At some time in our lives, each of us may feel overwhelmed and may need help dealing with our problems. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 30 million Americans need help dealing with feelings and problems that seem beyond their control—problems with a marriage or relationship, a family situation, or dealing with losing a job, the death of a loved one, depression, stress, burnout, or substance abuse. Those losses and stresses of daily living can at times be significantly debilitating. Sometimes we need outside help from a trained, licensed professional in order to work through these problems. Through counseling, counselors help millions of Americans of all ages live healthier, more productive lives. 


Consider Counseling If

• You feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness, and your problems do not seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends.

• You are finding it difficult to carry out everyday activities. For example, you are unable to concentrate on assignments at work, and your job performance is suffering as a result.

• You worry excessively, expect the worst, or are constantly on edge.

• Your actions are harmful to yourself or to others. For instance, you are drinking too much alcohol, abusing drugs, or becoming overly argumentative and aggressive.

Who is a Professionally Trained Pastoral Counselor?

A highly trained professional with expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and behavior change who work with clients to change their feelings and attitudes and help them develop healthier, more effective patterns of behavior. We apply scientifically validated procedures to help people change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What To Consider When Making the Choice

Counselors and clients work together. The right match is important. Most counselors agree that an important factor in determining whether or not to work with a particular counselor, once that counselor’s credentials and competence are established, is your level of personal comfort with that counselor. A good rapport with your counselor is critical. Choose a counselor with whom you feel comfortable and at ease.

Questions To Ask

• Are you a licensed professional counselor?

• How many years have you been practicing?

• I have been feeling (anxious, tense, depressed, etc.), and I’m having problems (with my job, my marriage, eating, sleeping, etc.). What experience do you have helping people with these types of problems?

• What are your areas of expertise—for example, working with children and families?

• What kinds of treatments do you use, and have they been proven effective for dealing with my kind of problem or issue?

• What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on a 45-minute to 50-minute session.) Do you have a sliding-scale fee policy?

• How much counseling would you recommend?

• What types of insurance do you accept?

• Will you accept direct billing to or payment from my insurance company?

• Are you affiliated with any managed care organizations?

Because you will be putting a good deal of time, money, and energy into counseling, you should choose a counselor carefully. We strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the counselor you choose, and hopeful about the therapy. When you feel this way, therapy is more likely to be very helpful to you.