Spiritual Christian Counseling
with Shari Hillinger, M.A.

Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Life is a journey filled with times of blessings, as well as times of challenges, changes, conflicts, and loss. As we experience hard times, it can be helpful to have a safe place to process and discern as you navigate the course. 

Over the last 30 years, my experience in counseling has been more than just a profession, it is my calling. I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families find growth, health, and healing. I consider it a privilege to walk with people through difficult seasons of life to find peace and comfort. I integrate biblical knowledge and faith-based principles into counseling sessions - this has proven to bring great healing and comfort to the clients that I have served. 

I am dedicated to providing exceptional care through empathetic and compassionate Spiritual Christian Counseling and Spiritual Direction. My priority is to build trust through integrity and confidentiality with both clients and other professionals. If you are facing difficult times in your personal, professional, or spiritual life and would like someone to partner with you in your navigation through life’s challenges, contact me to set up a free 30- minute introductory meeting.

Experience Quick View

  • Counselor/Founder of Hope for Healing Ministries Non-Profit

  • Mental Health Counselor for eight years at Highland Park Hospital Psychiatric Unit

  • Adolescent Suicide Research at University of Illinois at Chicago

  • GriefShare, Celebrate Recovery, Parents of Children with Special Needs Support Groups, Eating

  • Disorders, 12 Step Programs, First Responder Trauma Debriefings

  • 20 years of Bible Study

  • 25 years Business Experience

  • Clifton Strengths Top 5: Developer, Connectedness, Empath, Input, Belief

  • Enneagram Type 2, 9

Education Quick View

  • MA & Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sioux Falls Seminary

  • BA in Psychology and in Social Work from Briar Cliff University

  • Institute for Juvenile Research Internship at University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Family Systems Counseling Program Internship at University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Trained in Theophostic Counseling

  • Trained in Inner Healing Prayer Ministry

  • Certified SYMBIS Facilitator for Couples