THE PASTOR AS GATEKEEPER

Often a pastor is the person's only contact with the healing and helping professions. As a result, you are frequently faced with questions concerning marital and family problems, or asked to act as confidante or counselor.

Even though you desire to be of help, your busy schedule probably does not allow time to do so adequately. In such cases, the ability to refer a parishioner to a qualified counselor may be a solution to this common dilemma.

The purpose of this brochure is two-fold: 1) to alert you to some "hidden" symptoms of distress; and 2) to acquaint you with a referral resource.

DISTRESS SIGNALS

References to feelings of loneliness, isolation, moodiness, depression. Decreased church attendence. Emotional distress when talking about one's fiance', spouse, children, parents, or job.

Excessive use of alcohol or drugs. Marital conflict over personal backgrounds, values or goals. Frequent references to a child's behavioral problems.

Disruptive behavior in children during church or Sunday School.

HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL

• Become familiar with a therapist and discover their areas of expertise. You should feel free to call the therapist and discuss relevant issues. When possible, refer husband and wife together to avoid possible conflict.

Refer at the first sign of emotional, marital or family distress. As with physical problems, delay usually makes the problem more difficult to deal with.

Suggest they use your phone to make the first counseling appointment.

Since most people are unfamiliar with what happens in counseling, give them as much information as you can. You should feel free to get that information from the therapist you refer to.

Check on the results of your referral. Did they follow through? Was the referral effective?

Without counsel, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.

Proverbs 15: 22

FREE CONSULTATION

A free private consultation session can be helpful in determining how counseling can helpful. Answers to questions allow a more informed decision about a person's counseling needs. Services:

Child & Adolescent Therapy Individual Therapy Marital Therapy Family Therapy