Spiritual Counseling

Spiritual and psychological counseling is sometimes a necessary part of our spiritual development. There is a statement that says, "we are healed by what we turn towards rather than what we turn away from," and one way we can do this is through counseling.

All of our counselors are trained professionals. Some of them charge a counseling fee while others accept a love offering. Spiritual and psychological counseling works like so many spiritual laws...what you put into the experience, is what you get back from it.

Linda Carney is a Licensed Unity Teacher, as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She has attended First Unity Church since the age of 12, and became a Licensed Unity Teacher at age 23. She has taught classes and done spiritual counseling at First Unity since 1975, and been a frequent guest speaker at Unity churches in the area. 

Linda graduated with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 1990, and has been a therapist in the fields of mental health, addictions, and hospice services for 17 years. She works with individual and relationship issues of all kinds, and specializes in finding a spiritual approach to every problem, as well as resolving blocks from the past that interfere with the present. She is in private practice in St. Petersburg. Her website is LindaCarney.net and her profile may be found on psychologytoday.com, under “Find a Therapist.” For questions, or to schedule an appointment, call (727) 424-2636. She may be reached by e-mail at lindacarneylmhc@yahoo.com.

Sheila K, LCSW, obtained her Master’s degrees in her native state of Illinois in 1984 at University of Illinois.  She has worked in the mental health field, taught psychology at community colleges, created her own private practices, including a spiritual healing center while living in Loveland, CO., and currently works for hospice.  Sheila has studied many complementary modalities to further enhance her empowering perspective with clients.  She believes in the innate power of the body, mind, & spirit to bring forth wholeness to those willing to embrace their true nature.  Sheila was ordained in 1996, completing a metaphysical ministry program in Tampa.  The teachings of Unity have influenced and nourished her growth since 1990.  Sheila became a member of First Unity in 2005, and attended classes at Unity Village this past year. Sheila K, LCSW, is available for spiritual counseling the 2nd & 4th Saturdays at the church; call 352-238-3533 for appointments.

Linda Miller is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She has over 15 years experience in both private practice and agencies. When she discovered New Thought in 1993, it was a transformational experience for her.  She has attended First Unity for over 4 years. She blends the concepts of New Thought and psychotherapy to help with a variety of life changes, losses, transitions, divorce, anxiety, depression. She can help change unhealthy patterns, habits, beliefs that get in the way of peace of mind.

Although Linda’s main office is in Sarasota, she is available for appointments at First Unity, also. For questions, or to schedule an appointment, call 941-330-1862. Look her up on the internet at www.sarasotatherapist.com. Her email is: LKM7003@verizon.net.

Don Sandin was one of the founders of the Association of Labor Management Administrators and Consultants on Alcoholism (ALMACA) and served on its Board of Directors for five years.  He was National Chairman of a “blue ribbon” committee which developed “Standards for Employee Alcoholism and/or Assistance Programs.”  He was a nationally known speaker and lecturer on alcoholism and EAPs.  He is also a well known motivational speaker and has conducted seminars on Motivation; Creative Visualization; and Self Improvement.  He authored “You Can Reach your Goals Through Creative Visualization”  in 1994.  In 1995 he created two perpetual motivational calendars entitled “Make Today Count” and “Sathya Sai Speaks. Prior to entering the field of Employee Assistance Programs in 1970, Mr. Sandin, an ordained minister, served as a pastor in Baptist churches for several years. He served as a minister at the Duryea Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, NY for five years, through 2004.  He was on the pastoral staff at First Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn Heights from 1994 through 2004.  For an appointment with Don, please contact him at (727) 894-3864.

David E. Swindall, M.Div. L.M.F.T. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been counseling individuals, couples and families for thirty five years.  He received his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary and brings an understanding of the integration of the psychological and the spiritual aspects of our lives.  David is a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and takes a solution-focused brief therapy approach to counseling. David served two terms as President of the Pinellas Association of Marriage and Family therapist.  David was the Clinical Director of a drug treatment program where he learned the effects of addictions in people’s lives and their families and how to address this.  David is a Clinical Member and serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Society of Clinical Hypnosis and uses hypnosis for a variety of issues including smoking and weight control, pain management, panic attack, and depression. Since 1988 David has been certified as a Batterers Intervention Provider and deals with anger and abuse in families. Recently David has incorporated Energy Psychology into his practice. David’s practice is based on his belief that we are all connected to one another and to the Divine Source. David may be reached at 727-544-9305.