Objectives . . .
The Plum Creek Counseling Center exists to glorify God by:
• Promoting client healing of damaged emotions as counselors are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer compassionate care as servants of Jesus Christ.
• Providing guidance through the foundational truths found in the Bible.
• Pursuing excellence in all areas of the practice; administrative and professional
• Partnering with the local church by encouraging clients toward emotional, relational, spiritual and physical wholeness.
• Preventing financial barriers that may hinder persons from seeking services.
Core Values . . .
• Excellence: Clinical treatment, Christian principles, professional standards, business practices and technology
• Perseverance: Stay at a task, whether administrative or clinical, until complete or resolved. Work to save marriages, deliver from bondage, maintain hope.
• Relationships: View clients as valuable, made in God's image.
• Collaboration: Value partnerships with churches, specialty clinics and professional colleagues.
• Discipleship/Mentoring: Provide training to para-professionals and professional interns as feasible and encourage spiritual growth in clients.
Treatment Approaches . . .
• Biblical: using Scripture study, memorization, discussion, challenge and encouragement
• Spiritual: utilizing prayer when appropriate during the course of counseling
• Eclectic: drawing from psychological theories (Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Rogerian [Client-Centered], Solution Focused, Temperament & Personality Testing) in so far as they do not contradict Scriptural truth. Counselors will utilize treatment approaches which reflect competencies and training.
Length of Treatment & Referrals . . .
Treatment length varies from client to client. Many issues can be addressed in a limited number of sessions, while other issues (i.e. trauma or abuse) may take several months or years of treatment. When it becomes apparent that the counselor does not have the skills necessary to address the client's issues, the counselor may either refer for more specialized care or discontinue therapy and assist with a referral to an appropriate therapist, health care professional or therapy program.
Client Confidentiality . . .
Confidentiality is maintained for all clients except in the following cases:
• If child abuse is either reported or suspected.
• When the client is a minor. The parents/guardians are entitled to know the condition, diagnosis, and progress of therapy in general terms. (The counselor will maintain confidentiality with the minor unless it is in the best interest of the child to disclose information to the parent).
• If the client poses a "clear and imminent danger" either to self or someone else. (The counselor is required to report such danger to the appropriate parties, including family members, police, and/or the threatened party).
• If the client is or becomes a "vulnerable adult". This is a person suspected with reasonable cause to be suffering abuse, neglect or exploitation.
• If the client releases information with a written authorization. (The counselor can speak with pastoral or church staff only when a written release is signed).
• If a court subpoenas a client's records.
• When consultation or supervision with another counselor or counseling supervisor is desired in order to provide the best possible therapy. Such discussions will, of course, remain private within the consultation or supervisory relationship.