Coordinator for the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program Mr. Ken Reid (Kenneth E. Reid Ph. D., ACSW) 269-381-4442

  

The Pastoral Care and Counseling Program has been a part of the Diocese since 1970. Initially the program was established to address the needs of the clergy. Over the years it has evolved into an outreach ministry of the Diocese.

  

The following are frequently asked questions regarding the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program.

 

What is the mission of the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program?

The Pastoral Care and Counseling Program focuses on preserving family life and preventing individual and family breakdown. The goal is to assist people in developing to the fullest of their potential - spiritually, emotionally, and socially - in order to lead more responsible, satisfying and useful lives.

 

Where is the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program located?

The office is located at St. Lukes’s Church – 247 West Lovell, Kalamazoo.

 

Who is the counselor?

Dr. Ken Reid, a clinical social worker, has been with the Program since 1976. Ken is professor emeritus of Social Work at Western Michigan University.

   

What type of counseling is available?

Individual, group, premarital, marital, and family counseling are offered. In addition, pastoral care consultation is available to clergy.

  

Common themes of counseling include: depression, life transitions, post-traumatic stress, career challenges, grief and mourning, and interpersonal relationships.

  

Describe the "typical" person who comes for counseling.

Usually people coming for counseling have a strong desire to understand themselves more fully.  They also recognize that their problems impact and are exacerbated by family members, employer, and friends.

  

What about confidentiality?

The privacy of the client - clergy or laity - is protected. Information is revealed to others only with the consent of the person, except in rare circumstances where failure to do so would result in clear danger to the person or to others.
 

Is there a fee for counseling?

Professional counseling is intentionally made available at an affordable rate.  There is a reduced fee for clergy and their families.

  

What is available for someone without a specific problem, but who wishes to grow and expand?

This is a familiar question. Over the years, the Program has sponsored actualization groups for laity, clergy support groups, and vestry retreats.

 

What do you offer clergy living in rural areas with limited community agency resources?

Consultation is a phone call away. Clergy are encouraged to call the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program (269 381-4442) about issues of counseling, pastoral care, and community agency resources.

  

How do I refer someone to the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program?

The person referred may call to make an appointment. Or, you may call and present a summary of the problem, and then have the individual call to set the appointment.

  

How long does it take to be seen?

Generally, the initial interview will be within a week, depending on the scope and severity of the problem.