Pastoral Counseling and Psychotherapy

We provide professional counseling and psychotherapeutic services for SFTS students and their families. Services are available to all persons regardless of racial, ethnic or religious tradition. We specialize in therapeutic work that integrates the personality sciences and the client’s faith resources and spirituality. We believe that this holistic perspective gives an added dimension to therapy, which deepens your healing and sustains your growth over years.

We do not specialize in any particular school of psychotherapy. Our approach to therapeutic work might be termed generally humanistic in nature, but each staff counselor or therapist has his or her own unique approaches and areas of specialty. Neither do we specialize in any theological persuasion. We are here to walk with you in your quest to enrich your psychological, relational and spiritual life as you prepare for professional ministry.

What is counseling or therapy like?
Counseling, psychotherapy or pastoral counseling normally occurs on a weekly basis and is structured around a standard 50 minute session.  Therapy works because you take this time to be as transparent as possible about the feelings, thoughts, impulses and visions you are experiencing. The job of your therapist is to listen carefully to your concerns, help you reflect in deeper ways upon your issues, explore inner and external conflicts that keep you stuck, and to suggest behaviors and action steps to facilitate the change you desire.

Confidentiality and privacy is of the upmost importance in this process. One of the ways that we protect your privacy is that your therapist does not speak to or release any information about you to anyone outside of this center without your permission. For more information about privacy policies, click here.

This is your “set apart space” in your week to be totally yourself, to look deep within, explore the origin of your troubles and find a sense of peace and healing that will allow you to move forward toward a healthier life.

There is no set timetable to therapy. You may realize benefits as quickly as a few sessions, or feel the need to stay in therapy more long term to sustain and support your growth. You are under no obligation to continue therapy beyond the next agreed upon appointment.

Counseling or therapy may be done either as an individual or with loved ones, i.e. couples therapy or family therapy. All of the above guidelines apply to conjoint therapy. However, when individuals come to therapy as a couple or as a family, then the primary client is the relationship, not the individual. The focus of therapy shifts away from the individual to the relationship’s health and well being. The task of such therapy is to enhance the health of the relationship.

• Anxiety and Stress
• Depression
• Communication
• Couple and family conflicts
• Premarital preparation
• Grief and loss
• Death and dying
• Addictions and Compulsive Behaviors
• Physical and sexual abuse
• Perfectionism
• Faith and Spirituality
• Moral and Ethical Decisions
• Divorce
• Parenting
• Career and Job Transition
• Career burnout

Fees
A fee scale of $85-$125 per hour is used to determine a client’s fee. Fees are determined in consultation with your counselor/therapist. If you cannot afford these fees and receive counseling services, you may consult with the director about financial aid.