Spiritual Health Care
What is Counselling?
Counselling deals with issues that are negatively affecting the quality of life of an individual. These issues may relate to personal growth and struggle which may manifest in depression, shame, fear, low self-value, stress, burnout, addictions, anxiety or loneliness. With relational issues, the client may be experiencing emotional / mental pain, rejection, abuse, loss, conflict or marital issues. Spiritual issues such as a faith crisis, fear, doubt, confusion, warfare may be affecting the client’s relationship with God and their ministry. The goal of counselling is to offer support, encouragement, challenge to assist and promote growth and healing and freedom in Christ. This transpires in a trusting, confidential relationship between a client and a trained professional.
IF YOU NEED COUNSELLING OR INFORMATION FOR YOURSELF, YOUR SPOUSE OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER…
You can call the toll-free phone line at 1.888.5. CLERGY (1.888.525.3749) to connect with one of the Master’s level, registered Christian counsellors.
This counselling line is exclusively for pastors, ministry leaders and their immediate family members, and your call is free of charge.
Please note that this number is printed on your PAOC Credential Card.
No one from your church or the PAOC will know that you have called; Clergy Care will guard your privacy (except in cases where legally mandated reporting laws apply).
The Clergy Care phone line is staffed weekdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (EST)
If you prefer to email, send your email to info@clergycare.ca.
Here’s what happens when you call
One of the care associates will answer the phone they will arrange an appointment for you – a convenient time for you to speak with one of the Clergy Networks professional counsellors. You can call for any reason at all. Callers often contact us seeking help with family or marriage difficulties, feelings of depression or anxiety, issues in their congregation, staff problems, sexual addictions or other life difficulties.
There is no fee for your call.
After talking on the phone, you and the Clergy Care counsellor may decide that you would benefit from on-going counselling. They can refer you to a Christian counsellor in your area who has been screened by Focus on the Family Canada and the Western Ontario District. In this event, any counselling fees you incur with your local counsellor would be your responsibility. The Clergy Care Network will work with you and the Western Ontario District to inquire about partially subsidized counselling if necessary.
For More information you may access the website at www.Clergycare.ca
Other Resources
Pastoral Care Canada – Click HERE for their website.
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction has been called an ancient form of soul care. A Spiritual Director is a spiritual companion—one who can help you to articulate the presence, direction, and voice of God in your life.
Spiritual direction provides a confidential holy atmosphere where these kinds of questions may be discussed:
- Am I stuck in my relationship with God?
- Where has God been lately?
- How can I experience a deeper more intimate relationship with the Lord?
- How do I think of God?
- How can I become more aware of God all day long?
If you are thinking: ‘I want a spiritual facilitator who can provide opportunity and giftings to nurture, protect, watch, and guide me forward into the full image of Christ.’—then spiritual direction may be for you!
Rev. Peter Cusick is the founder and director of Beside Peaceful Streams ministries
For more information on Spiritual Direction or for availability and pricing please contact Peter Cusick
What if I just need some advice or I am facing a difficult situation but feel it does not warrant going to a therapist or counsellor?
Contact your Regional Director: 905 637 5566
Scott Doggart – Regional Director South: Extension 301 or sdoggart@wodistrict.org
Joel Spiridigliozzi – Regional Director GTA: Extension 303 or joel@wodistrict.org
Jeremy Murdoch – Regional Director North: Extension 304 or jmurdoch@wodistrict.org
