Larry Hoard began independent Christian counseling to cater to all religions.

He said his counseling is based on the word of God, but he is open to counseling different religions and sexual orientations.

“I wanted to be open to different denominations and I felt like
outreach was needed,” Hoard said. “Others outside of our religion are
welcome, but it focuses on our faith.”

Hoard has been a Christian counselor for 11 years, eight as an independent counselor.

He does marital, depression, anxiety and substance and sexual abuse
counseling. He said many of his cases deal with marital disputes about
finances or infidelity, but many of the students he deals with have
anxiety issues.

“I have had quite a few CMU students who are stressed and are looking for a path in life,” Hoard said.

Charlotte junior Cara Vealey said she wouldn’t pursue faith-based counseling.

“It would be good if someone believes in that kind of thing, I don’t
like things being pushed on others; ultimately it’s your choice to go,”
she said.

Holly senior Joshua Lawson said he also would not seek counseling, but for a different reason.

“Even though I’m Christian I wouldn’t do it.” Lawson said. “I’m independent and can work things out on my own.”

Hoard said he would counsel homosexuals who are willing to alter their way of life.

“If I was to counsel gays, they would have to have a desire to change their lifestyle; I would be open to that,” Hoard said.

Vealey said it isn’t Hoard’s place to change homosexuals.

“If they go to him and he’s trying to help them with their problems
it is good, but if he’s trying to change them then that’s not right,”
she said.

Lawson has a different point of view.

“He’s not asking them to come to counseling, but if they do, I don’t feel what he would do is a bad thing,” he said.

Hoard believes that his Christian counseling is beneficial to anyone looking for help in any way.

“I would hope that they are searching for Jesus Christ and know that
whatever issue they are dealing with, Christ has the answer,” he said.

For more information call Hoard at (989) 842-3982 or (231) 876-0338.

E-mail the author: defaultuser