What are the benefits of pastoral counseling?
Requirements set forth by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors stipulate candidates must earn one of the following graduate degrees:
- Masters in Divinity
- Graduate or Doctoral degree in Biblical Studies, Theological studies, or Spiritual Studies
- Graduate or Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral counseling can provide specialized treatment to those seeking such and also meet more general counseling needs, it can be considered a versatile mode of therapy. Pastoral counselors are uniquely positioned to offer a professional level of mental health treatment, thanks to graduate training and education, while also providing spiritual guidance from a faith-based perspective.
Pastoral counseling can offer support to those seeking family, relationship, premarital, or individual counseling. More specifically, it may be helpful to individuals working through or challenged by any of the following situations:
- Spiritual assessment
- Grief and loss
- Issues related to chronical or terminal illness
- Conflicts around spiritual beliefs
- Mental health issues directly linked to religious beliefs or doctrine
- Crises of faith
What are the education requirements of a Pastoral Counselor at Chapel Soul Care?
Requirements set forth by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors stipulate candidates must earn one of the following graduate degrees:
- Masters in Divinity
- Graduate or Doctoral degree in Biblical Studies, Theological studies, or Spiritual Studies
- Graduate or Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral counselors are trained in mental health assessment and suicide/homicide assessment, and they are typically able to diagnose the warning signs and symptoms of other serious psychiatric concerns.
Can I use my insurance?
We do not process insurance, however we can send you a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Please let us know if the fee is what is keeping you from counseling. We would like to have a conversation with you, and see if there are other options.
What type of payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check, and debit/credit. Payment is due at time of service. Please make checks payable to Monte Vista Chapel.
How long does therapy take?
Each session lasts 50 minutes. The number of sessions really depends on the severity of the issue(s). Your therapy could range from 2 to 3 sessions to years of therapy. Often we can reach our initial goals with somewhere between 4 and 8 sessions. Couples counseling generally takes 8 to 12 sessions, with a possible longer session time.
Do I have to be a Christian to see someone at Chapel Soul Care?
No. Our services are available to everyone; regardless of their religious beliefs or faith. We naturally incorporate spiritual components into therapy as we feel that healing is not complete unless we address the entire person – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. If you ever feel uneasy with any aspect of your care, please make us aware of your concerns.
What if I have to cancel my session?
We understand that sometimes life throws us unexpected curves in the form of illness or emergencies. If you need to cancel an appointment, please give us 48 hours notice, otherwise you will be charged the full fee for your counseling session. This notice allows us to schedule someone in your place.
What kind of therapy do you practice?
Our primary mode of therapy is a custom designed integrated approach for each client.
What if I’m not sure counseling will really help?
There are many factors that will influence whether you seek the help of a counselor. You may be reluctant to start the process because you don’t know what to expect. Often you may feel that the problem you are facing isn’t big enough. You may wonder if seeking help is a statement about your ability to solve problems on your own or a judgment on your character. You may feel guilty going outside of your family to get help. You may have been taught to “tough it out”; to be fiercely independent, and get on with life… By admitting that you need some extra help on your journey may set you on a path of growth that changes your life for the better. If you find yourself “stuck”, then we would like to meet you there.
What can I expect in the counseling process?
The counseling relationship differs from the type of relationship people have with friends and family. Counseling entails you and your counselor working together for your benefit. You and your counselor will set goals together; they will not be imposed on you. The counselor role includes providing support for you without judgment. You set the pace of the session as you become comfortable in discussing your feelings and thoughts. The counselor can often be helpful in assisting you with difficult emotions through support, acceptance, and helping you gain insight about yourself.
How do I know that counseling is working?
Successful counseling feels like something has changed, something is different. You feel more hope and self-confidence. You are trying out new behaviors and they are working. The way successful therapy looks is other people begin to comment that something about you seems different. Maybe they don’t know what has changed in you, but you feel better to be around. You will also notice that you are having different results from actions that in the past would not have gone so well.