What To Expect

Whenever you do something for the first time it can be a little uncomfortable. The following information will help to ensure that things go smoothly during your first visit with us.

How to Find Us

Our offices are located within Calvary Church. Offices and waiting rooms are on the balcony level (2nd floor) of Calvary Church on the North side of the building. Enter through the overhang doors on the North side of the building, and take the stairs on the right up to the 2nd floor. There is an elevator down the hall and to the right through the North doors as well.

The Environment of the Center

Counseling services are offered for people of all ages including individuals, couples, and families. Restoration is a safe and confidential place for people to express their emotions, struggles, hopes and fears, knowing that a caring and trained Christian professional counselor will be listening.

Our First Meeting

Sessions typically last between 50-60 minutes. The number of sessions will depend on the situation and should be discussed with the counselor. You are not obligated to complete a specified number of sessions. Occasionally, counselors elect to discontinue therapy. This usually happens when they feel no substantial progress is being made or other factors are interfering with their ability to help you. If therapy ends prematurely, we will help you find qualified help elsewhere.

We Believe...

We believe the counseling relationship between a therapist and client is an essential and powerful part of the therapeutic process. How a person shares their story is as significant as the words that are actually being spoken. How our clients experience us and we experience our clients is of vital importance to the growth of the process, and thus frequently discussed. Counseling involves the therapist and client walking the paths of therapy together side by side. We are not "experts" that simply regurgitate "answers" as we stand outside or above our clients. The value we bring is that we have the miles of experience of having walked many paths with many people at many stages in their lives. Therefore, we may notice details, dangers, significant themes, or even nuances of the path itself as we walk together through the stories of our clients. Knowing ourselves, our own stories, gaining maturity, and moving towards a more whole, healthy and honest lifestyle is a process that takes time and a commitment to intimate exposure.

FAQ

Why would someone enter the counseling process?

Do you feel...

Out of control in thought and behavior?
Hopeless in struggles of depression and anxiety?
Stressed from the pain of the past?
Overwhelmed in dealing with despair and disappointment?
Lost in the busyness of everyday life?
Unable to experience the forgiveness of self or others?
Lonely or misunderstood in your family or marriage?

How often do sessions usually take place?

Clients typically meet once a week or once every two weeks with their counselor.

Will our discussions be confidential?

Everything you discuss with your counselor will be held in strict confidence. However, you should be aware that there are some situations in which your counselor may be required by law to report information to the proper authorities without your permission or knowledge. These situations include, but may not be limited to, a client's indication of bodily harm to others, involvement in a felony, suicidal intentions, and reasonable evidence of child or elder abuse or neglect. Your counselor may also disclose information in response to a subpoena issued by a court of law. Your counselor also reserves the right to inform church leadership of issues involving potential severe harm to the community of Calvary Church.

What financial information do I need to know?

We are committed to not letting finances to be the obstacle to people receiving the help they are searching for. We have a three-step strategy in place to assist clients. First, we have a sliding fee scale based on household income. Said scale has a high and low cap, and is negotiated between client and counselor. Second, we have scholarship funds available upon request that clients always have an opportunity to apply for. Third, we do not take insurance, but we do offer insurance reimbursement receipts. Many of our clients utilize our receipts to receive reimbursements for their session from their insurance companies. We are confident that through these three measures, we can greatly limit the role finances play in determining movement towards a more whole and healthy lifestyle.

Counseling fees are assessed on a per sessions basis. A sliding scale fee structure can be negotiated based on household income. We ask that you pay for completed sessions the day of the session. Credit will not be extended for more than two sessions without payment.

Payment in the form of a check should be made payable to Calvary Church.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

If you need to cancel an appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours prior to that appointment. Failure to notify our office will result in your being charged the fee amount for that session.

Is the counseling center a 24-hour counseling service?

No we are not. If you have a crisis after hours, please contact Life Crisis Services at (314) 647-4357.