Frequently Asked Questions
Click on the questions below to jump to the answers.
Do I really need counselling?
People receive counselling for a variety of reasons. Below are some of the possible reasons you may want to embark on this journey:
- a personal stuck-ness in some area of your life
- need for accountability
- church, mission board, or denominational requirements
- need for a different set of eyes on some situation you are facing
- having someone who will care for you - asking you how you are doing
What kind of issues do you work with?
I've had the privilege to work with a wide variety of issues throughout my years of counselling:
parenting teenagers
church leadership
decision-making
pornography
relationships
self identity
depression
disabilities
motivation
spirituality
addictions
marriage
burn-out
anxiety
abuse
anger
goals
grief
fear
Will our conversations be private?
Click here for the NZAC Code of Ethics
As a full member of the the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), I am bound to the NZAC Code of Ethics.
In relation to confidentiality, the NZAC Code of Ethics requires counsellors to treat all communication between us as confidential and privileged information.
The only time confidentiality may be broken is if there is serious danger in the immediate future to you or others. Even then, you and I will discuss what is shared and with whom.
In relation to confidentiality, the NZAC Code of Ethics requires counsellors to treat all communication between us as confidential and privileged information.
The only time confidentiality may be broken is if there is serious danger in the immediate future to you or others. Even then, you and I will discuss what is shared and with whom.
How long do the sessions last?
Each session lasts one hour, whether face-to-face or online.
How often we meet is up to you. Suggested options are weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - depending on the nature of our discussions.
How often we meet is up to you. Suggested options are weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - depending on the nature of our discussions.
I don't live in New Zealand; can I still talk with you?
I love exploring how culture affects ministry! I have lived in five different countries and have spent significant ministry time in six different nations. Therefore, I am aware of and sensitive to the variety of cultural pressures exerted on those in ministry.
Besides typical in-person sessions, counselling is available online via Zoom or Skype. Therefore, pastors from around the world can make use of this service.
When you use the appointment scheduler, you will be able to see available appointment slots in your time zone.
Besides typical in-person sessions, counselling is available online via Zoom or Skype. Therefore, pastors from around the world can make use of this service.
When you use the appointment scheduler, you will be able to see available appointment slots in your time zone.
How much does it cost?
Sessions cost $90NZ per hour.
The first session costs only $45NZ.
I suggest you discuss with your church board or financial team about making this a part of your church budget. A brochure explaining the need for this is available here or the link to the left.
International payments can be made via PayPal. Receipts will be emailed to you.
The first session costs only $45NZ.
I suggest you discuss with your church board or financial team about making this a part of your church budget. A brochure explaining the need for this is available here or the link to the left.
International payments can be made via PayPal. Receipts will be emailed to you.
What about being "disqualified" from ministry?
There is no question that spiritual ministry is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.
However, there is also no question that spiritual ministry is carried out by very human men and women who struggle daily with various temptations.
The apostle Paul points to one type of spiritual leader who brings disqualification upon himself - the one who refuses to make changes in his or her life. He wrote: "As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so the rest may stand in fear." (1 Timothy 5:20). When we are working on making necessary changes, we are not persisting in sin.
It is not my role to tell you whether you are "qualified" or not. If this is something you are concerned about, we can discuss it.
It is my desire to journey with you toward a more healthy expression of your spirituality.
However, there is also no question that spiritual ministry is carried out by very human men and women who struggle daily with various temptations.
The apostle Paul points to one type of spiritual leader who brings disqualification upon himself - the one who refuses to make changes in his or her life. He wrote: "As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so the rest may stand in fear." (1 Timothy 5:20). When we are working on making necessary changes, we are not persisting in sin.
It is not my role to tell you whether you are "qualified" or not. If this is something you are concerned about, we can discuss it.
It is my desire to journey with you toward a more healthy expression of your spirituality.
How do I set up an appointment?
If you have more questions, you can contact me:
- on my phone…………………….021-023-22118
- or at my email address…………..Email
If you are ready to schedule an appointment now, click on the "schedule appointment" button below to find a time that suits you best.
- on my phone…………………….021-023-22118
- or at my email address…………..Email
If you are ready to schedule an appointment now, click on the "schedule appointment" button below to find a time that suits you best.
VANTAGE POINT MINISTRIES
205A Windsor Avenue
Hastings, NZ
CONTACT INFO
Phone or text:
022-402-2114
Email