Supportive Counseling and Consultation for Emotional, Relational and Spiritual Health
Supportive Counseling and Consultation are voluntary services offered, with the goal of providing a safe environment to receive supportive listening and guidance, leading to increased self-insight; gain knowledge leading to healthier relational, organizational and life practices; enhance skill-building and resources.
It is engaging and collaborative. This model offers both brief and on-going care. It is always confidential and private. It is suitable for individuals, couples, families, organizations and their leaders, and mental health providers.
The only form the counselor will use is a summary form. This form will include the observations, themes, goals and recommendations of the counselor. You may request a summary at any time. The counselor agrees to maintain information as private, except in the following cases: (See Privacy and Policy Page):
· In cases where someone is at risk of being harmed.
· If neglect, or abuse of a minor has been reported.
· To a medical professional in a bonafide emergency.
Supportive Counseling and Consultation Include:
· Active/Reflective listening.
· Observational assessment.
· Supportive guidance for prevention, maintenance and growth in areas of emotional and relational health, and overall wellness.
· Identifying strengths, problems, and solutions through guided exploration and education.
· Education and guided exploration on mental health topics for individuals, couples and families.
· Education and regarding relational health and health of systems.
· Strengthening resilience at the individual, family and systemic level.
· Facilitating referrals to resources as needed.
Pastoral Counseling can be woven into this model through use of practices such as Christian spiritual direction, integration of scripture and theology, outside readings and education on personal spiritual practices.
Consultation for Leaders, Supervisors, Managers, Mental Health Practitioners may include:
· Education, consultation and coaching on leadership best practices, skills and paradigms, for optimal well-being of the leader and members of a leader’s organization.
· Education, consultation and coaching for mental health practitioners, identifying individual strengths, life themes, and deficits that influence and impact care provided. This is not clinical supervision.
Supportive Counseling and Consultation Is Not Psychotherapy or Professional Clinical Counseling. There is no diagnosis, no medical records, and no direct treatment interventions. These are not bound by the same regulations as Clinical Psychotherapy or Licensed Professional Counseling. The consultant can help you establish therapy or other community services if you are interested.
The counselor both generates and consolidates appropriate resources to meet specific needs and goals of clients, and collaboratively guides clients toward holistic approaches/perspectives that support overall well-being at personal and relational levels.
This model of care is not appropriate for, nor can it treat, acute mental health needs.
Clients best served by this model are those who are open and willing to collaboratively engage in the growth and learning process within and outside of sessions.