About Us
Our Story
David Burgess is a U.S. Army veteran and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. David’s love for Christ and passion for serving others led him to establish Full Armor Counseling and Ministry, providing Christ-centered mental and behavioral health counseling that promotes healing for the spirit, soul, and body. The purpose, mission, vision, and services of Full Armor reflect his identity and how he views his life’s purpose and calling. After eight years of service in the U.S. Army, David earned a master’s degree in social work from Fayetteville State University and a graduate certificate in pastoral counseling from Liberty University. Currently, he is a student with the Christian Leaders Alliance. Prior to working in private practice, David worked in outpatient mental health clinics, providing care for military personnel and their loved ones, where he was inspired by witnessing the transformative power of embracing the perfect love of Jesus Christ while supporting them in overcoming challenges related to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and other life obstacles. When David is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family and volunteering in his community. It is David’s firm belief that the Holy Spirit is the chief counselor, and he considers it a joy and a blessing to serve and comfort others on their transformation journeys with the same comfort he receives from God.
SERVICES
- Integrative Christian Counseling (Christian Psychology)
- An individual’s physical, mental, social, and spiritual health are all interconnected and influence each other, which is why Full Armor’s counseling services are clinically flexible, holistic, and integrative. Integrative Christian counseling, also known as Christian Psychology, is a form of therapy that combines biblical and spiritual principles with evidence-based therapeutic approaches that align with biblical truth. This combination of psychology, theology, and spirituality empowers clients to bring their complete selves to counseling, enabling them to explore how they can utilize their unique strengths and personal faith-based values and practices to support their identifying, understanding, and changing problematic thoughts and behaviors that contribute to spiritual, psychological, physical, and social distress. Your identity in Christ is not something you set aside when you enter the counseling room, and what your faith says about your unique situation matters. We will look to that as the standard and chief guide in helping you reach your goals.
- Therapy (Psychotherapy)
- While Full Armor’s services are Christ-centered, not all Full Armor clients identify as Christian or desire to integrate Christian values, beliefs, or principles into their treatment. Traditional talk therapy/psychotherapy can prove effective in meeting the needs of clients who fall into this category. At Full Armor, we fully support and respect our clients in making informed decisions about integration, regardless of their personal beliefs or backgrounds. Respecting our client’s right to self-determination and providing evidence-based treatments that align with biblical truth empowers us to extend Christ’s love to all.
- Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling
- Solution-focused pastoral counseling is an effective method for providing short-term support (typically 3-5 sessions) to individuals facing life stressors from a faith-based perspective. Unlike traditional therapy, this approach is not clinically focused, meaning that managing presenting symptoms is not a primary focus. Additionally, our pastoral counseling services are not covered by major insurance plans, and clients do not receive formal diagnoses. It is essential to recognize that pastoral counseling is not a substitute for therapy or other professional treatments. However, the solution-focused, short-term nature of pastoral counseling helps children of God address their challenges in a way that promotes dependence on Christ and engagement with their church or community of believers, who can hold them accountable and provide further support on their spiritual journeys.
- Life Coaching
- Life coaching is a goal-oriented and future-focused approach that helps clients achieve their personal and professional goals. Through life coaching, you can receive person-centered guidance, support, and accountability to help you identify and overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, develop new skills, and create positive change in your life. Similar to pastoral counseling, since life coaching is not clinically based but is considered a form of personal development, it is not covered by major insurance plans. Overall, life coaching can prove to be a vital service in promoting personal growth, career advancement, self-esteem, motivation, confidence, and other key aspects of well-being.
- In-Home and Community Counseling
- If you are a Cumberland or Hoke County resident, you may be eligible to receive services in the comfort of your home or at a location within your community. Contact us by phone or email today to find out if you are eligible for in-home or community counseling services.
- Evangelism
- Do you have an incarcerated loved one with whom you would like us to share hope and encouragement through the Word of God? Contact us by phone or email to share your information. (Note: Due to conflicts of interest, we cannot offer this service to persons incarcerated at the Cumberland County Detention Center).
- Outreach
- Would your organization like to learn more about our services and how we can help support meeting your organization’s needs? Feel free to contact me via phone or email to schedule a meeting for further discussion.
- Free Consultation
- At Full Armor, we believe that every individual is unique and deserves services tailored to their specific needs. Contact us today by phone or email to request a complimentary phone or video consultation, and we will determine if our services are a good fit for your unique needs.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”