Counseling

Yes, counseling has a cost. It is an investment of your money, time, and energy. Unfortunately, problems have a cost, as well. Problems can "cost" us our relationships, or have "costly" impact on our emotional, physical, or spiritual health. Counseling can help you deal with the roadblocks in your life, and help you reach your goals- what a wise investment and good use of your money!

Yes, counseling takes time out of your day. Our problems also take "time" out of our day by causing us worry, sadness, or regret over past decisions. Each day has the same amount of time in it, and investing 50 minutes on a weekly or every other week basis to learn how to effectively manage problems in your life is a worthwhile use of your time.

This is inaccurate.  Our goal is for you to reach your goals in counseling in the shortest amount of time that is effective. Many individuals and families reach their goals in just a few sessions, while others may be in counseling over several months. Your counselor will tailor their work to best fit your needs, while focusing on helping you successfully reach your goal in the briefest period of time.

This is one of the most damaging myths about counseling, and in actuality, the exact opposite is true. We all can benefit from counseling. In fact, counseling is most beneficial for people facing problems in everyday life. Responsible people deal effectively with normal stress by seeking help, and their efforts to seek help indicate their emotional health, not illness.

While this may be true, there are several key differences. A friendship is a two-way street, where two people give and take. In counseling, the focus is on you, and the problem you are facing. Your counselor will use their education, the tools of the mental health professions such as different types of therapy and assessment tools, their own wisdom of life experience, and the truths of the Bible to help you grow and change. Your counselor is an unbiased third party, and will provide feedback to you that your family or friends may not be comfortable to provide. Your counselor is also bound by strict confidentiality laws that protect your privacy, and this assurance of privacy helps create a trust between you and your counselor.
 

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.

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
• 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.

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.

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.

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 confidentiality 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.  For the center’s Privacy Policy, click here.

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.

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.

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 Thursday, with sessions by appointment only.

The initial session is $125.00, and each session thereafter is $105.00. 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.If you have any concerns or questions about cost, please contact Dan Wilemon – dan@westernavenue.org or 704-873-6397, ext.310.
 

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

Call Dan Wilemon at 704.873.6397x3210 and leave a message or email him at dan@westernavenue.org, or call Gladys Lowry at 704.873.6397x3215 and leave a message or email her at gladys@westernavenue.org. You will be contacted to schedule an appointment.

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.