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Dave
Howser, M.Div., LCPC 5244
N. Lakewood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640 Phone:
(773) 450-3395 The decision to start counseling is a very important one. The therapy process can be a journey to help discover and strengthen internal resources when one is faced with the transitions and stressors of life. Therapy also provides an opportunity to gain greater awareness of one’s coping strategies and relationship patterns. North Shore Baptist Church offers a resource for psychotherapy and pastoral counseling to its members and the wider community. It is offered as a service which is separate from other church programs and clients need not be a member of the church to receive services. Below are some questions frequently asked by new clients. Please feel free to call Dave Howser directly if you have further questions or to set up an appointment. Frequently Asked
Questions: What types of
counseling is offered? Depending on one’s
goals and needs, the following modalities are offered: family,
couples (married and partnered), individual and child therapy.
Periodically, a group may be offered. Are there
different styles of counseling…what is best for me? There are a variety of
reasons that one seeks counseling. A clear understanding of
those issues helps the therapist to choose from several different
therapeutic approaches. Some therapeutic styles may be
directive or behavioral and others might be more process oriented
or reflective. An integrative style is one in which the
therapist takes into consideration which approach will match with
certain personalities or be more effective with certain goals
during the counseling process. These factors are also
considered when choosing the modality of therapy- individual,
couples or family therapy. Pastoral Counseling is also
offered (see below). What is
pastoral counseling? Life events as well as
one’s family and cultural background contribute toward the
formation of ethical and moral value systems which are in process
throughout one’s entire life. Pastoral Counseling is a
type of counseling that identifies the faith resources that an
individual has formed and employs them as an additional focus for
reflection. Examining these factors in depth can help
provide insight for growth and direction. Pastoral
Counseling is open to those of all faith traditions and is focused
on the spiritual path as identified by the individual.
Pastoral Counseling is not imposed on anyone, but is an additional
approach for those requesting it. What if I
don’t believe in God? What if my faith is
different than the therapist’s? For those who are
uncomfortable with Pastoral Counseling, psychotherapy is also
available. Pastoral Counseling helps to identify one’s
values and ethics when faced with a difficult dilemma. It
does not impose a belief system on the individual. It uses
the faith system identified by the client and works within that
system. What is the
cost? The goal with providing
these services is to make them available and affordable to those
who want them. For that reason, fees are set at a reasonable
rate and every effort is made to only raise rates as absolutely
needed. A sliding scale discount is available for those with
heavy financial burdens. There are also special rates
offered in certain circumstances which will be determined during
your intake conversation. Payment is expected at each
session. Can I use my
insurance? What if I do not have insurance? Insurance is not
required for service- in fact, some clients choose not to use
their insurance. If you have insurance that allows for
out-of-network providers, that is fine. Please provide
information about your insurance at the intake session and if a
monthly billing statement is required for you to submit. You
are responsible for payment during each session. When are
appointments? There are a variety of
times available for appointments. Usually evening
appointments are reserved for those who have job schedules which
may conflict with daytime appointments. There are no
appointments for therapy on weekends- which are reserved for
leading workshops and retreats. How long does
therapy last? That depends on the
issues presented and the pace of progress. Some choose to
work on a specific issue and then end when that issue feels
resolved. Others use therapy as a continuous or periodic
resource and may see a therapist for years with breaks from time
to time. Let your therapist know what works best for you and
your situation. I would hope that you would gift
yourself the time to work with your therapist for as long you need
it. It is helpful to know at the beginning if insurance or
other factors restrict the number of sessions available. What is the
affiliation/relationship with North Shore Baptist Church? North Shore Baptist Church has held a long-standing commitment to hosting counseling services for its members and the community. The counseling services and other programs offered are my private practice and are independently offered as a resource to NSBC and the larger community. In other words, we work together for certain programs, but the counseling is separate and independent of the church.
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