Marriage Coaching

I am a pastoral counselor by experience and education, but not a licensed psychologist or therapeutic practitioner. As a pastor I can offer encouragement, guidance, and practical insights that you can choose to apply to your needs, according to your own situation.

Marriage Coaching is an alternative approach to therapy counseling. I am not a therapist wanting to dig up dirt or examine skeletons, but rather offer you an ear and some ideas for preparing, planning, or coping with the circumstances that are troubling you, much like family use to do – from Grandparents to Cousins – when we all grew-up, worked, lived, and died in the same small town.

A pastor can be a good starting point, because of our exposure to an array of issues that are typically more honestly shared with clergy than with psychologist. If your situation is beyond my ability to help, I will freely refer you a trusted therapist.

I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and a 30-year veteran of pastoral ministry who has been ordained into Christian ministry because of a calling to encourage and equip others to live the life that Christ came to redeem you too.

People get busy and without realizing it, become distant from each other. It doesn’t mean your relationship is over and plans should be laid to live without or to go to divorce court. It means you are a human and you are responding to your world the way you’ve been created too.

Marriage, just like health, requires intentional actions that will bring about wellness. In fact, it means you can rebuild your relationship better, stronger, and more intimate than before!

I am available to help you sort through the roadblocks, identify the triggers causing the strain, draw upon the spiritual reference from your life, tradition, or heritage. Sometimes it is a cognitive approach that helps to re-frame thoughts, attitudes, and worry.

THE GRANDMA STORY…

In many of my weddings I tell the story of my grandmother and grandfather who were married 64 years after they met one time.

In my marriage coaching process we focus on the seven lessons of this story that are applicable to any marriage relationship, regardless of how bad it’s become, or even if only one of you are seeking help.

Those “seven lessons of love beyond the wedding” are:

Love is intentional.
Love is commitment.
Love is God’s grace.
Love is fighting fair.
Love is together.
Love is laughter.
Love is family.

In my marriage coaching process we deal with discussion around these seven principles, not your problems. As a pastor, a preacher, a minister, my sermons are not dealing with people’s problems, they are dealing with God’s word and that deals with, addresses, and brings solutions to people’s problems.

When we meet around these seven principles, you will find that they will deal with your unique problem and you have opportunity to bring-up and seek clarity on just those issues that you want to.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS…

Q: What about actually getting together to discuss my situation?

A: If you live in the greater Mobile, Alabama area we can meet at our chapel, as I frequently do, at an area Starbucks. If you live else where, we can use email, phone, Skype, or any other digital means of communication.

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: No. If you have insurance coverage that has counseling benefits, please check with your insurance policy, I will point you to Larry Daniels of Pathway Professional Counseling, to find a covered counseling provider who is licensed by your state.

Q: What is your fees for your Christian counseling services?

A: I don’t have set fees, but usually couples or individuals give me an honorarium, or a little something for my time, and that’s fine and helpful for me and my ministry. A typical honorarium for a usual 45 to 60 minute visit has been anywhere between $25 and $50.

MEET UP…

If you live in the Gulf Coast area or will be in the area, I will be happy to sit down with you over a cup of coffee at a Starbucks or at our chapel to talk about your wedding plans or any premaritial or relationship coaching, or pastoral care issues that you may want an ear and/or some insight on in order for your marriage or life success. Please contact me and I ‘ll be happy to arrange a meet-up.