Counseling FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is counseling?

Simply stated, counseling is a relationship in which a counselor helps an individual, couple, or family better understand and solve a problem in an atmosphere of trust and privacy.

What happens in counseling?

In counseling, the counselor and client seek to clearly describe the problem and create a strategy to solve or manage it. This occurs through specific steps which includes the following:

assessment stage, where information about the problem is gathered,
goal establishment stage, where desired outcomes are identified,
treatment strategy stage, where a strategy for treatment is created, and
action stage.

Evaluation occurs throughout counseling, which allows the counselor and client to make any needed changes in an effort to reach the client’s goal. Referrals to additional community resources and/or professionals will be recommended when appropriate for your circumstances.

How is faith-based counseling different from other forms of counseling that a professional counselor provides?

Faith-based counseling integrates the truths and teachings of the Bible with proven psychological theories, with a focus on our human nature, redemption, and grace. All other concepts or ideas are measured by the truth of Scripture.

What is a “professional” counselor?

A professional counselor is one who has a minimum of a graduate degree and is credentialed or licensed by a governing body following the completion of all educational requirements, supervised client hours, and examinations.

Can I be assured of confidentiality?

Yes. Counseling is a professional service whose ethical and legal guidelines require that what you share is kept confidential. There are four exceptions to a counselor’s confidentially guidelines, which includes concerns about a client’s intent to harm themselves, a client’s intent to harm another individual, a court order, or a client’s written permission for information about their counseling session to be shared with another person or professional.

What is expected of me regarding counseling?

Your responsibilities include being on time for your appointment, canceling with a 24 hour notice when it is necessary to cancel or reschedule your appointment, paying for services when rendered, and being as open and honest as you can with your counselor. It also helps to be ready to focus on a specific problem or issue, therefore making the most of your therapy session.

How long are the sessions, and how often will I attend?

Each session is 50 minutes in length. The frequency of sessions varies according to the client’s schedule, expressed concerns, goals, and appointment availability, and is discussed during the initial appointment.

What are the hours of operation?

The Counseling Center is located in the Marriage and Family Enrichment Center, and is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with sessions by appointment only.

What is the cost of each session?

The initial session is $105.00, and each session thereafter is $95.00. As a ministry to our community, Western Avenue Baptist Church underwrites a portion of the cost. You are expected to pay for services when rendered.

Do I have to be a member of Western Avenue Baptist Church to schedule an appointment?

No. Counseling is available regardless of church membership, denomination, age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

How do I make an appointment?

Call Ellen Fox at the Marriage and Family Enrichment Center at 704-873-6397 and leave a message, or email her at Ellen@westernavenue.org. She will contact you to schedule an appointment.

How do I find you?

The Marriage and Family Enrichment Center is located on the back side of the church facilities. Follow the signs to the Multi-Purpose Room and the Enrichment Center will be on the right. This entrance will afford you the confidentiality that you desire.

Once on the church campus, follow the signs to the “Prayer Room”, located in the back of the church directly behind the sanctuary. You may also see the location by looking a a floorplan of our church campus.

If you still have questions after reading the information on this page, please contact Ellen Fox.