A Q/A with Ariana Vinson

ByMichael Gembola

We happy to welcome Ariana Vinson (MSW, Resident) to our Roanoke and Christiansburg staff. Her bio is available here, below is Q/A to get to know here and her work.

  • Can you tell us about the counseling you do?

I have worked with people of all ages, including adults, adolescents, children, and families. My background includes caring for those impacted by trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, depression, and anxiety. I consider it a privilege the Lord has given me to be able to walk alongside those in times of suffering and offer support and encouragement in the midst of a fallen world. 

I also have a heart for working with children and adolescents. I love creating warm, engaging environments for young clients to feel safe and build tools for managing stress, life transitions, mental health struggles, and difficult family dynamics. My work with children also involves working closely with parents and families. When working with children, progress is most effective when parents are involved, because they are the child’s consistent, long term support system. My goal is to care for the whole family guided by a desire to see each home strengthened in truth and the love of Christ. 

  • How have the shared resources of Christian faith deepened or strengthened the care you are able to provide to believing clients?

One of my greatest challenges working as a clinician in a secular field previously was the inability to share the immeasurable hope that is found in Christ with my clients. I believe every person is born in the image of God with inherent worth and dignity and true healing and hope for redemption is found in Christ alone. The Word of God is our foundation and gives us our understanding of purpose, suffering, identity, and hope – all of which are essential questions of the human experience. 

Shared Christian faith allows for a deeper level of trust, care, and connection in the relationship. This includes praying with and for my clients, opening scripture together, and having conversations about the Lord. My desire is to walk alongside clients with compassion and truth, trusting that the Lord is the one who ultimately brings healing, restoration, and lasting hope. 

  • What would you tell someone who is interested in counseling but is hesitant to start, if it might involve opening up about painful things? 

It’s completely understandable to feel hesitant about starting counseling, especially when it may involve revisiting painful experiences. Opening up during sessions can feel vulnerable and overwhelming. Counseling is not about pressing you to share things all at once or before you are ready. We move slowly and collaboratively with safety and trust built over time.

The Lord is very near to us in our suffering and as believers, assures us we don’t have to carry those burdens alone. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says He is “gentle and lowly in heart.” He is our sure and steady anchor, comfort, hope, wisdom, refuge, and counselor. My hope is to offer a safe and supported space through professional and trustworthy Christian care so that people feel freer to process painful experiences and be met with compassion and encouragement. 

For more information or to schedule counseling with Ariana, fill out an inquiry at this link.

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