Common Questions
How can Christian counseling help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in Christian counseling. Your Christian counselor can provide you with problem-solving skills and coping strategies for issues such as relationship conflict, unresolved childhood issues, grief, depression and anxiety all within a safe environment. The Christian Counselor can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and then help point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from Christian counseling also depends on you and how well you use the process and practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counseling include:
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Attaining a better understanding of yourself
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Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
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Developing skills for improving your relationships, communications and listening skills
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Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek help
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Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
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Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
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Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
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Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Why do people choose Christian counseling and how do I know if it is right for me?
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People have many different motivations for coming to a Christian counselor. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are having difficulty handling stressful circumstances. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as relationship problems, depression, anxiety, low self-image and spiritual conflicts. Christian Counseling can help provide much-needed encouragement and assistance with the skills needed to get them through these transitions and conflicts. Others may be seeking counseling because they simply want to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. They are willing to meet the challenges and make changes in their lives.
What Are The Benefits and Risks of Christian Counseling?
Christian Counseling can increase self-image and understanding, alter negative thoughts and moods, and improve communication by reducing internal and interpersonal conflict. At the same time, you must know that you may experience unpleasant feelings while discussing matters that trouble you. You may also discover that some situations cannot be changed to your satisfaction, consequently leaving you with difficult decisions to make. Christian counseling can help teach the client about surrendering to God what she cannot control.
Do You Take Insurance?
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We are not signed up with any insurance panels so we will not file insurance for you. To determine if you have coverage for a trained Minister of Pastoral Counseling through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Here are some helpful questions you can ask them:
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What are my mental health benefits for a trained Minister of Pastoral Counseling?
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What is the coverage amount per session?
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How many sessions does my plan cover?
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How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
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Is approval required from my primary care physician?
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If you learn your insurance will not reimburse you for our services you may discover our reasonable rates will often match your insurance co-pay. You may benefit by asking yourself these important questions:
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Am I going to receive Christian care from a biblical perspective from the professionals that take my insurance?
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Am I willing to receive care from a counselor that will not legally be able to pray with me or answer questions about my Christian faith?
I can usually handle my problems. Do I really need assistance?
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Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, Christian Counseling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking a remedy. The healing process of Christian Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Philippians 3:8
Does what we talk about remain confidential?
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Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and their Christian Counselor. Successful remedies require a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the Minister’s office. Every Christian Counselor should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your Christian Counselor to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your Christian Counselor cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
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However, state law and professional ethics require counselors to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
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* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the Christian Counselor has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
What Is Your Fee For Counseling?
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The fee is determined using an adjustable-fee guide that is based on the family’s yearly income and/or extenuating circumstances. The cost of Christian counseling can either be discussed during the first interview or you may make an email request from the contact tab. The fee guide will be sent via email attachment. Scheduling is done in 60-minute increments throughout the day but the fee is set for a 50-minute session. A mutual agreement is reached before a commitment to the counseling process begins.
Do you have a Cancellation Policy?
If you do not show up for your scheduled counseling appointment, and you have not notified us at least 8 hours in advance, you will be required to pay the full cost of the session.
What Are Your Hours of Operation?
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Hours of operation are by appointment only. Appointments are available as follows:
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Feed My Sheep is a faith-based ministry center with a desire to help heal the hearts and restore the lives of hurting people by assisting them in recognizing and fulfilling their emotional and spiritual needs.