Alex grew up during the civil war in Rwanda and lost family members to the violence. At age 7, he received a shoebox gift from Samaritan’s Purse that he credits for rekindling his faith in Jesus. Today, he works to ensure that children worldwide experience that same joy, love and hope.

Seeking professional help for a mental health condition can be a difficult step, especially if you’ve never seen a therapist. During this Mental Health Awareness Month, psychologist Nadia Damm from The Center for Christian Counseling describes what to expect during that first appointment. She also shares tips on making the most out of your sessions.