Jerry L. Law, D. Min., CDAAC, BRI-I
Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor

Providing Biblical solutions to the challenges you face...

How is the role of a Pastoral Counselor different than that of other pastors at a church?    Counseling and support are considered an integral part of any pastor's ministry.  However, there are times when the needs of an individual or a family go beyond offering prayer, support and encouragement to encompass longer-term counseling.  Pastoral counseling is an intensification of the general ministry of the pastoral staff. This is especially important, for instance, when the problem may be an addiction to drugs or alcohol or other areas in for which the pastor may not have specific training.

What is Pastoral Counseling and just what are the qualifications to become a Pastoral Counselor? 
Pastoral counseling combines the insights and principles of Christian faith and theology with the knowledge and skills of counseling. Its primary goal is to help people experience increasing mental, emotional, and spiritual health through the process of counseling conversations and with God's presence as the foundation. Pastoral counselors are clergy who have received graduate level training in both religion and counseling for an approach that integrates counseling and theological perspectives. A typical program of study includes a four-year professional degree from a seminary and a masters or doctoral degree in pastoral counseling, with supervised practical experience. I am an active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and Board Certified by the International Board of Christian Counselors.
   
What is the difference between a pastoral counselor and other mental healthcare professionals? 
There are several key distinctions between pastoral counselors and other mental health professionals:

1. Pastoral counselors are trained and degreed in two disciplines, counseling and theology. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies as well as Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Biblical Counseling. Counseling sessions are based on the appropriate application of Biblical concepts and principles.
   
   
2. In many cases, pastoral counselors have more education. For example, pastoral counselors often have completed a three to four year Masters degree in a certified Christian Counseling program in additional to a four-year degree in theology. In comparison, social workers often have completed a two-year Master of Social Work degree beyond undergraduate coursework.
   
   
3. Pastoral counselors are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication. In situations where a pastoral counselor believes medication can be helpful, the client may be referred to a psychiatrist, or a medical doctor who specializes in treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. In most cases, counseling will continue with the pastoral counselor and the psychiatrist will supervise the client's medication.
   
   
4. In some cases, pastoral counselors may refer individuals to appropriate behavioral health specialists for treatment.

What services are offered:  Counseling is devoted specifically to men, couples, families, and groups for a wide range of personal and family problems, including: substance abuse, depression, anger management, marital conflict, grief/loss, employment and other personal struggles. For ethical/professional accountability reasons, I do not counsel women individually, or minors without parental permission/authorization and participation.

What about appointments and payment?  Counseling sessions are approximately 50 minutes in length.    Our office will assist you in making appointments by calling 480-774-7673.  Fees are established and will be fully discussed in the first session.   Payment is requested at the time of service, and may be cash or check.  It is my strong belief that every effort be made to counsel anyone who seeks it, regardless of ability to pay.  Therefore, several affordable payment options are available, which can be discussed on an individual basis.

What about my confidentiality?  Because you are sharing important and sensitive information about yourself, I am dedicated to establishing and maintaining a relationship of confidentiality. In such an environment, you are hopefully able to speak freely and honestly. The only circumstances when information could be shared without your written permission are when there is a clear intention to do harm to yourself or someone else, in the case of child or elder abuse, and when a court order is issued.  Protecting the confidentiality of those who seek counseling is a top priority.