Client vs. Patient

A few days ago, I learned that many of the shop people that I dealt with in the neighborhood, didn't realize my profession until one simple conversation in Nordstrom's Rack.

"Good afternoon Angela, how are you today?" she asked. "Having a great day; full day of clients this afternoon." I said feeling good about having completed my morning tasks, which allowed me time to look around and shop before starting my work day.

She then looked at me without batting and eye lash, "Where do you do hair?" she said. The question assumed that I was a hair stylist or cosmetologist. "I don't do hair, I'm a counselor." I replied, with a confused look on my face.

She quickly says, "I'm sorry, I thought,...you said clients." And then it hit me. She now fumbles with my credit cards trying to get me out of her line as fast as possible.  I responded, "I can understand that. You're right, I don't say patients, I say clients." Trying to reassure her.

It wasn't until she actually looked at my card to see that it read, Dr. Angela. Now, when she sees me, her greeting is "Morning Doc!"

I say that to say this -- there is a reason for the difference in usage of name for me and my office. A mind set that hopefully not only affects how I deal with the people who use my services, but how they think of themselves as well.

I use the word “client”, not “patient," because the word “patient” can imply a medical model in which the doctor works on and heals the patient, and the patient more passively receives the treatment. Pastoral Counseling is different; it involves your active participation. You hire me, and we work together.

The medical terminology of "patient" also implies that you are sick in your body - those who need help versus those who do not. I prefer to think of it as walking along a path and the occasional loosing of your footing: sometimes walking along the sure path, and sometimes walking along the overgrown, dead end path. It is during those times that you seek out my assistance.

So, I will only call those who visit with me - clients.
"Not accepting patients at this time."

6 Ways Pastoral Counseling Can Help You

Pastoral Counselors are able to help people who are dealing with all kinds of difficulties in their daily lives. They  are distinctly trained to deal with specific issues of spirituality (faith) and religion (theology), as well as psychology, thereby, providing a doubly qualified person. If you have been struggling with issues in your life and contemplating whether or not to see a Christian counselor, here are 6 reasons how New Life Pastoral Counseling can help you.

1. Dealing with Life’s Issues

A typical client calls New Life for an appointment, because he/she is making an attempt to deal with a specific issue they are facing. They wish to make heads-or-tails of a marital problem, depression, anxiety, family issues or even concerns of identity. New Life Pastoral Counseling, deals with all aspects of Life Stages (premarital counseling, divorce, marriage issues and enrichment, etc.), and Life Transitions (depression, loss and grief, identity crisis, etc.).

 2. An Understanding Ear

Although counselors are expected to provide advice and guide clients, a large reason why you seek a counselor is to be heard.  You need someone to listen to what is going on with you; someone to listen without judgment. This is a very valuable and therapeutic part of counseling process and should not be undervalued. If you would appreciate having a caring individual who is willing to listen to what you have to say and how you feel, you will benefit from seeing a counselor at New Life Pastoral Counseling.

3. Social Skills

With much of our world become more virtual in application, many of the issues we deal with involve one’s interactions with others; your communication and/or relationship skills. Learning how to deal with the various personalities of our environment can assist in avoiding many problems in the future.  New Life Pastoral Counseling can help. Learn how to communicate the correct way for each situation.

4. Having a God Focus

Here at New Life Pastoral Counseling, we deal with more than just your mind, but the divine person you were created to be. Pastoral counselors turn to Scripture when assisting a client, not just psychology. They understand that we are created by God and must include a relationship with the Creator in order for our lives to truly be on track.  Therefore, prayer is also an important part of the process. This is not a time to become “preachy” but to have a better understanding of what God has promised for your life.

5. Self Evaluation

When we are dealing with specific issues in our lives, we have a tendency to look around for others to point a finger at. We want to blame others and leave ourselves blameless. Many times this is due to a misguided education growing up. Once you learn to change your self-dialogs through self evaluation, a whole new world can be opened up. At New Life Pastoral Counseling, we know that self talk is important. That having the Word in your heart is a great step in the right direction.

6. Mentor

In some ways a Pastoral Counselor can also serve as a mentor that you can trust and turn to in times of question. A Christian, Life Coach. Here at New Life Pastoral Counseling, we want you empowered, encouraged and thriving.