modern church With Love in Hearts

Welcome to the Greater Gaston Baptist Association Christian Counseling Center. The decision to begin counseling may have an important impact on your future. Research shows that those who enter a counseling relationship with a good understanding of the process are more likely to achieve positive and favorable results. This document is to inform you about details of the work we will be doing together and to safeguard the professional relationship we will establish. I look forward to working with you.

Qualifications/experience: I graduated from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts in Christian Counseling.  I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Carolina. I am also a member of The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). I am a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology. I served on staff at Crisis Pregnancy Center counseling teens, young women, men, and families facing unplanned pregnancies. I also have worked extensively with middle school and high school students in youth organizations. My specialization includes work with students, women and couples. Some of the issues targeted include conflict resolution, adjustment disorders, and grief. Diagnosis is based on the DSM-VI-TR, fourth edition (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association). The diagnosis becomes a part of the clients’ records. I at times teach as an adjunct professor for Gardner-Webb University at their Charlotte & Gaston campuses.

Clinical approach: As with any powerful method of treatment employed, the very nature of counseling can offer no guarantees of a successful outcome within the context of therapy. Throughout the course of therapy it is not uncommon to stir up uncomfortable memories and experience unhappy thoughts or painful emotions. These feelings are to be expected when seeking to bring about change and adjustment in life.
I believe individuals can make better decisions if they have enough information to understand potential outcomes of their behavior as we work towards goals. As a Christian I believe the Bible offers the framework on which to base my work. I use an eclectic approach by integrating the spiritual aspect into the following methods in my practice. I find an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy useful with treating depression and anxiety. I also use methods derived by Albert Ellis-Rational Emotive Therapy (REBT) with clients plagued by irrational beliefs and expectations. Many of the problems seen in individuals are rooted in their family system. I find Bowen Family System Theory and the use of a genogram helpful in building understanding and rapport.

Length of sessions; Most counseling sessions are fifty minutes in length. Typically we will meet once a week but times can be flexible and can be discussed or changed in order to accomplish the therapeutic goals we establish. It is important that you attend all of your scheduled appointments on time. If you need to cancel or reschedule please do so at least 24 hours in advance or you may be responsible for payment for missed sessions. The length of treatment varies depending on the therapist, client and nature of the problems addressed. Counseling includes your active involvement to change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. You will have to work both in and outside of counseling sessions. I may give homework assignments in the form of reading and activities that will increase your awareness and self-knowledge.

Fees, payments and insurance info: The fee for a 50-minute session is $75.  Payment is due at the time of the session and can be made with cash or check. Some health insurance companies will reimburse clients for services. Your payment at time of service allows us to keep our fee low. On request I will complete a receipt for you to present to your insurance company for reimbursement. Since you will be paying me directly for my services any later reimbursement should be sent to you.

Confidentiality: State confidentiality laws protect my records, our conversations and your privacy. These laws help secure your right to privacy and I take them seriously. If there is a need to exchange information with a third party I will get your permission in writing. Exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:

• If the counselor determines that the client is likely to do harm to him/herself or to others, the counselor is required by law to take steps to protect that person.
• If the counselor expects abuse of a minor, the elderly or the disabled, the law requires that such suspicions be reported to the proper authorities.
• If the client is a minor, the counselor will inform the parent or legal guardian of the nature of treatment and provide regular progress reports.
• If the counselor is subpoenaed by the court to submit records for legal purposes.
• If the client brings legal action that relates to the client’s treatment.
• Cases may be discussed anonymously for purposes of supervision or peer review.

Code of Ethics: I abide by the ACA and the NCBLPC* code of ethics. If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our work together please inform me as soon as possible. If you have any questions as we work together through the process of counseling, please feel free to ask at any time. *North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors. PO Box 1369, Garner, NC 27529.

Download: Professional Disclosure Statement
Download: Appointment Form