Pastoral Counseling - Issues Addressed

Depression, anxiety, stress management, persistent guilt, how to live a normal life after surviving physical, verbal or sexual abuse, spiritual crisis, life adjustments, career changes, grief, thriving after a dysfunctional childhood, spiritual growth, healing wounds, overcoming bad habits, recovery from addictions, lack of intimacy with God, facing idolatry, disability, job loss.

What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral Counseling is:

A unique form of counseling which uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth.
A specialized ministry of the church, providing professional counseling that is sensitive to a person's religious beliefs and traditions.

Certified Pastoral Counselors:

are ordained clergy.
integrate the spiritual and the psychological dimensions of human experience.
are certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.

The American Association of Pastoral Counselors

establishes standards for training and supervision of pastoral counseling which leads to certification of persons for competent practice as pastoral counselors and accreditation of institutions which provide counseling service and education.
serves the public by establishing and enforcing a professional Code of Ethics by which all members are required to practice.
supports its members with opportunities for continuing education, professional dialogue, and on-going consultation for growth in professional competency.

Categories of Certification

Member Certified
Fellow
Diplomate

More information about Pastoral Counseling may be found at the AAPC website.

Marriage and Family Therapy - Issues Addressed

Communication, conflict resolution, intimacy issues, premarital counseling, marriage as spiritual growth, meeting each other's needs, emotional intimacy, physical intimacy, spiritual intimacy, blended family issues, parenting through school or social problems, troubled adolescents, other parenting concerns, recovery after affairs, life after divorce.

What is Marriage and Family Therapy

About Marriage and Family Therapy.

Marriage and Family Therapy is a form of therapy which brings a family-oriented perspective to health care.
Marriage and Family Therapists evaluate and treat mental and emotional disorders and other health and behavioral problems, and address a wide array of relationship issues within the context of the family system.
Some of the problems and concerns addressed include: persistent problems with a child's behavior, school adjustment or performance; sexual concerns; feelings of depression, failure, anxiety or loneliness; difficulty in talking with family members, friends or coworkers; repeated financial difficulties; marital issues; persistent difficulty coping with stresses arising from life crises, such as death, divorce, acute or chronic illness, or unemployment; blended family issues.

Recognized Credentials for Marriage and Family Therapists:

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy - The professional association for the field of marriage and family therapy. Since 1942, the AAMFT has promoted the practice of marriage and family therapy through research and education, and regulated the profession through accreditation and credentialing.

Clinical Member
Master's or doctoral degree
Minimum 2 years clinical experience
1000 clinical hours with 200 hours of supervision
Approved Supervisor 3000 hours of clinical experience, have provided a minimum of 180 hours of supervision of marriage and family therapists in training and received 36 hours of supervision of this supervision.

Licensure in the State of Alabama by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy (follows many of the membership guidelines of AAMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Approved Supervisor of Marriage and Family Therapy
Approved Supervisor of Supervision of Marriage and Family Therapy.

How do I Schedule an Appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by calling The Vine at (256) 461-8580. This is a voice mail. Please leave a message, and one of the therapists will return your call as soon as possible. Messages are checked regularly, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

How much will it cost?

The Vine operates with a sliding fee scale. Your fee will be determined based on your gross family income. If your gross family income is between $30,000 and $70,000 or higher, your fee will be in the range from $30.00 per session to $85.00 per session.

If your gross family income is less that $30,000, your fee will be less, and there is scholarship assistance available to make up the difference between your portion and a minimum fee of $30.00 per session. The therapist can tell you the exact amount on the phone or during your first session.