Barnabas Center for Counseling

11/13/2023

Barnabas Center Closing

It is with a deep sense of gratitude that we share the news of the Barnabas Center for Counseling’s closure after 28 years of service.
As we reflect on the countless stories of healing and hope that have unfolded within these walls, we are grateful to each of you who walked through our doors and entrusted us with your struggles and triumphs. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your story!
To our dedicated counselors, staff, board members, and supporters – your unwavering commitment to providing guidance, comfort, and a safe space for healing has been the heartbeat of the Barnabas Center all these years!
Each day, we have seen God’s hand at work and we trust Him in this decision to come to a close. It has been an honor to serve you, and we hold you all in our thoughts and prayers as we embark on new journeys! While it’s a bittersweet season for me personally, I am also very much looking forward to my retirement and spending more time with my grandkids! We know God will continue to use each of us, just in different locations. What a privilege it is to be a part of His plan.
May God Richly Bless You Today and All Days,

Keith Niager, LCSW
Founder / Director

After November 30, 2023
Contact info:
Barnabas Center for Counseling
P.O. Box 30694
Savannah, Ga. 31410

08/25/2023

FINDING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: How to Respond to Mental Health Issues

I was so greatful to have the opportunity to speak on this topic recently at our church. The music is fantastic the talk begins at the 30 minute mark. Please call our office if we can be of assistance. Most insurances accepted.

barnabascenter.net

Content from LifeBridge Church

05/02/2023

Check out this great blog from Stacey Mell APC!!

A lot Did Happen In Three Days….

It’s Friday ….

Peter is asleep.

Judas has betrayed him. Mary is crying.

Hope is lost. Death has won. Satan is laughing. Jesus is buried.

A soldier stands guard.

A rock is rolled into place.

…but hold on … Sunday is coming.

This is a popular meme that has been floating around social media for a couple of years. The author is unknown. However, the story is well known. The world at that time must have looked pretty bleak. Jesus was dead, the savior of the world, dead. What was left? Evil. God asked us to have faith. Faith, that he so ever believes in his son will have an everlasting life. For those believers, their faith held strong. A lot happened in three days. Our Jesus was crucified and then he rose on the third day. Alive! Alive! Alive! What a beautiful sight that must have been.

Death had not won, because our Savior, as according to scriptures, rose and conquered the grave. Hope was not lost, but regained. Hope is such a huge component of mental health balance. Hope is a key element needed for the will to keep on living, striving to do more. God’s grace is abundant and is such a blessing to those who claim it. Grab on to the opportunity to experience eternal life with our father in heaven.

Easter Sunday, the day that changed the lives of believers everywhere. Jesus freely came to Earth, knowing the outcome and obeyed his father anyway. He understood what he must do to provide life eternal to all that choose it. I encourage you to walk this entire year with the same faith, love and emotion that many of us experience on Easter morning. The stone was rolled away, do not let “it” become an obstacle keeping you from your heavenly father. Become the vehicle that guides others to life that loves and seeks to follow Jesus.

Stacey Mell Ed.S., APC

04/25/2023

A huge thank you to all who made our golf tournament and silent auction a great success. Thank You!!

04/10/2023

Here is a powerful blog from Skylar Haak
Check it out!

We’ve all struggled to move past our sin and instead choose to sit in shame. In my work with clients, we often sift through the aftermath of their choices. This leaves me reiterating time and time again that God has grace for us in ALL things - even when it’s hard to believe.

Romans 5:20 reads, in part, “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” We know there is no limit to God’s grace. So why is it hard for us to accept and live in His grace? Why do we instead choose shame? A few reasons are below:

1) Misunderstanding the character of God

Believers and non-believers alike have a warped view of God. In order to move past shame we must first understand who God is. He is forgiving, just, kind, and understanding (amongst many other things). God stands ready and waiting for us to receive His grace. Out of perfect love, grace, and mercy God sent Jesus to allow us a way out of our pattern of sin. It is not within God’s character to desire that we remain ashamed.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17

2) Believing the lie that Christians must be perfect (works-based faith)

There are many Biblical examples of Christ followers who had previously messy pasts. Paul murdered Christians before he knew God! Instead of sitting in shame over his past, Paul began radically sharing God’s message. Imagine Paul’s ministry (or lack thereof) if he sat in the shame of his past sins. Chasing perfection will only leave us feeling more and more broken. Perfection is an unrealistic goal and God knows this. That is the beauty of Christ’s death and resurrection- we can recognize our sin, accept the gift of Christ, and move forward.

3) Trying to forget our sin without addressing the root

Good ole’ avoidance. This is a crowd favorite, but it’s ineffective. Sometimes healing is more complex than we’d like it to be which leads to avoidance or distraction. It's necessary to work through our feelings about all things, including our own mistakes and sin. Distraction and avoidance often further this cycle of shame.

You are loved and known by the creator of the universe. He did not intend for us to live shame-filled lives but to instead live like we are covered in the blood of Jesus (because we are)!

Skylar Haak, LAPC

If you would like to schedule an appointment or donate to the Barnabas Center for Counseling, please call our office at (912) 352-7638. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts please call the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

barnabascenter.net

11/07/2022

27 Years!

We just celebrated our 27th anniversary for the Barnabas Center for Counseling . It is hard to believe it has been 27 years! The Barnabas Center has been blessed to have so many incredible men and women support us over the years. I have had a wonderful board of directors and incredible staff over this season. Our desire over the years has been to show the love of Christ to all who are hurting. A humble thank you to all who have loved, supported, and prayed for us over the years. We thank God for the opportunity to serve Him each and every day.
God Bless

10/23/2022

One is the Lonliest Number

In a recent 2016 Harris poll survey 72% of the individuals surveyed stated they had an intense feeling of loneliness. Insurance company Cigna has a loneliness index and in a 2018 study they shared that loneliness has the same impact on mortality as smoking 15 ci******es a day, making it even more dangerous than obesity. I know pretty sobering right! The first question many of you may be asking is why? For others this may be no surprise at all.

In Genesis chapter 3 there is a reference that God literally walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He created us for connection and fellowship. When we isolate or withdraw we are literally going against our wiring. We have more enticements than ever before with social media, movies etc. We have seen a significant drop off from church attendance since the pandemic. If you only look at the numbers this is concerning! It is no coincidence that there also a rise with reported cases of individuals dealing with depression and anxiety. The CDC is now encouraging all Physicians, as part of their routine checkups with individuals, to ask if there are any issues with depression and anxiety. If you are like me it's easy to be worried about where this is heading!

So what can we do about this? We can connect! Make efforts to find a church home. One of the good things about social media is it does allow you to check out a Church online and watch one of their streaming services to see if perhaps you would like to attend. Another step is to look at your world. By that I mean who do you meet with on a regular basis? Do you have anyone in your life you pray with or for? Are you connected in any activity where you are giving to others? There are many opportunities at the local church whether you visit regularly or not. Just make a phone call and see if there are any needs the church is addressing in the community. As the studies reflect it is not only good for your mental health but your physical health as well.

If you feel stuck and in a routine you just can't seem to get out of we are here to help. If we can be of service call us at 912-352-7638.

Keith Niager LCSW