Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a pastoral counselor? Are you a licensed professional counselor?
Yes, and yes. I do integrate spirituality and psychodynamic therapy for clients who want to talk about matters of faith. It’s important to note that, “spiritually oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy does not deviate from the fundamental principles and techniques of psychodynamic treatment. However, it pays attention to the role religious beliefs, God-representations, and spirituality play in the psychic economy and health of the client” (Shafranske, 2009). Shafranske (2009) goes on to say that “the act of believing, which is central to religious faith, serves an important psychological function. Religious beliefs provide alternative ways of constructing meaning beyond the immediacy of success and failure, satisfaction and disappointment.” Religious beliefs and therapeutic aims are quite compatible as both religion and psychotherapy offer the client hope to combat demoralization (Frank & Frank, 1991).
You can learn more about pastoral counseling here: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/modes/pastoral-counseling
2. What if I'm not religious or want to talk about spirituality?
I will follow the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) which says:
"Counselors facilitate client growth and development in ways that foster the interest and welfare of clients and promote formation of healthy relationships. Trust is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship, and counselors have the responsibility to respect and safeguard the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality. Counselors actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the clients they serve".
3. When should I seek help for a counselor?
Many people need a person outside their circle of friends or family to objectively listen and get their feedback. Since I am not your friend or part of your family, I can provide confidential support without judgment. If you have exhausted your efforts to solve a problem, feel that life is not worth living, or you are simply stuck, you may benefit from seeing a counselor.
4. Do you see children or teens?
Yes, I work with teens age 13-18. I will work with children ages 10-12 on a case by case basis.
5. Do you have any limitations on who you serve?
Yes. If you show an interest in seeing me, I will request a phone consultation with you first. Based on that call, we can either move forward with setting up an appointment or I will suggest that you see a different provider. I will make an assessment of my skills, your needs, and whether our schedules will match when considering to see you. I will make a referral for clients with a history of serious mental illness, psychosis, DID, or a client in need of immediate emergency services.
Yes, and yes. I do integrate spirituality and psychodynamic therapy for clients who want to talk about matters of faith. It’s important to note that, “spiritually oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy does not deviate from the fundamental principles and techniques of psychodynamic treatment. However, it pays attention to the role religious beliefs, God-representations, and spirituality play in the psychic economy and health of the client” (Shafranske, 2009). Shafranske (2009) goes on to say that “the act of believing, which is central to religious faith, serves an important psychological function. Religious beliefs provide alternative ways of constructing meaning beyond the immediacy of success and failure, satisfaction and disappointment.” Religious beliefs and therapeutic aims are quite compatible as both religion and psychotherapy offer the client hope to combat demoralization (Frank & Frank, 1991).
You can learn more about pastoral counseling here: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/modes/pastoral-counseling
2. What if I'm not religious or want to talk about spirituality?
I will follow the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) which says:
"Counselors facilitate client growth and development in ways that foster the interest and welfare of clients and promote formation of healthy relationships. Trust is the cornerstone of the counseling relationship, and counselors have the responsibility to respect and safeguard the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality. Counselors actively attempt to understand the diverse cultural backgrounds of the clients they serve".
3. When should I seek help for a counselor?
Many people need a person outside their circle of friends or family to objectively listen and get their feedback. Since I am not your friend or part of your family, I can provide confidential support without judgment. If you have exhausted your efforts to solve a problem, feel that life is not worth living, or you are simply stuck, you may benefit from seeing a counselor.
4. Do you see children or teens?
Yes, I work with teens age 13-18. I will work with children ages 10-12 on a case by case basis.
5. Do you have any limitations on who you serve?
Yes. If you show an interest in seeing me, I will request a phone consultation with you first. Based on that call, we can either move forward with setting up an appointment or I will suggest that you see a different provider. I will make an assessment of my skills, your needs, and whether our schedules will match when considering to see you. I will make a referral for clients with a history of serious mental illness, psychosis, DID, or a client in need of immediate emergency services.