Counseling for those in Ministry
For those in ministry, especially those overseas, resources are either scarce or non-existent. However, with the spread of high-speed internet around the globe, cheap or free services like Skype make it possible to “meet” face-to-face in cyberspace. While this is not ideal, and is not a direct replacement for in-person counseling, it can provide significant “lift” for those facing difficult issues.
As a man involved in international ministry for over a decade, Chris Bruno personally knows the challenges of living and leading overseas. He was the National Campus Director for Campus Crusade for Christ for many years in a country in the Middle East, leading both local and national staff teams. The pressures of culture, team, family, work, friendships vs. coworkers, persecution, multi-cultural teams, furlough, support raising, etc. are all familiar. He has faced both great triumph and failure, glory and struggle. Now, as a trained counselor/therapist, his heart is to come alongside other men who are “in the trenches,” seeking to journey with them as they search for healing. He is involved in a variety of Member Health and Member Care initiatives, and is a member of the International Partnering Associates and the Member Health Associate for REACT Services.
Challenges on the Field
- Do you feel like you are “in over your head,” but you don’t feel like you can tell anyone…?
- Are the members of your team your best friends OR your coworkers OR your boss OR your disciples OR your counselees OR your enemies OR….?
- Is your marriage suffering from the stress of life (leading, living…surviving) overseas, but you just don’t have the energy left to pour into it?
- Does your agency expect too much? Not enough?
- Are you caught in an addictive cycle that you dare not tell anyone about?
- Do you find yourself constantly exhausted, no matter how much sleep you get?
- Is your “pillow-talk” with your wife more about the members of your team than about your marriage?
- Is your financial support constantly on your mind, but you don’t feel like you can raise another cent?
- Do you even believe what you are doing is beneficial to the Kingdom? If not, do you dare say something?
- How are your male friendships? Not where they could be?
- Is physical intimacy with your wife a distant memory?
- ….the list goes on…
To qualify for Skype Counseling, the individual or couple must first have an intake conversation. During this time, an overall assessment will be conducted, taking a look at a variety of factors that will contribute to the success of the counseling. These include such items as 1) a local support network; 2) overall mental health and resilience; 3) agency support; 4) crisis action plan; 5) the individual’s home-state laws regarding internet/phone counseling; and 6) ability to connect with a counselor in person upon return to his/her home country. In many cases, Skype Counseling may not be recommended.
Restoration Project is able to offer this service to qualifying missionaries and ministers at significantly reduced rates. While some scholarships are available, session fees represent a commitment to growth and an investment to change.
Skype Counseling session fees for qualifying missionaries/ministers: $50 per 45-50 minute session. For more information, contact us.
