Events and Updates From ...
 A Ministry of Hope, Restoration, and Healing

10 Years of 
Ministry

Above is a picture of the wall in Mike's office.   Mike is the founder and director of Branches.  And, he is a recovering addict with 15 years of sobriety.  

On a very dark, hopeless day this Bible verse brought a breath of life that began Mike's long journey toward healing.    After working through his 12 steps, Branches was born as a ministry to others who were experiencing the same feelings of pain, loss, shame, and failure.  10 years later, Branches is still a faith-based counseling center that offers healing and hope for those struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction and shame, regardless of their ability to pay.  Mike shares his story in his book, Failure and How I Achieved It.  (Order Online)

"Our base has always been inside the faith community," Mike explains.  "I speak frequently at churches and civic groups telling the Branches story and emphasizing the need for emotional health in our families, our churches, and our workplaces.  Our mission has always been to make quality, faith-based counseling accessible to as many people as possible.  We are committed to treating people regardless of their ability to pay.  It's always exciting to see how God meets our needs."  

Branches is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from area businesses and churches as well as individuals to make up the difference in received client fees and actual expenses.  

Your tax-deductible gift helps to 
recover hope and restore lives
 

Branches goal is $10,000!

It's coming May 3rd!  The Big Payback, 2017!

What is it???  The Big Payback is a community-wide day of giving to non-profits.  The idea is that all the non-profits provide so many valuable services to the community and we should honor them by "paying them back".  Your donation can go directly to Branches! 

It's easy!  Any time during the 24 hours of May 3 (12:00 am 5/3 - 12:00 am 5/4) you are encouraged to give online through the Branches website.  Checks are also welcome.

Why give on May 3rd? Organizers of the giant giving day are keeping track of donations.  There are special awards, prizes, matching funds, etc. that we might earn within that 24 hour period.

Why $10,000?  It's our 10th anniversary!  Any amount is appreciated, but if 100 people give $100 we will meet our goal.  

Why give at all?  Since the beginning our mission has been to see any client who needs help, regardless of their ability to pay.  Your gift helps make up the difference between our expenses and what we receive from client fees. 

Your tax-deductible gift helps to 
recover hope and restore lives
 
Like Branches' Facebook page now so you'll see more details and reminders!

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These Branches counselors recently received EMDR training.

Treating Victims of Trauma
 
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma.  To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress.   Learn more about EMDR

Christine Benefield, one of the counselors recently trained, explains it like this, "When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings, and body sensations. EMDR seems to stimulate the information and allows the brain to reprocess the experience that may be what is happening in REM or dream sleep. The eye movement (tones, tactile) may help to process the unconscious material. It is your own brain that will be doing the healing and you are the one in control." 

Several Branches counselors are trained to include EMDR as part of their treatment plan for clients.  There is no additional charge for this treatment.   Call today to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
How Great Thou Art!

While the wind blew and snow blanketed the Funny Farm, the barn was warm and the Spirit was real!  The 17 men who attended the annual DP Men's Retreat enjoyed lots of ping-pong, great speakers, corn hole, open discussion, an abundance of food, and this heart-felt worship!  You won't want to miss this!  It will warm your heart.

Upcoming Events
Spiritual Retreat, April 28-29

Mike invites you to set aside a few hours to contemplate, pray, learn, and dialogue with others who are journeying toward Christ-likeness.  Much of the discussion will be based on Richard Rohr's writing and videos. 

The retreat will take place at the "Funny Farm", 200 acres of beautiful serenity in Dickson County, TN.  


To register or learn more Email Mike directly 
Our purpose is to be a Christ-led community of spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery and restoration for those broken by addiction, depression, and shame in Middle Tennessee and beyond.