Chapel Soul Care

HELPING PEOPLE GROW, WITH A CHRIST-CENTERED FOCUS

Chapel Soul Care is a fee based ministry of Monte Vista Chapel in Turlock, Calif. We recognize that not all hard things are bad; but in fact are actually what make us human. Our desire is to join you in your current struggle, past story, and whatever hard things come your way in the future with practical tools that help equip you to grow with a Christ-centered focus. You are not alone: your pain matters to God and matters to us. Let’s join together, with God, in a healing process.

We recognize that COVID-19 still affects many of us. We will continue offering Zoom or Face-time sessions as well as traditional face to face sessions to meet your level of comfort. Contact Chapel Soul Care for more information about digital counseling services.

Contact Chapel Soul Care Visit Chapel Soul Care Website

SERVICES PROVIDED

We acknowledge that no two people are the same; and tailor our sessions to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression or any other issue, we will help you recognize underlying problems, fully realize your strengths, and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things through a Christ-centered lens.

Our practice specializes in treating individuals, couples, and families. We offer comprehensive services in the following ways.

Individual Counseling

Our individual counseling sessions are 50-60 minutes in duration. We recommend (but don’t require) a six session structure to begin your individual counseling journey. In individual counseling, you will meet one-on-one with a counselor to understand your story: both past and present. Next, you will experience a working phase where we will work together to understand and challenge the identified issue to move towards healing. Finally, we end with a closing phase where you will have clear and practical next steps to maintain healthy movement.

Group & Family Counseling

Our group and family counseling sessions are 50-120 minutes in duration. We recommend (but don’t require) a six session structure to begin your individual counseling journey. In group and family counseling, you will meet with a counselor to dive into your family story: both past and present. We will help you define the unique role each person in the family plays. Then you’ll experience a working phase where we will work together to understand and challenge the identified issue to move towards healing. Finally, we end with a “closing” phase that give clear and practical next steps to maintain healthy movement.

Marriage Counseling

We believe wholeheartedly that the covenant of marriage is designed by God to represent the perfect way that God loves us: His creation. Our marriage counseling sessions are 60-90 minutes in duration and have a structure that is developed on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes we choose to meet with each member individually initially, and sometimes we feel it’s best for all sessions to be done together. We recommend (but don’t require) a minimum 6-session structure to begin your marriage counseling journey. You will meet with a counselor to dive into your family story: both past and present. Next, you will experience a working phase where we will work together to understand and challenge the identified issue to move towards healing. Finally, we end with a closing phase where you will have clear and practical next steps to maintain healthy movement.

Youth & Adolescent Counseling

Our youth and adolescent counseling sessions are 30-60 minutes in duration. These sessions are curated on a case-by-case basis that is typically developed in partnership with parents or guardians. Participants will experience a working phase where we work together to understand and challenge the identified issue to work towards healing. A significant part of what makes up adolescent sessions often includes helping young people discover and solidify their identity. Finally, we end with a closing phase that give clear and practical next steps to maintain healthy movement towards God’s best for the adolescent’s life.

Our Team

Aimee Rasmussen

Director, Pastoral Counselor

Denise Van Groningen

Pastoral Counselor

Rachel Cherenson

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #120746)

Cari Ahlem

Soul Companion

Jill Chance

Pastoral Counselor

Carlene Spycher

Soul Companion

Lori Carlson

Pastoral Counselor

Julie Reich

Intake Coordinator

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the benefits of pastoral counseling?

Pastoral counseling can provide specialized treatment to those seeking such but also meet more general counseling needs, it can be considered a versatile mode of therapy. Pastoral counselors are uniquely positioned to offer a professional level of mental health treatment, thanks to graduate training and education, while also providing spiritual guidance from a faith-based perspective.

Pastoral counseling can offer support to those seeking family, relationship, premarital, or individual counseling. More specifically, it may be helpful to individuals working through or challenged by any of the following situations:

Pastoral counselors are uniquely positioned to offer a professional level of mental health treatment, thanks to graduate training and education, while also providing spiritual guidance from a faith-based perspective.

Spiritual assessment
Grief and loss
Issues related to chronic or terminal illness
Conflicts around spiritual beliefs
Mental health issues directly linked to religious beliefs or doctrine
Crises of faith

What are the education requirements of a Pastoral Counselor at Chapel Soul Care?

Requirements set forth by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors stipulate candidates must earn one of the following graduate degrees:

Masters in Divinity
Graduate or Doctoral degree in Biblical Studies, Theological studies, or Spiritual Studies
Graduate or Doctoral Degree in Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral counselors are trained in mental health assessment and suicide/homicide assessment, and they are typically able to diagnose the warning signs and symptoms of other serious psychiatric concerns.

Can I use my insurance?

We do not process insurance. Please let us know if the fee is what is keeping you from counseling. We would like to have a conversation with you, and see if there are other options.

What type of payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, check, and debit/credit. Payment is due at time of service. Please make checks payable to Monte Vista Chapel.

How long does therapy take?

Each session lasts 50 minutes. The number of sessions really depends on the severity of the issue(s). Your therapy could range from 2 to 3 sessions to years of therapy. Often we can reach our initial goals with somewhere between 4 and 8 sessions. Couples counseling generally takes 8 to 12 sessions.

Do I have to be a Christian to see someone at Chapel Soul Care?

No. Our services are available to everyone; regardless of their religious beliefs or faith. We naturally incorporate spiritual components into therapy as we feel that healing is not complete unless we address the entire person – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. If you ever feel uneasy with any aspect of your care, please make us aware of your concerns.

What if I have to cancel my session?

We understand that sometimes life throws us unexpected curves in the form of illness or emergencies. If you need to cancel an appointment, please give us 24 hours notice, otherwise you will be charged the full fee for your counseling session. This notice allows us to schedule someone in your place.

What kind of therapy do you practice?

Our primary mode of therapy is a custom designed integrated approach for each client.

What if I’m not sure counseling will really help?

There are many factors that will influence whether we seek the help of a counselor. We may be reluctant to start the process because we don’t know what to expect. Often we feel that the problem that we are facing isn’t big enough. We may wonder if seeking help is a statement about our ability to solve problems on our own or a judgment on our character. We may feel guilty going outside of our family to get help. Some of us have been taught to tough it out, to be fiercely independent, and get on with life. By admitting that we need some extra help on our journey we set ourselves on a path of growth that changes our lives for the better. If you find yourself stuck, then we would like to meet you there.

What can I expect in the counseling process?

The counseling relationship differs from the type of relationship people have with friends and family. Counseling entails you and the counselor working together for the benefit of you. You and your counselor will set goals together; they will not be imposed on you. The counselor role includes providing support for you without judgment. You set the pace of the session as you become comfortable in discussing your feelings and thoughts. The counselor can often be helpful in assisting you with difficult emotions through support, acceptance, and helping you gain insight about yourself.

How do I know that counseling is working?

Successful counseling feels like something has changed, something is different. You feel more hope and self-confidence. You are trying out new behaviors and they are working. The way successful therapy looks is other people begin to comment that something about you seems different. Maybe they don’t know what has changed in you, but you feel better to be around. You will also notice that you are having different results from actions that in the past would not have gone so well.

Do you have additional, online mental health resources?

The following links are listed to provide you with additional online mental health care information. Please also check the additional links provided for physical health for a more comprehensive understanding of your over-all well-being. The following is not meant to be a comprehensive list, nor is it an endorsement of the content of the sites.

Associations & Institutes

Suicide Awareness and Hotlines

Depression

Anxiety Disorders

Answers to Your Questions About Panic Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

National Center for PTSD
Give an Hour— for veterans and their families
National Center for PTSD Real Warriors (U.S. Department of Defense)— for veterans and their families
The Gift From Within
Sidran Institute

Addiction and Recovery

Eating Disorders

American Dietetic Association

Personality Disorders

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Child Abuse and Domestic Violence

Developmental Disorders

NeuroWeb

Diagnosis

DSM-V: Diagnoses and Criteria

Medication

DrugWatch.com provides up-to-date information about prescription and over-the-counter medications, including details about associated side effects.
Drugalert.org is a comprehensive database with information and news alerts about potentially dangerous drugs currently on the market or previously available worldwide.

Do you have any additional, online physical health resources?

The following resources are general resources to support overall well-being and physical health. The resources are intended to complement, not replace, professional medical advice.

Medications and Health Supplements

Women’s Health

Fitness

Ace Fitness

General Health

Conditions

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.