Harris Campus

SERVICE TIMES

Two Services:
Sunday at 8 & 11 AM

Community Groups

9:30 AM

Address

7200 E. WT Harris Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28215

Latest Sermon

Contact

704-531-4000

Mallard Creek Campus

SERVICE TIMES

Sunday at 10:00 AM
Spanish Worship at 10:00 AM

Community Groups

8:45 AM

Address

13200 Mallard Creek Road
Charlotte, NC 28262

Latest Sermon

Contact

704-531-4000

Latin American

Two Locations:

Harris Campus
7424 E. WT Harris Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28227

Mallard Creek Campus
13200 Mallard Creek Rd
Charlotte, NC 28262

Contact

704-531-4000

Counseling

Sometimes life comes at you and requires you to acquire support beyond pastoral counseling or friendly advice. At this point, it is helpful to seek out professional counseling.

Hickory Grove offers several types of counseling, including Clinical Counseling from Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHC), Graduate-level interns in their master’s degree, Biblical Counseling from a trained Biblical Counselor, and various support groups throughout the year. Each type of counseling is designed to engender hope and create change for various struggles that people face. All our counselors are believers in Christ and are trained in the art of counseling that applies to their discipline. To see which counseling method is right for you, please feel free to browse through the different categories.

If you are interested in more information, feel free to browse through the different counselors or call 704-531-4034. In the summer of 2023, we are moving out of the church to the Mint Hill area! Please visit our website TabonucoCounseling.com

FAQs

What is the difference between meeting with a Clinical Counselor or Biblical Counselor in the counseling center?

There is a difference between Biblical Counseling and Clinical Counseling. However, this can be confusing.
First, it is important to examine the similarities between the two.

  1. The counselors have a Christ-centered perspective.
  2. The counselors have learned techniques for active listening to assess the issues and are designed to assist people to change.
  3. There is a trusting relationship between the counselor and the client.
  4. There is a commitment by the client to several sessions that last between 50-90 minutes.

 But how do they differ?

  1. The main difference in Clinical and Biblical Counseling is the approach taken by the counselor. Our Biblical Counselor uses the Bible to identify, explain, and solve personal and relational problems. Biblical Counseling is problem-based discipleship that derives its methods from the Bible. Whereas our Clinical Counselors use a clinical approach to identify, explain, and solve personal and relational problems. Our Clinical Counselors derive their methods by blending biblically based principles, along with proven psychological principles to promote emotional, relational, and spiritual healing.
  2. Another difference is education and licensure/certification. While both the Clinical and Biblical Counselors have higher education, the education differs. Our Clinical Counselors have at least a master’s degree in the counseling field and are licensed by the state of North Carolina. Whereas our Biblical Counselor has a master’s that focuses on counseling and theology and is certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

    Both Clinical and Biblical counselors can assist with many different issues. However, you must decide how you want to approach the issue. When considering which direction to go in, there is no correct answer. If you need more information, examine the different tabs, the different counselors, and feel free to call with questions.

    What is the difference between a Clinical Counselor and Graduate Intern?

    There are several differences between the Clinical Counselors at Hickory Grove and the Graduate Interns.

    1. The main difference is experience. The Clinical Counselors have already completed their graduate level degrees in counseling and have obtained some sort of licensure that allows them to practice. With this comes the experience of at least 750 hours of supervised practice plus the time they have practiced after graduating. This can be found in each counselor’s bio. Graduate Interns are still in their programs of study. So they have limited training.

    2. There is a fee for the Clinical Counselors. This will vary depending on the counselor’s experience, training, and license. The fee normally ranges from $60 to $120 per session. Our graduate interns are free of charge for sessions, so if there is a financial need, they are a good option.

    3. While it is always encouraged for counselors to consult with other counselors, it is not required for the Clinical Counselors. However, our graduate interns are required to consult (or be supervised) by another professional. If you work with a graduate intern, you will be asked to sign a form giving permission for the graduate intern to videotape the session. This is a requirement and used for the intern’s training at Hickory Grove and the intern’s school. All recordings are kept confidential and only shown to the intern’s supervisor if needed.
    Is counseling confidential at the counseling center at Hickory Grove?


    Clinical Counselors
    Anything discussed in counseling with one of our clinical counselors is kept confidential, with the following exceptions:

    1. You want to harm/kill yourself.
    2. If you want to harm/kill someone else or a group of people.
    3. Child abuse/neglect, elder abuse, abuse of the physically or mentally disabled.
    4. While we do not want to go to court, if we are court ordered or subpoenaed, we may be required to testify, or your notes may be requested. We will not release client files without a court order.
    5. Minor clients also have confidentiality. Parents are told if the minor wants to hurt him/herself, others, or if they are repeatedly engaging in an activity that could lead to harm or death. The parents will not be told the details of therapy but will be informed if needed. This is to insure the trust in the client/counselor.
    6. If for some reason you cross paths with your counselor outside of counseling, the counselor will not act like they know you. This is due to confidentiality. If you choose to acknowledge you know your counselor that is fine. You can speak briefly.

    Interns
    Our interns follow the same guidelines (see above) of confidentiality as our Clinical Counselors. However, it is important to note they are still in training and receive supervision. Consequently, they are required to video sessions, and discuss cases with the clinical supervisor in the counseling center, and their respective universities.

    Biblical Counselors
    For the most part, issues discussed in counseling with our Biblical Counselors is kept confidential, with the following exceptions:

    1. You want to harm/kill yourself.
    2. If you want to harm/kill someone else or a group of people.
    3. Child abuse/neglect, elder abuse, abuse of the physically or mentally disabled.
    4. While we do not want to go to court, if we are court ordered or subpoenaed, we may be required to testify, or your notes may be requested. We will not release client files without a court order.
    5. Our Biblical Counselor reports to one of the pastors at Hickory Grove. They may discuss your case to provide additional support for you outside of your time together.
    What can I do to ensure I get the most out of counseling at Hickory Grove?

    Counseling is not always fun or easy. It is important to consider the following when engaging in counseling.

    1. Complete the initial required paperwork. Most of this can be found either under the individual counselor’s bio for the professional counselors and under the “Intern” tab for the graduate interns. The paperwork normally involves the following:

      1. A Professional Disclosure Statement. This is a contract between you and your counselor. It explains the policies, procedures, and fees for counseling and is required by the North Carolina Licensing Board of Professional Counselors.
      2. A Clinical Intake Form. This is a series of questions needed by your counselor so that he/she knows best how to work with you. It includes current and past information on many aspects of your life. It is important you complete this as thoroughly as you can.
      3. A Financial Disclosure Statement (only for the professional counselors). This will cover the fees for most of the services the counselor can or will provide. This includes session fees, court fees, paperwork fees, etc.
      4. The Video Release Form (only for interns). This is a form to give permission to video your session for training purposes. This is a required form if you want to work with an intern due to the fact they have limited training.

    2. Show up for sessions. If you do not show up for sessions, you will not gain the knowledge and skills for change. For the professional counselors, there is normally a fee if you cancel your session less than 24 hours in advance. If you continually miss sessions for the counselors or interns, we will end our professional relationship.

    3. Show up ready to work. This means being open to change and processing hard issues. This also means completing the homework and/or the assessments given to you in an open, honest, and timely manner.
    What do I do when I decide I need counseling?

    Feel free to call the office at 704-531-4034, and we can help you determine the best fit. Or, if you have a good idea of what you want and need, look through the counselors’ bios and call one of them directly.

    What if I need Clinical counseling but do not want to utilize Hickory Grove’s counseling services?

    You can call the office at 704-531-4034, and we can direct you to someone or look over the list of outside resources and call them directly.

    Clinical Counseling

    Hickory Grove offers Clinical Counseling for members of Hickory Grove Baptist Church and non-members. According to the American Counseling Association, “professional counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals” (American Counseling Association). We blend Christ-centered, biblically based principles, along with proven psychological principles to promote emotional, relational, and spiritual healing. This relationship may be short- or long-term, depending on the issue you present. Clinical Counselors at Hickory Grove are licensed by the state of North Carolina or pursuing licensure. There is paperwork and a fee for counseling with Clinical counselors.

    What is the fee?
    There is a fee for the professional counselors. This will vary depending on the counselor’s experience, training, and license. The fee normally ranges from $120 to $165 per session. Our graduate interns are $10.00 per sessions, so if there is a financial need, they are a good option.

    In Summer 2023, we will be moving out of Hickory Grove and to the Mint Hill area. Please visit our website for more information. TabonucoCounseling.com

    Biblical Counseling

    Hickory Grove offers Biblical Counseling for members of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Biblical Counseling is problem-based discipleship that derives its authority, methods, and purpose from the Bible. It is the process of applying God’s Word to people struggling under the weight of personal sin and/or the difficulties with suffering to bring genuine inward change that pleases God. Our biblical counselor aims to reflect the love, concern, and compassion of Jesus our Shepherd as they use God’s Word to identify, explain and solve personal and relational problems. Biblical Counselors at Hickory Grove Baptist Church are certified through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. There is paperwork for counseling with our Biblical Counselor.

    (Adapted from Faith Biblical Counseling Ministry and Dr. Robert Jones. For a more technical description, visit the Biblical Counseling Coalition.)

    To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 704-531-4034.

    The initial paperwork is provided below and is required to be completed before the first session. Once initial paperwork is filled out send to .

    Biblical counseling Intake Assessment

    Play Therapy

    Several of our Clinical Counselors and Graduate Level Interns offer Play Therapy. The Association for Play Therapy defines play therapy as "the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained Play Therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development." (Please visit A4PT.org for more information.) At Hickory Grove, we have spaces designated for Play Therapy. Play Therapy is targeted for ages 3 – 12; however, it can be used with any age and developmental level.

    Where do I begin if my child needs Play Therapy?
    As a parent/caregiver, it can feel confusing to know what is best for the children in your life. If you believe your child may need therapy, looking into play therapy may be a good place to begin. However, we understand it can be overwhelming. Please visit the Parent's Corner at https://www.a4pt.org/page/ParentsCornerHomePag?&hhsearchterms=%22parents%22 for detailed information on play therapy. You can also feel free to call the office at 704-531-4034 or look through the counselors' bios and contact one of them directly to ask questions regarding Play Therapy at Hickory Grove.

    Is Play Therapy "just playing"?
    It is essential to understand that Play Therapy isn't "just playing." The attitudes, values, and skills of play therapy provide a developmentally appropriate approach to address the needs of children (Phipps & Post, 2020). Play therapy is an evidence-based approach for working with children. Information on the research of play therapy can be found at https://www.a4pt.org/page/Research. While our therapists may use different skills and techniques with children, play must be incorporated for the therapy to be effective.
    Our clinicians who offer Play Therapy have had years of training to understand how to work with children. Our interns who offer play therapy are under the direct supervision of Dr. Phipps, who is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.

    References
    Association for Play Therapy. (n.d.). APT Homepage. A4PT.org
    Phipps, C. B., & Post, P. B. (2020). The effect of child-centered play therapy on the externalizing behaviors of low-income male preschoolers: A single-case design study. International Journal of Play Therapy, 29, 74-85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pla0000115

    Interns

    Our graduate counseling interns offer counseling at a reduced rate to individuals and couples. This includes adults, adolescents, and children. Our interns are receiving either their masters or doctoral degrees in counseling. They all receive training and supervision from the clinical supervisor in the counseling center, Dr. Christa Phipps, and their respective universities.

    The goal of our internship program is to offer quality counseling free to people who cannot afford it while training new counselors on how to incorporate faith-based principles with the clinical skills necessary to be effective. Sessions last from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the arrangement made with your intern. The initial paperwork will be provided once you are assigned an intern - through a secure client portal.

    To schedule an appointment with one of the Graduate Counseling Interns, please call the office at 704-531-4034 or email our Administrative Assistant at