The Story Behind the Naming of ‘This Is NOW Counseling’ Practice

Darryl Donlin, MSW, LCSW Launches This Is Now Counseling Providing In Person and Online Counseling Sessions

I wanted to name my practice something that had a deep personal meaning to me and to convey the sense of urgency and optimism I want to give people when I work with them.

The name of my counseling practice, “This is Now” was inspired by a Casting Crowns song by the same name. 

In 2012, Casting Crowns played a concert at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.  I can still remember this so vividly today.  When I listened to the song and watched the background video, I was completely floored.  The song’s lyrics had a powerful impact on my life.

The lyrics are about the story of Peter from the Book of John (21:1-17).  In the passage, Peter passionately boasts that he would die for Jesus and then moments later when Jesus is arrested, Peter ends up denying he even knows Jesus.   Ironically, it was Jesus who told Peter, you are the rock on which I will build my church. 

Message of Restoration and Transformation

The song begins with Peter’s regret for failing to stick to his promise and then highlights the power of Jesus’s mercy.  Jesus takes this moment not to chastise Peter, nor to inflict guilt, or punishment, but rather to restore his relationship.  This moment transformed Peter’s life.

From Peter’s perspective, the lyrics admit,

"This is now, I wish I could go back but I don't know how /

I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I'd never let You down /

I want to be that man again, but that was then, this is now."

The so switches to the person of Jesus reassuring Peter (and us) that

"My child I bore your Cross, I wore your crown /

When you couldn't come to Me, My Love came down, so take My hand, I'll lead you out/

that was then, this is now."

These lyrics struck a chord in my heart and still ring in my ears today.  From that time on, I promised myself I would do something to honor its message.

“That was then…this is NOW.”

So here I am today, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to follow through on it and launch a faith-based private practice to help restore and transform people’s lives.

Check out the official Casting Crowns video of This Is Now.

Share a comment below about what songs or lyrics had the biggest impact on your life. 

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