Frequently Asked Questions
As I’ve talked with people over the years about pastoral counseling there are a few FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) that come up, well, frequently. What is pastoral counseling? Is it just for pastors? Is it just about religion? In response to these questions I’ve prepared this FAQ paper. Since pastoral counseling may take several different forms these answers are specific to the ministry of the Center for Growth & Healing, Inc.
How is Pastoral Counseling Different from Secular Counseling?
How Long Does Pastoral Counseling Take?
How Will Issues of Faith be Addressed?
Do I Have to Talk about the Religious Stuff?
Is Pastoral Counseling Confidential?
Is Pastoral Counseling Psychotherapy?
What Form Does Pastoral Counseling Take?
How are Pastoral Counselors Credentialed?
What is the Center for Growth & Healing, Inc.?
Do I Have to be a United Methodist to Receive Help?
How can I make a donation to the Center?
Pastoral counseling is a discipline that integrates the knowledge of theology, faith, and psychotherapy for the purpose of helping people address various struggles and issues in life. These issues include but are not limited to: stress, anxiety, depression, marriage & family issues, relationship problems, grief, and life decisions. Pastoral counseling is provided by persons trained in theology and psychotherapy. Pastoral counseling invites people to address issues of faith and meanings.
How is Pastoral Counseling Different from Secular Counseling?
If you were to listen in on a pastoral counseling session it might sound very much like a secular
counseling session. Pastoral counseling addresses most of the same issues as secular counseling, but there are differences. One main difference is that pastoral counseling is a ministry. Pastoral counselors are representatives of one or more faith communities and as such serves as a channel through with the care of communities is offered to those in need of help. Pastoral counseling’s identity comes out its affiliation with a faith community.
The cost of pastoral counseling is covered in several different ways. The full-fee is usually comparable to secular counselors and those who can afford this fee and/or have mental health insurance are expected to pay the full fee. But, not everyone can afford the full fee, and not everyone has health insurance. For these people a sliding fee scale is used. When this scale is used, a family’s gross annual income and the number of persons in the family are considered and the fee is adjusted accordingly. On some occasions there are people who cannot afford even the adjusted fee. In these cases the client is asked, “What can you afford? What do we need to do to make this work?” Our goal is that no one be turned away because of their inability to pay. Our hope is that people will pay as much of the full fee as they can without the fee preventing their getting the help they need. Pastoral counseling sees people as children of God and is committed to doing all that we can to help people without regard to their ability to pay.
How Long Does Pastoral Counseling Take?
This is a question that is addressed as a part of the therapeutic process. Pastoral counseling can be as brief as one session or it can last up to several years. The decision regarding the length of treatment takes into consideration the needs of the client, the depth at which the client is willing and able to work, and the connection established between the client and pastoral counselor.
How Will Issues of Faith be Addressed?
Issues of faith are critical to one’s emotional, mental, spiritual, and even physical health. Clients are invited to address and process issues of faith. The pastoral counselor may ask the client, “What does your faith have to say to you in the midst of where you are?” The client’s faith is respected.
Do I Have to Talk about the Religious Stuff?
No. Talking about issues of faith is an option and not a requirement. No religious agenda is pushed onto the client.
Is Pastoral Counseling Confidential?
Pastoral counselors certified by NC and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors must abide by the codes of ethics of those bodies. Confidentiality may be broken only as provided by law. Generally these exceptions include dangerousness to self or others; abuse of children, the elderly, and the disabled; and a court order.
Is Pastoral Counseling Psychotherapy?
Pastoral Counseling is generally used for both pastoral counseling and pastoral psychotherapy. Technically though there is a difference. Technically speaking pastoral counseling is brief and focuses on an identified issue; “My parent just died,” “I lost my job and need some support,” “I’m thinking about changing jobs,” etc. Pastoral psychotherapy on the other hand tends to be more in-depth, takes longer, and involves the healing and changing of the client. “Psychotherapy” means healing of the psyche or soul. In either case pastoral counseling relates to the whole person and not just a symptom.
What Form Does Pastoral Counseling Take?
This is decided by the pastoral counselor and the client early in their work together and is based on the need of the client(s). Some issues are best addressed individually so the client meets alone with the pastoral counselor. Other issues are best dealt with in the context of a couple, so the couple meets with the pastoral counselor. Still other issues, i.e., family issues for examples, are best addressed in the context of the whole family. So the whole family may meet with the pastoral counselor. Three important questions here are 1) What is the need of the client(s)? 2) Who is willing to come in? and 3) Is the therapist trained in a needed modality?
How are Pastoral Counselors Credentialed?
North Carolina certifies qualified persons as Certified Fee-based Practicing Pastoral Counselors. Training involves a rigorous educational process including much supervision. Pastoral counselors may also be credentialed by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Some pastoral counselors are credentialed in other disciplines, i.e., a marriage and family therapist.
What is the Center for Growth & Healing, Inc.?
The Center for Growth & Healing, Inc. is non-profit community-based ecumenical pastoral counseling center that has received support from All Saints Episcopal, Central United Methodist, Elmwood United Methodist, Epworth United Methodist, First Presbyterian: Concord, Forest Hills United Methodist, Memorial United Methodist: Kannapolis, the Mount Pleasant Ministerial Association, the Salisbury District of the United Methodist Church, and other friends of the center.
Do I Have to be a United Methodist to Receive Help?
Absolutely not. The services of the Center for Growth & Healing, Inc. are supported by congregations of different denominations and our services are open to the public.
How can I make a donation to the Center?
Your donations are welcomed. They go to help pay for services for those whose resources are very limited. Because we are a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization your donation is tax-deductible. Make your check out to the Center for Growth and Healing and mail it to the address on the front of this brochure.
Our services are open to
the public. To make an appointment or for more
information call Joe Luther at the Center for Growth &
Healing, Inc., (704) 795-5559.
The Center is located at Epworth United Methodist Church
1030 Burrage Rd.
Concord, NC 28025
Joe Luther is a United Methodist Minister with over 35 years of experience in ministry – most of which has been in pastoral counseling. He is a Diplomat with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, a NC Certified Pastoral Counselor, a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage & Family Counseling, and a NC Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He is the Executive Director of the Center for Growth & Healing, Inc.
