BAILEY

First, let me share something that may surprise readers; be diligent consumers when it comes to finding faith based counselors!  Because of the disestablishment clause in the constitution, there are no laws concerning who may label themselves as a “Christian counselor.” Moreover, there are some unscrupulous “accrediting” agencies, who for a fee, will “accredit” anyone as a “Christian counselor.”  Because of this sad state of affairs our church staff only sends people to counselors that are members of the American Association for Pastoral Counseling (AAPC) and would urge everyone to do the same. The AAPC website reads: Under the auspices of AAPC, pastoral counseling adheres to rigorous standards of excellence, including education and clinical training, professional certification and licensure. Typical education for the AAPC-certified pastoral counselor consists of study that leads to:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• A three-year professional degree from a seminary

• A specialized masters or doctoral degree in the mental health field

A significant portion of this education is spent in clinical training. Post-graduate training involves completion of at least 1,375 hours of supervised clinical experience (that is, the counselor provides individual, group, marital and family therapy) and 250 hours of direct approved supervision of the therapist’s work in both crisis and long-term situations.
At Mount Zion the pastors all offer counseling in regards to spirituality and some “presenting” levels of personal issues. If a more significant level of care is needed, we refer folks to our AAPC friends. We do have financial counselors in our membership and regularly offer pre-marital counseling as well as counseling to parents in preparation for the baptism of their children. Additionally, throughout the year, various seminars and small groups meet seeking to help people with the many issues life presents.

— The Rev. Mike Bailey, senior pastor at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church

HELFAND

In Hebrew, Beth Shalom of Lake Norman is known as a Kehillah Kedoshah, a holy community, something that extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary. Members of Beth Shalom are entitled to individual and small group counseling services with me in the realm of pre-marital, family, divorce and grief counseling.  Along with the support of the Beth Shalom family, we have access to resources in the greater Lake Norman and Charlotte communities to assist with alcohol/substance and other abuse situations, medical/legal assistance, food aid, as well as professional/career counseling. I am also available to assist with spiritual needs of any kind and work with individuals and families in pursuing ways to further nourish their souls.

— Corey Helfand, Beth Shalom of Lake Norman

SNEED

NorthCross Church is a community that believes in the value of good counseling and promotes an environment where people feel safe to ask for help when life becomes overwhelming, complicated, or simply not working. Much of the day to day ministry of our pastoral staff is spent in formal and informal counseling dealing with abuse, sexual addiction, and difficult marriages. However, most of our work is with adults struggling with wounds related to their family of origin. The impact of divorce and broken families continues to impact subsequent generations in ways that extend far beyond adolescence and much of our counseling is centered on helping people deal with these kinds of wounds and not repeating the patterns of the past.

— Chip Sneed, pastor NorthCross Church (PCA), 11020-H Bailey Rd.