maryland, member American Association of Christian Counselors, completed Fresh Hope coaching training on July 2, 2022, Mental Health Coach diploma from American Association of Christian Counselors. Stand in Host for Apostle Dekontee Johnson on the Blessed Word of Life International radio program 4th Saturday monthly on WYCB 1340 AM from 5pm - 5:30pm as opportunity arises. Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach with the American Association of Christian Counselor (AACC). Diploma Professional Life Coaching with International Christian Coaching Association, Master Life Coaching Certification from Transformation Academy,
Forgiveness Life Coach Certification (Accredited) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I use CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focus and Client-Centered techniques in my coaching. Took classes on CBTp.

Willie L. Brown, Professional Mental Health & Life Coach

Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors

A Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach credential can be earned through Light University, powered by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). This program offers biblically-based, clinically-excellent training in mental health coaching. It includes specialized courses taught by leading experts, and upon completion, individuals are eligible to apply for the certification.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

⁹And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

What is Mental Health Coaching

Mental health coaching is a form of support that helps individuals address common life challenges and improve their overall well-being, focusing on present and future goals. Unlike traditional therapy, which may delve into past experiences, coaching is action-oriented and emphasizes setting goals, developing strategies, and building resilience. It can help with stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, and other areas impacting mental well-being.

What Is a Life Coach?

Life coaches focus on their clients’ present and future goals, helping them to set attainable benchmarks that will lead them to successfully change various aspects of their lives. While some life coaches provide general guidance, others specialize in areas such as health and wellness, finance, relationships, or career coaching.

Coaching is solution-focused and time-limited, unlike counseling, psychology, and social work careers that focus on treating trauma and mental health concerns. Life coaching is an unregulated industry with no educational or licensing requirements. Empathic and organized people who are good communicators may be best suited to pursue a career as a life coach.

What does Mental Health Coaches Do:

Mental health coaches help with a range of mild to moderate mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and interpersonal issues. They focus on building awareness, developing coping skills, and achieving specific goals related to emotional well-being and personal development, rather than diagnosing or treating mental illness.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Conditions Mental Health Coaches Can Help With:

Stress and Anxiety:
Coaches can help individuals develop strategies to manage everyday stress and anxiety, including techniques for relaxation and coping.
Burnout:
They can assist in identifying the causes of burnout and developing strategies for preventing and recovering from it.
Life Transitions:
Whether it's a career change, relationship break-up, or relocation, coaches can provide support during periods of significant change.
Relationship Issues:
Coaches can help individuals improve communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and navigate conflict in relationships.
Self-Development:
Coaches can assist individuals in identifying their strengths, setting goals, and developing strategies for personal growth.
Difficult Emotions:
They can help individuals learn to recognize, understand, and manage emotions like anger, sadness, and frustration.
Perfectionism:
Coaches can help individuals address the negative impact of perfectionism and develop a more balanced perspective.
Feeling Stuck:
If someone feels stagnant or unmotivated, a coach can help them identify obstacles and develop action plans to move forward.
Sleep Challenges:
Coaches can provide guidance and support to improve sleep hygiene and address sleep-related issues.
Workplace Challenges:
Coaches can help individuals navigate workplace stress, improve communication, and enhance their professional development.
Parenting:
Coaches can offer support and guidance to parents in managing the challenges of raising children.

What Mental Health Coaches Don't Do:

Diagnose Mental Illness: Mental health coaches are not qualified to diagnose mental health conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
Treat Mental Illness: They do not provide therapy or treatment for diagnosed mental illnesses.
Prescribe Medication: Coaches are not authorized to prescribe medication.

In essence, mental health coaches focus on proactive strategies for improving well-being and navigating life's challenges, while therapists address the treatment of diagnosed mental health conditions.

Administrative:

If you would like to make an appointment please use the following email: info@understanding-the-scriptures.org

Fee: available after consultation.

Marriage, Family & Mental Illness Coaching

Marriage, family, and mental illness coaching can involve a variety of approaches, including therapy and life coaching, which can be integrated to provide comprehensive support for individuals and families. Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals specializing in psychotherapy and family systems, licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within family contexts. Mental health coaches, on the other hand, focus on supporting individuals in managing symptoms, building recovery support, and achieving life goals, often working alongside professional care. Both approaches can be valuable, and sometimes, a combination of both can offer the most effective support.

Here's a breakdown of the different approaches:

1. Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT):

Focus:
MFTs are licensed professionals who address mental health issues within the context of relationships and family systems.
Training:
They have a master's or doctoral degree and supervised clinical experience, including live supervision.
Scope:
MFTs can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, address relationship conflicts, and help individuals and families improve communication and overall well-being.
Examples:
MFTs may work with couples struggling with communication issues, families dealing with a member's mental illness, or individuals experiencing anxiety or depression within a family context.

2. Mental Health Coaching:

Focus:
Mental health coaches provide support and guidance to individuals, often those with serious mental illness, to manage symptoms, develop coping strategies, and achieve personal goals.
Training:
Coaching is less regulated than therapy, but coaches may have specific certifications or training in mental health support.
Scope:
Coaches help clients build healthy routines, navigate challenges, and connect with resources for professional care and support.
Examples:
Coaches may help individuals with bipolar disorder manage their symptoms, develop a recovery plan, and improve their relationships and social connections.

3. Integrated Approach (Therapy and Coaching):

Benefits:
Some individuals may benefit from both therapy and coaching, allowing for a comprehensive approach that addresses both mental health needs and personal growth goals.
How it works:
A therapist can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, while a coach can help with skill-building, goal setting, and navigating life challenges.
Example:
A person with anxiety might work with a therapist to address the underlying causes of their anxiety and with a coach to develop strategies for managing stress and improving their social life.

4. Life Coaching:

Focus:
Life coaching focuses on personal growth, goal setting, and achieving potential in various areas like career, health, and relationships.
Training:
Life coaches are not licensed mental health professionals and do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Scope:
Life coaches help clients identify their strengths, set goals, and develop action plans to achieve them.
Example:
A life coach might help a person develop better time management skills, improve their communication, or build confidence for career advancement.

Key Differences Summarized:

Feature	Marriage and Family Therapy	Mental Health Coaching
Primary Focus	Mental health and emotional healing, family dynamics	Building support for recovery, achieving life goals, managing symptoms
Licensure	Licensed mental health professional	Not necessarily a licensed professional
Scope of Practice	Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions	Provides support and guidance, does not diagnose
Relationship with Client	Therapist-client	Partnership, coach supports client's expertise
Goal	Treatment and recovery	Personal growth and goal achievement

In Conclusion:

Understanding the differences between marriage and family therapy, mental health coaching, and life coaching can help individuals choose the most appropriate support for their needs. Sometimes, a combined approach of therapy and coaching can offer a comprehensive path to improved mental health and overall well-being.

What is Christian-Based Forgiveness Coaching

Christian-based forgiveness coaching uses faith as a foundation for healing and reconciliation. It emphasizes biblical principles of forgiveness, helping individuals release resentment and move towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life. This approach differs from traditional coaching as it incorporates spiritual guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian teachings.

What is Recovery Coaching (SUD)

Recovery coaching is a form of support provided to individuals navigating the process of overcoming substance use or other addictions. It involves non-clinical guidance and mentorship, focusing on helping individuals identify and achieve their recovery goals. Recovery coaches, often with lived experience of addiction, offer support, encouragement, and practical assistance to help individuals build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

What is Trauma Informed Coaching

A trauma-informed coach is a professional who has received specialized training in understanding and responding to the impact of trauma on individuals. They use this knowledge to create a safe and supportive environment for clients who have experienced trauma, helping them to:

- Acknowledge and understand the effects of trauma:
  Trauma-informed coaches recognize that trauma can have a profound impact on a person's physical, emotional, and mental health.

Create a safe and supportive space:
They strive to create a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Empower clients:
Trauma-informed coaches focus on empowering clients to build resilience, cope with challenges, and achieve their goals.

Use trauma-sensitive strategies:
They use coaching techniques that are tailored to the specific needs of trauma survivors, such as pacing, grounding, and validating emotions.

Collaborate with other professionals:
They may collaborate with therapists, social workers, or other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive support to clients.

Biblical Spiritual Warfare Coaching & Teaching

Spiritual warfare teaching and coaching focuses on understanding the Christian concept of spiritual conflict and equipping believers to navigate it through prayer, discernment, and reliance on God's power. Resources like books, workshops, and counselors can help individuals identify spiritual struggles, develop spiritual disciplines, and find community support.

Key aspects of spiritual warfare teaching and coaching:

Understanding the Battle:
Teaching emphasizes that Christians are engaged in a spiritual conflict against unseen forces of evil. This includes understanding the nature of spiritual warfare, recognizing the enemy's tactics, and knowing that believers have authority in Christ.
Recognizing Spiritual Attack:
Coaches help individuals identify patterns of negative thoughts, temptations, or circumstances that may be influenced by spiritual forces.
Developing Spiritual Disciplines:
Teaching often includes guidance on prayer, Bible study, fasting, and other practices that strengthen faith and resistance to spiritual attack.
Seeking Community and Support:
Finding fellowship with other believers who understand spiritual warfare is crucial for encouragement and accountability.
Operating in Authority:
Believers are taught to use the authority they have in Christ to resist the enemy, stand firm in their faith, and pray for others.
Forgiveness and Healing:
Recognizing the power of forgiveness and seeking healing from past hurts are important aspects of spiritual warfare, as unforgiveness can create an opening for spiritual attack, according to NuWELL.

Scriptures on Spiritual Warfare

Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Understanding the Scripture Coaching Services

(Biblical Worldview: Christian-Based Forgiveness Life Coaching; Professional Mental Health Coaching, Professional Biblical Life Coach)

Contact: info@understanding-the-scriptures.org and as the subject Understanding the Scriptures Coaching Services.

Why mental illness is not sin.

https://enlightenmentalhealth.org/why-mental-illness-is-not-a-sin/#:~:text=Sin%20is%20very%20real%2C%20but,by%20sin%20is%20not%20biblical.
Why Your Church Needs a Mental Health Ministry

https://aacc.net/2023/03/03/why-your-church-needs-a-mental-health-ministry/#:~:text=We%20believe%20that%20mental%20health,not%20connected%20to%20a%20church.

The Stigma Around Mental Illness for Christians

https://www.wtcsb.org/the-stigma-around-mental-illness-for-christians/#

Mental Health Ministries

1 Corinthians 2:2-6 (KJV)

²For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

³And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

⁴And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

⁵That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

⁶Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought

How common are mental illnesses ?

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.
Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.⁵
About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.⁶

How common is mental illness in the church

23 percent of pastors acknowledge they have personally struggled with a mental illness. 49 percent of pastors say they rarely or never speak to their congregation about mental illness. 27 percent of churches have a plan to assist families affected by mental illness.

65 percent of churchgoing family members of those with mental illness want their church to talk openly about mental illness.
59 percent of those actually suffering from mental illness say the same.
53 percent of churchgoers with mental illness say the church has been supportive.
76 percent of churchgoers say suicide is a problem that needs to be addressed in their community.
32 percent of churchgoers say a close acquaintance or family member has died by suicide.
80 percent of pastors say their church is equipped to assist someone who is threatening to take his or her own life.
92 percent of pastors say their church is equipped to care for the family that experiences the suicide of a loved one.
4 percent of churchgoers who lost a loved one to suicide say church leaders were aware of their loved one’s struggles.
68 percent of Americans feel they would be welcome in church if they were mentally ill.
35 percent of Americans say mental illness could be overcome with Bible study and prayer alone.

Mental Health Ministry: Advocacy to the Church and Community on Mental Illness

Matthew 4:24 (MSG)

^{“From there he went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government! He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with a sickness, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the “Ten Towns” across the lake, others up from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:23-25‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.4.23-25.MSG}

April 2013 while waiting for my son at the bus stop I fell asleep. When I woke up my iPhone was next to me and on it in the subject line in bold was the statement “We are the only army that shoot our wounded”. After that I began to research about those that are mental ill and their relationship with the Church. I found some alarming things. Many were coming to the church but felt they were not welcome with their mental illness and some left the church and did not attend anymore. That statement concerning Christian being the only army that shoot its wounded was never on mind before so I then because of my brother, the aunt who raised me and other family members suffering mental illness I decided to joined NAMI as a volunteer and that is where I begin to learn about mental illness and its stigma. When I was a child I was taken to see a mental health professional because not being raised around my siblings I would cry for no reason and not eat. There was no diagnosis but when the doctor said if I did not start eating I would be sent away I started to eat and recovered quickly. Yes I have preached and spoken at churches on mental illness and the journey continues. Remember Jesus died for us all. Ministering to those individual and families affected by mental illness is a mission field and the Church need to be trained to minister in that area with awareness, education, compassion and sensitivity.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.

— Lewis B. Smedes

Providing ministry through the following: small group studies, and seminars, workshops, guest pulpit speakers and zoom