Professional Counseling
Professional counseling is one avenue God has ordained for healing and growth in our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual lives
When should I go to counseling?
You can see a counselor or other mental health professional just like you see a physician for your physical health: for occasional check-ups, or more regularly during a less healthy season.
Counseling can be helpful when life is going well but you want help examining your heart and mind for blind spots and opportunities for growth. You can also begin counseling if you notice a cycle of deterioration or suffering that you need help navigating. Some experiences in our lives call for a higher level of care, and using specialized or trained professionals can bring helpful insight and support.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, please immediately call 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
For those experiencing domestic abuse immediately call 911 or call the domestic abuse hotline at 800-799-SAFE(7233) or Text "START" to 88788 for 24/7 support
Counseling can be helpful when life is going well but you want help examining your heart and mind for blind spots and opportunities for growth. You can also begin counseling if you notice a cycle of deterioration or suffering that you need help navigating. Some experiences in our lives call for a higher level of care, and using specialized or trained professionals can bring helpful insight and support.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, please immediately call 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
For those experiencing domestic abuse immediately call 911 or call the domestic abuse hotline at 800-799-SAFE(7233) or Text "START" to 88788 for 24/7 support
Shouldn’t I be able to deal with my problems through friends and family or by reading my Bible?
There are multiple avenues that God uses for support and healing when we suffer. Healthy relationships and knowing God through the Scriptures are necessities for care, change and growth.
When it comes to mental health, we believe that it is wise and good to seek those who are trained and skilled in this specific work. God has gifted and called certain individuals to advance His kingdom through this effort.
When it comes to mental health, we believe that it is wise and good to seek those who are trained and skilled in this specific work. God has gifted and called certain individuals to advance His kingdom through this effort.
I am having trouble in my marriage. Should we see a marriage counselor or do individual counseling first?
Marriage counseling can be helpful to help identify unhealthy or sinful patterns originating from both parties that negatively impact a marriage. A few examples would be:
We do not recommend marriage counseling if there is any form of abuse in the marriage, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial or sexual. We recommend individual counseling that addresses the abuse first. Once safety has been established a conversation regarding possible reconciliation can begin.
- Communication issues
- Parenting differences
- Emotional disconnection or escalation
- Fear of intimacy (emotional or physical)
We do not recommend marriage counseling if there is any form of abuse in the marriage, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, financial or sexual. We recommend individual counseling that addresses the abuse first. Once safety has been established a conversation regarding possible reconciliation can begin.
What are the different levels of counseling?
Outpatient – In traditional outpatient counseling, you usually attend one session per week that lasts approximately an hour. These specifics may differ depending on the recommendation of your counselor and the severity of the situation.
Intensive Outpatient Program – This level of counseling involves multiple sessions per week that last three to four hours at a time.
Day Program or Day Hospital – This level of counseling has you attend Monday through Friday for the entire day, going home every night.
Inpatient Program – In this level of counseling, you check into a facility and can stay anywhere from one week to multiple months depending on what is recommended. You will sleep and eat at this facility until you are discharged. There are specific times for friends or family to visit or join a counseling session.
Intensive Outpatient Program – This level of counseling involves multiple sessions per week that last three to four hours at a time.
Day Program or Day Hospital – This level of counseling has you attend Monday through Friday for the entire day, going home every night.
Inpatient Program – In this level of counseling, you check into a facility and can stay anywhere from one week to multiple months depending on what is recommended. You will sleep and eat at this facility until you are discharged. There are specific times for friends or family to visit or join a counseling session.
GriefShare
It hurts to lose to someone. It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.
This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. This is one of the groups our church provides. We don't want you to feel alone in a time of need and hurt. For questions about griefshare call the church at 804-379-9500 or email us at midlothianbaptist@gmail.com
This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. This is one of the groups our church provides. We don't want you to feel alone in a time of need and hurt. For questions about griefshare call the church at 804-379-9500 or email us at midlothianbaptist@gmail.com
Speak Out PDX
We wanted to provide as much resources as we could with those who are experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, and so much more. The mission of Speak Out PDX is they are so passionate about addressing mental health needs within the church. The link below will take you to their podcast page with helpful podcast to encourage and help you with anything you may be struggling with. We hope you find them helpful.
