VICTORIA MATA

Victoria Mata with Inner Shalom Christian Counseling

  • My father used to say, “you don’t know a stranger.”

    It’s true - I’ve enjoyed meeting and helping people for as long as I can remember. Through some gritty life experiences, my eagerness grew to better understand the innerworkings of healing and health, for myself and for others. From campus minister to clinical counselor, and some insightful ventures in-between, I have learned a lot about finding meaning, joy, and peace, especially amidst struggles - and this has always included faith.

    My Why?

    I am convinced that God made everything good and wants that goodness for us. God wants us to flourish - mind, body, and spirit. To that end, I am passionate about helping my fellow travelers experience God’s goodness in the form of healing and change. Here, it's in the counseling room - combining the powerful truths found in psychology and theology, and the wisdom that comes from having lived this hard and beautiful life.

  • :: Adults, 18+

    :: Ministers/ missionaries

    :: Mothers (planning, pregnant, postpartum & onward)

    :: College students

    :: Self-motivated / Self-initiating

    :: If using medication or needing medication, client sees a prescribing provider who I can collaborate with

  • I believe in a "whole person" approach when addressing life’s concerns - mind, body, and spirit. From my perspective, and research is continuing to support this, it all matters and it is all connected.

    A unique characteristic of being a Christian therapist is that I invite - and will guide, if desired - spiritual conversations, values, and practices into the therapeutic process. My desire for every client is to experience abundant life in God!

  • :: National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC)

    :: Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate #15927

    :: Member of the American Association of Christian Counselors

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    :: M.A. Christian Clinical Mental Health Counseling / Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

    :: BSBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management / East Carolina University

    :: Trained in several ministerial programs/schools, including:

    • Vocational ministry

    • Emotional healing

    • Spiritual Formation

  • :: Worked with a global non-profit as a vocational campus minister / missionary for 6 years

    • Mentored college students and church members

    • Taught biblical understanding, virtues, spiritual gifts and calling, evangelism, and inner healing

    • Trained new missionaries

    :: Provided clinical counseling and group therapies to incarcerated adults and teens

    :: Provided therapy in Christian / faith-based clinical practices

    :: Lead spiritual formation groups for 5 years+

    :: Teaching, speaking, and leading in a number of ministry and academic contexts

    :: Getting married

    :: Becoming a mother

  • :: Asian and Hispanic cuisines

    :: exploring the “hidden gems” of towns, like antique shops

    :: walking on greenways and trails

    :: budget-friendly interior design, and creating homey spaces wherever I go

    :: being a life-long learner

“Counseling can be a vulnerable experience. My desire and commitment is to foster an environment that invites the complexities of life, vulnerability and honesty, curiosity and care, safety and warmth, and some humor to help us along the way. Healing and growth are journeys, not destinations. I hope to have the honor of joining yours.”
faith-based therapy online

Professional Colleague & Friend

"Victoria is a great listener and utilizes a collaborative approach to help her clients reach their goals. She is good at creating a safe space to help her clients explore what may be holding them back while equipping them with tools to help them move forward." 

Former Employer

"Victoria is a well-rounded therapist who cares for her clients and has a deep sense of compassion and understanding for those around her. She takes pride in her work and uses a comprehensive approach to therapy with the goal of helping her clients to becoming whole. She does an excellent job creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can receive the care and support they need. It was an honor having her on our team as she was not only an asset but a blessing to each person she worked with."

Former Client

"Victoria helped me during the most difficult time of my life. She was so kind and patient and encouraging... I'm doing really well now - feeling healthy, working a successful job, and living in a place that I enjoy."