Alan Sample

I have been in private practice for five years as pastoral counselor associated with Grace River Christian Counseling. Previous to that, I served for 14 years on the staff of a local church where my primary role was oversight of pastoral counseling, support groups, and family care for a large congregation. My earlier career spanned 30 years in management, training & development, employee relations and a 6-year enlistment with the Army National Guard.

In many ways, what I do as a Pastoral Counselor and Christian Life Coach is a natural progression of how I have approached previous professional roles. The running theme of over a 50-year career has been my bent to help people achieve their full potential in life, relationships, and work. Along the way, I have learned that traumatic experiences, regrettable decisions, conflict, and broken dreams are part of everyone’s story but need not define the person, their relationships, or their future. Most everyone has a need to tell their story; to be known and understood. I believe that I can better serve my client by knowing the story, not just the problem.

My approach to counseling integrates evidence based therapeutic methods with a biblical worldview. During my years in ministry, I discovered God’s willingness, if asked, to provide wisdom and direction during counseling. I believe prayer and scripture are powerful tools for healing as I strive to meet my client wherever they are on their spiritual journey.

Education and License

• Bachelor of Psychology

• Master of Human Relations (MHR) University of Oklahoma