Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of the Foundation?
“We exist to provide access to the healing and hope that pastoral counseling can bring.”

What is pastoral counseling?
Pastoral counseling is a form of therapy or counseling in which a pastoral counselor uses the insights and principles of religion, theology, and modern behavioral sciences in working with individuals, couples, families, groups, and institutions toward the achievement of wholeness and health. An important ingredient in pastoral counseling that is different from other forms of counseling and psychotherapy is the conviction that mental and emotional illness are best met by both the wisdom of religious teachings and the knowledge and skills of the human behavioral sciences. Click for a special article on this counseling.

Is it counseling by pastors? Is it counseling for pastors?
The answer to both questions is “Yes, but not exclusively.” Many of the Partnership’s counseling providers also have degrees in ministry or theology, which would give them the training of a pastor. In addition, many of them preach at local churches on occasion. However, they do not lead a congregation or pastor a church in the usual way. They are full-time mental health providers who act as pastors to one client at a time. Lastly, there are times in the ministry of a pastor when he/she needs to see a pastoral counselor so it is also “counseling for pastors.”

Don’t pastors already counsel for free?
In a 1997 church survey conducted by the Partnership, area pastors reported that of the people who came to them for counseling they would refer 22% to professional counseling. Pastoral counselors allow a pastor to remain a shepherd to the whole flock and not dedicate a disproportionate amount of time to one individual or family.

Why do you need to raise money for that?
The Partnership ensures that the burden of the working poor and uninsured is not the sole responsibility of the pastoral counselor. Money is raised to assist individuals with limited resources get the help they need to be whole and healthy.

What are the Partnership’s funding sources? How is your budget distributed?
The Partnership receives funding from individuals, businesses, foundations, churches and fundraising events. 70% of our budget is used for program expenses, 22% for fundraising expenses and 8% for administrative expenses.

What are the struggles for which people seek pastoral counseling?
The Partnership has helped people struggling with depression, anxiety, marital conflict, post traumatic stress disorder, faith issues, alcoholism, grief, loss and many other issues which prevent a person from functioning at their best mentally and emotionally.

How many people do you help per year?
We serve between 50-60 new clients per year.

How many counseling sessions will I have and what will my co-payment be?
The Partnership provides 16 sessions of subsidized pastoral counseling. Our average subsidy per session is $45 (client pays $15) but each client’s income and number in the household is compared to a sliding scale to determine the co-payment. All clients pay at least $5 per session.

How do I find an affiliated pastoral counselor?
Call the Partnership offices at 275-7279 or go to the website at www.ppcwnc.org.

Where are your offices?
Since the Partnership works with existing counseling practices all over WNC there is no need to rent our own office space. We are not listed in the phonebook so hang on to our number or bookmark the website!

“Working Together for Healing and Hope”

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