We often get asked many questions about the counseling that is offered here at The Foundry. Check out these common FAQs put together by Graham Bufford, The Foundry Ministries Director of Aftercare.
What type of counseling best describes what is offered at The Foundry?
The type of counseling The Foundry Ministries offers is best defined as Pastoral Counseling, a practice that integrates both psychological and theological concepts into its framework. The Foundry conceptualizes program participant experience into three distinct areas of focus: spirit, soul, and body. We structure collaborative counseling sessions where the program participant can have opportunities to find freedom from life controlling issues, namely addiction. Pastoral counselors believe this incorporation of spiritual exploration and support can foster wholeness, healing, and growth in those who are seeking help. The Foundry utilizes resources such as prayer, Scripture study, and participation in the ministry community to help guide people on their journey toward transcendence, transformation, and life-giving relationships.
How frequently do program participants meet with their counselors?
Program participants meet individually with their counselors once a week and meet with the same counselor during the first three-fourths of their stay in our programs.
Do men counsel with women and vice versa?
No, not through most of their program. The only exception would be when women engage in counseling with the Director of Aftercare, who largely structures counseling on maintenance and relapse prevention.
How long do counseling sessions last?
Counseling sessions usually last approximately an hour, but can go longer if the counselor assesses the program participant to be in a state of crisis.
Are counselors at The Foundry licensed?
No, not at this time. However, Foundry counselors have either received or are working toward state certification from Alabama Association of Addiction Counselors (AAAC) or National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).
Does The Foundry use any type of curriculum in it’s counseling regimen?
Yes. The Foundry Ministries utilizes a curriculum called The Genesis Process developed by Michael Dye (www.genesisprocess.org.) Utilizing an individual as well as a small group format, The Genesis Process is a curriculum designed to be “both a Biblical and neuro-chemical understanding of what is broken that causes us to be self-destructive.” In addition, program participants can be assigned reflection papers and other exercises that counselors utilize to create relational bridges that bear the weight of accountability. Supplemental to this curriculum, program participants have opportunities to join other small groups during their time as residents, such as Freedom Groups.
What are common goals people work on during counseling?
The Foundry’s wellness oriented model and pastoral counseling approach can be effective within a broad range of problems. Primarily, The Foundry Ministries’ believes that life change begins the first day a person walks through its doors and the process overall is geared towards creating, maintaining, and implementing a relapse prevention plan. Our counselors use the SMART Goal format (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-sensitive) for a wide variety of goals including broadening depth of Biblical wisdom, finding housing and transportation, elevating self-esteem, decreasing stress severity, creating healthy boundaries, and experiencing relationship interdependence. Overall, counseling is just one avenue that supports a culture of excellence involving multiple aspects of a person’s life as well as establishing life-long relationships with Jesus Christ.
Don’t see your question? Leave us a comment below and we will make sure we address it.
