Dr. Morgan: Counseling is not Christian simply because the counselor is a Christian. This distinction is significant. This question addresses the practice of counseling rather than the personal beliefs of the counselor. Counseling that is Christian is is founded on the fundamental beliefs. That man is inherently sinful and can only find wholeness, psychological health and purpose in life through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Christ is “the Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) and He identified the Holy Spirit as the “Comforter” (John 16:16-26). Christian counseling may utilize secular observations and instruments for testing and assessment, but resolution, recovery and wholeness are found in Christ.

Are you an ordained minister?

Dr. Morgan: Yes. I was a ordained by the IFCA in 1974 and have since served 29 years in the Army reserves as a chaplain and more than 35 years in pastoral ministry.

What are your specific Christian beliefs?

Dr. Morgan: Solomon’s dictum wrote in Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my life’s credos and fundamental to my philosophy and practice in counseling, that I “Trust in the Lord with all (my) heart, and lean not upon (my) own understanding, but in all of (my) ways acknowledge Him and He will direct a paths.” If I must be dependent upon God and His Word in seeking wisdom for my own life then it is incumbent upon me to do the same for others. Hence, I believe that fervent prayer and careful study in the inerrant, infallible Word of God are essential in all areas of my life, personal and professional.

I don’t agree with all your Christian beliefs. If I come to see you, will you try to “convert” me?

Dr. Morgan: I respect people with worldviews different from my own. Having served a multitude of people with cultural differences and diverse faiths and philosophies from my own I have discovered that my relationship and communication with others is most meaningful when I seek to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual, rather than attempting to change them. If an individual is a Christian I will assist them in applying their Christian beliefs to the problems and issues they bring to the counseling room. If an individual is not a Christian I will help them apply what they believe and evaluate the effectiveness of their belief system in addressing their issues.

What should I expect in the first counseling session with you?

Dr. Morgan: The first session is commonly labeled by mental health professionals as the “clinical interview”. This session allows the client to provide a lot of information about themselves, including family of origin, education and training, vocational experiences, relationships with others, and their understanding of their reason for seeking counsel.

How effective is your counseling approach?

Dr. Morgan: I suppose my clients are the most reliable source for answering this question. That being said, numerous clients have referred others to make and have returned for additional counseling.

How do I know you won’t get overwhelmed by my problems?

Dr. Morgan: Though I consider myself highly empathetic the client’s problems are not my problems. God is the healer and the Holy Spirit ultimately is the counselor — not me. In this regard I have often cited to my clients the words of C. S. Lewis: “I’m in the same hospital you’re in; I’ve just been here longer.”

How do I know that what I talk to you about will be kept confidential?

Dr. Morgan: First, confidentiality is strictly observed by me and our staff according to the ethics of the American Counselors Association, the American Psychological Association and HIPPA. Anything said in the counseling room stays in the counseling room. Client’s progress notes and my therapeutic impressions of counseling sessions are electronically filed and encrypted daily. Hardcopies of notes are shredded.

Do you prescribe medication?

Dr. Morgan: No, only licensed medical doctors may prescribe medications.

Is your question still not answered? If so, you may email me directly at truthtransforms@aol.com for any other questions regarding my services. For other questions, such as information on professional Christian counselors in your region, or for free advice on a specific problem, please contact FOCUS ON THE FAMILY. Their phone number is (800) A-FAMILY (232-6459)