Make An Appointment
Dan - 704.873.6397x3210 
dan@westernavenue.org
Gladys - 704.873.6397x3215
gladys@westernavenue.org

We are licensed mental health clinicians who believe that faith in Christ is central to our faith, health, and wholeness.   Because we believe that God’s Word is true and relevant to contemporary life, we provide counseling which emphasizes the use and superiority of God's Word as well as evidence-based psychological research and methods in communication, recovery, and healing (not theories) that do not conflict with its teachings.

 

The Marriage and Family Enrichment Centers offers counseling to individuals, families, and marriages throughout the lifespan, offering treatment for issues such as:

  • Mood Disorders, such as Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Issues, or Bipolar Disorder
  • Situational Stresses, such as Grief and Loss, Vocational issues, Burnout, Chronic illness, Anger control, or Crisis of faith
  • Relationship Issues such as Marriage Counseling, Premarital Counseling, Separation and Divorce, Affair Recovery, Codependency, Remarriage and Blended Family issues,
  • Family-of-origin issues, or Adoption
  • Parenting Issues, such as Oppositional and/or disruptive behaviors, Aggressive behaviors, Separation fears, or Sibling rivalry
  • Issues about Sexuality, including confusion or conflicts over orientation, attraction, sexual abuse, sexual addiction, or gender identity issues.

If you are struggling with an issue not listed, please contact us for further information.

 

 

Hope Keepers: Support Group for Chronic Illness & Pain

Location: WABC, Room 153

When: First Thursday of every month (except July)

Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm  Lunch provided.

(Attendance is free of charge for all those who register. Registration requirement only to prepare size of room. Please call 704-873-6397, extension 3210 and leave message or send email to dan@westernavenue.org with your first name and last initial, or call church office to let us know you are going to attend.)

 

Dan Wilemon

Gladys Lowry

Dan Wilemon, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS serves as the Director of the Marriage and Family Enrichment Center, and is a Certified Clinical Supervisor.  Dan provides individual, marital, and family therapy for both adults and children, and teaches marriage and family courses through Western Avenue Baptist Church’s Equipping University.

Gladys Lowry, MA, NCC, LCMHC CCMC is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor on staff with the Marriage and Family Enrichment Center. Her responsibilities include providing individual, marital, and family psychotherapy.

Counseling Myths

There are many common myths that hinder individuals from getting the help they desire. Listed below are several myths that you may have heard:

 

It's too expensive!

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!

I don't have the time!

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.

I'll be in counseling forever!

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.

Counseling is just for the mentally ill!

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.

I can talk to my family and friends just as well!

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.
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Counseling

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
  • 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 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.

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 $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.
 

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 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.

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.

Does the Counseling Center accept my insurance?

Due to our having a very small set fee and limited size of our counseling center, we do not file insurance, and our considered an “out of network”provider. Please check your plan to see if you have out of network benefits.

Upon request, we will print off an invoice for services received with fees paid so you can submit to your insurance company and often they will apply it toward your insurance deductible or send you partial reimbursement.

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

Are there other resources available to help me with my problems?

Yes, there are many additional resources available to help you deal with life’s stresses. You’ll find helpful resources within our own community, as well as on a state and national level.

Check out the following websites for further information:

We do not provide crisis services or crisis counseling. If you are in a crisis and need immediate assistance, please go to your nearest hospital emergency room or contact the following emergency phone numbers:

 

Partners Behavioral Health

Call: 1-888-235-HOPE (4673)

Daymark Recovery Services - 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
866.275.9552

Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800.273.8255

 

The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1; Chat online; Text 838255