Garry Cook |
In 2015, the Church Council approved a proposal to make room for The Counseling Center, the newest satellite office of the Sanctuary Counseling Group (formerly, "Methodist Counseling and Consultation Services").
Every Christian disciple is along the path of growth in different stages; some lack faith and are full of questions, while others have assurance in their salvation. All people experience loss, disappointment, and decision making. People are discovering more the benefits of mental health, spiritual health, and their connection to our overall welfare. As Dr. John Arey, the Executive Director of the Sanctuary Counseling Group says, “Pastoral counseling combines the best of spiritual care and psychology.” A well-trained, licensed Pastoral Counselor is uniquely capable of helping people gain a foothold in the midst of life’s challenges. Along these lines, for our church to host The Counseling Center, we will be better able to fulfill our mission of nurturing Christian disciples through the presence and power of God. Contact Garry, Counselor for the First United Methodist Church Counseling Center at: 980.296.0991. |
Frequently Asked Questions of the Counseling Center
What is a pastoral counselor?
The pastoral counselor identity is often misunderstood. Some think pastoral counselors see only pastors. Some think they see only church members. Others think that pastoral counselors deal strictly with spiritual issues. And still some think pastoral counselors use only the tools of prayer and scripture in their healing work. While prayer and scriptural truth under gird the work of a pastoral counselor, a pastoral counselor, certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, is a minister who is not only trained theologically, but also well trained in the theories and techniques of the mental health sciences.
How can counseling help, and what kinds of problems can be addressed?
Counseling can involve short-term problem resolution or longer, more intensive psychotherapy. It can assist with mild difficulty as well as more serious or longstanding problems. Your therapist will work with you to identify your personal goals for counseling and then tailor counseling to your personal needs. You can expect that your therapist will listen closely to understand your experience and then find ways to assist you in moving towards your goals. Therapy is a personalized experience, so how it helps differs from person to person. It will often involve things such as getting a different perspective on your experiences, exploring and discovering things about yourself, making changes in unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving, processing difficult experiences, and learning healthy coping tools.
How do I know if I need counseling?
Everyone has troubles. But some troubles can create emotional turmoil, can be constantly annoying, can affect home or work, or can be life changing. People seek counseling for a wide range of problems. Some common reasons for coming to counseling include relationship problems, academic anxieties, feeling unusually sad, irritability, struggling with decisions, sleep problems, eating problems, difficulty in paying attention, feeling lonely, suicidal thoughts, or worrying too much. If you are not sure that you need counseling but think it might help, call to ask questions or try it out.
How soon will I get to see the counselor?
The counseling center is staffed by one therapist who takes appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically, waiting times might range from a few days to two weeks which is common in the counseling profession. If you feel your situation is too serious to wait, please let the therapist know. The therapist will make every effort to get you an appointment as soon as possible.
What is the cost of the counseling service?
The counseling service is entirely funded by the fees it collects for services provided. An initial assessment and diagnostic session is $150. Appointments after that are at $125 per session. Many insurance policies can cover some of the cost of counseling sessions. Check with your insurance company to see what they provide. Limited assistance may be available for those who are in financial crisis.
How is the counselor related to First United Methodist Church of Salisbury?
The First United Methodist Church and the Sanctuary Counseling Group of Charlotte (SCG) have partnered to provide this counseling ministry. The counselor has been recruited and employed by SCG. First UMC has provided furnished office space and other practical items that make the counseling service possible. Both groups have a deep investment in this ministry.
How confidential is the counseling service?
It is your choice whether or not to discuss your use of the counseling service with family, friends, or others. Other than authorized SCG staff, no one will have access to your mental health records without your signed consent. Exceptions to confidentiality include an assessment of your dangerousness to yourself or others and abuse of a child or elderly person. In these situations, there are legal obligations to inform the appropriate authorities. If you have any questions about this policy, please raise them with your therapist.
What happens in counseling sessions?
After filling out initial informational forms (found at HERE), you will meet with the counselor and discuss your personal concerns and your expectations from the counseling process. The more information you discuss, the more likely the counseling will be effective. In the first session, the counselor will likely ask questions about your situation and about other areas of your life. All information about you will be used by the counselor to perform an assessment and to make recommendations about how you might best be assisted. Recommendations may include the nature and amount of counseling you should receive as well as the possible use of other services in the community if they are needed to help with your situation.
How do I make an appointment? And what do I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Call SCG to establish an appointment. The number is: 704.375-5354; x. 405 or Garry's business number 980.296.0991. Leave a message for the counselor who will call you back as soon as possible. You will need to call by 4:00 pm the day before your scheduled appointment if you are unable to keep an appointment so that your scheduled time can be used by someone waiting for an appointment. The Counseling Center does not offer walk-in appointments.
Where is the counseling service located?
The office is in the First United Methodist Church of Salisbury located at 217 S. Church Street, Salisbury, NC. During the scheduling process, the counselor will instruct you as to how to enter the building and find the counseling office.
What qualifications does the counselor have?
Education
B.A., Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY
MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
One year residency, Clinical Pastoral Education, Baptist Medical Centers, Birmingham, AL
Three year clinical residency, Pastoral Psychotherapy, Baptist Medical Centers, Birmingham, AL
Five years of supervision with M.D. psychoanalyst, Winston-Salem, NC
Thirty hour training in Clinical Supervision
Experience
Ten years in parish ministry
Fourteen years as clinical social worker in community mental health
Five years as pastoral psychotherapist in a pastoral counseling center
Eight years as director of Employee Assistance in department of Pastoral Care
Five years in private practice of pastoral counseling
Instructor at:
Bowman Gray School of Medicine, two years
Alamance Institute of Pastoral Counseling clinical training program, six years
Howard University extension program of Samford University, one year
Professional Credentials and Affiliations
Fellow, American Association of Pastoral Counselors
North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed since 1993
Member, National Association of Social Workers
What other services can be provided?
As a consultant, the therapist can help individuals and organizations examine and assess behavior of staff or employees, deal with management dilemmas, examine and assess organizational difficulties, goals, and responses. As a teacher, the therapist can respond to educational needs within the church and community by presenting workshops and retreats designed to heal, inform, and empower. As an advanced psychotherapist, the counselor is able to provide clinical supervision to other therapists who desire to enhance the quality of their work by enlisting someone to provide guidance and clinical knowledge.
Contact the therapist for more information. SCG therapists are also available to churches in times of transition and crisis.
The pastoral counselor identity is often misunderstood. Some think pastoral counselors see only pastors. Some think they see only church members. Others think that pastoral counselors deal strictly with spiritual issues. And still some think pastoral counselors use only the tools of prayer and scripture in their healing work. While prayer and scriptural truth under gird the work of a pastoral counselor, a pastoral counselor, certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, is a minister who is not only trained theologically, but also well trained in the theories and techniques of the mental health sciences.
How can counseling help, and what kinds of problems can be addressed?
Counseling can involve short-term problem resolution or longer, more intensive psychotherapy. It can assist with mild difficulty as well as more serious or longstanding problems. Your therapist will work with you to identify your personal goals for counseling and then tailor counseling to your personal needs. You can expect that your therapist will listen closely to understand your experience and then find ways to assist you in moving towards your goals. Therapy is a personalized experience, so how it helps differs from person to person. It will often involve things such as getting a different perspective on your experiences, exploring and discovering things about yourself, making changes in unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving, processing difficult experiences, and learning healthy coping tools.
How do I know if I need counseling?
Everyone has troubles. But some troubles can create emotional turmoil, can be constantly annoying, can affect home or work, or can be life changing. People seek counseling for a wide range of problems. Some common reasons for coming to counseling include relationship problems, academic anxieties, feeling unusually sad, irritability, struggling with decisions, sleep problems, eating problems, difficulty in paying attention, feeling lonely, suicidal thoughts, or worrying too much. If you are not sure that you need counseling but think it might help, call to ask questions or try it out.
How soon will I get to see the counselor?
The counseling center is staffed by one therapist who takes appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically, waiting times might range from a few days to two weeks which is common in the counseling profession. If you feel your situation is too serious to wait, please let the therapist know. The therapist will make every effort to get you an appointment as soon as possible.
What is the cost of the counseling service?
The counseling service is entirely funded by the fees it collects for services provided. An initial assessment and diagnostic session is $150. Appointments after that are at $125 per session. Many insurance policies can cover some of the cost of counseling sessions. Check with your insurance company to see what they provide. Limited assistance may be available for those who are in financial crisis.
How is the counselor related to First United Methodist Church of Salisbury?
The First United Methodist Church and the Sanctuary Counseling Group of Charlotte (SCG) have partnered to provide this counseling ministry. The counselor has been recruited and employed by SCG. First UMC has provided furnished office space and other practical items that make the counseling service possible. Both groups have a deep investment in this ministry.
How confidential is the counseling service?
It is your choice whether or not to discuss your use of the counseling service with family, friends, or others. Other than authorized SCG staff, no one will have access to your mental health records without your signed consent. Exceptions to confidentiality include an assessment of your dangerousness to yourself or others and abuse of a child or elderly person. In these situations, there are legal obligations to inform the appropriate authorities. If you have any questions about this policy, please raise them with your therapist.
What happens in counseling sessions?
After filling out initial informational forms (found at HERE), you will meet with the counselor and discuss your personal concerns and your expectations from the counseling process. The more information you discuss, the more likely the counseling will be effective. In the first session, the counselor will likely ask questions about your situation and about other areas of your life. All information about you will be used by the counselor to perform an assessment and to make recommendations about how you might best be assisted. Recommendations may include the nature and amount of counseling you should receive as well as the possible use of other services in the community if they are needed to help with your situation.
How do I make an appointment? And what do I do if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Call SCG to establish an appointment. The number is: 704.375-5354; x. 405 or Garry's business number 980.296.0991. Leave a message for the counselor who will call you back as soon as possible. You will need to call by 4:00 pm the day before your scheduled appointment if you are unable to keep an appointment so that your scheduled time can be used by someone waiting for an appointment. The Counseling Center does not offer walk-in appointments.
Where is the counseling service located?
The office is in the First United Methodist Church of Salisbury located at 217 S. Church Street, Salisbury, NC. During the scheduling process, the counselor will instruct you as to how to enter the building and find the counseling office.
What qualifications does the counselor have?
Education
B.A., Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY
MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY
One year residency, Clinical Pastoral Education, Baptist Medical Centers, Birmingham, AL
Three year clinical residency, Pastoral Psychotherapy, Baptist Medical Centers, Birmingham, AL
Five years of supervision with M.D. psychoanalyst, Winston-Salem, NC
Thirty hour training in Clinical Supervision
Experience
Ten years in parish ministry
Fourteen years as clinical social worker in community mental health
Five years as pastoral psychotherapist in a pastoral counseling center
Eight years as director of Employee Assistance in department of Pastoral Care
Five years in private practice of pastoral counseling
Instructor at:
Bowman Gray School of Medicine, two years
Alamance Institute of Pastoral Counseling clinical training program, six years
Howard University extension program of Samford University, one year
Professional Credentials and Affiliations
Fellow, American Association of Pastoral Counselors
North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed since 1993
Member, National Association of Social Workers
What other services can be provided?
As a consultant, the therapist can help individuals and organizations examine and assess behavior of staff or employees, deal with management dilemmas, examine and assess organizational difficulties, goals, and responses. As a teacher, the therapist can respond to educational needs within the church and community by presenting workshops and retreats designed to heal, inform, and empower. As an advanced psychotherapist, the counselor is able to provide clinical supervision to other therapists who desire to enhance the quality of their work by enlisting someone to provide guidance and clinical knowledge.
Contact the therapist for more information. SCG therapists are also available to churches in times of transition and crisis.
