New Leaf Resources
FAQs
When should I seek help from a counselor?
Answer: If you feel unhappy, depressed, anxious or angry and nothing you have been doing on your own seems to bring any relief. Sometimes, when a major transition occurs in our lives, we feel as if we're "stuck" and we may need the input of an objective professional to help clarify where we are in our journey. Perhaps a friend or relative has suggested that speaking to a counselor might be helpful. Often people believe there is something terribly wrong with them if they struggle with these feelings. Our society gives us greater permission to seek help when there is an obvious physical problem. At New Leaf Resources we encourage you to come in and see a Christian professional to check out these feelings. You may need just a session or two to get you back on the way to more serenity. If more counseling is necessary you will be able to work with a professionally trained person to help you in the process. Seeking help early often prevents more complex problems from developing.
What are some signs I might look for if I suspect someone I care for might benefit from counseling?
Answer: The answer to the first question gives insight here. If you notice a relative or friend is frequently unhappy, depressed, anxious, angry or seems stuck, that person might indeed benefit from counseling. You may notice someone retreating from family activities or suddenly striking out in anger or sleeping too much or sleeping very little. All of these may be signs that someone could benefit from counseling. Because there is so much shaming done by our society with regard to emotional or family problems, you need to be very careful about how you might suggest your friend or relative might benefit from counseling. Being truthful with what you have observed and displaying a sense of genuine care and empathy when you talk to this person is most helpful. When friends or relatives are experiencing these uncomfortable feelings, they often become defensive when seeking help is suggested. Be patient and kind whenever you are suggesting to anyone the possibility of seeking professional help.
If I find myself thinking about suicide, what should I do?
Answer: If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, this should not be taken lightly. Talking to another person, preferably a professional is the first step in receiving help. Speaking to a doctor, counselor, pastor or close family friend may be the first place you turn. However, if you are having thoughts of harming yourself in the immediate or near future, please call the National Suicide Hot-line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), call 911 or go the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital.
What is the difference between a counselor/therapist, psychiatrist, and a psychologist?
Answer: There are several types of licensed therapists that provide professional counseling. In Illinois we have Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Psychologists. Indiana has the same general categories except Indiana has Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) instead of LCPCs. Some of these therapists also have special certifications in areas like addictions. Each of the professions listed above has different areas of training emphasis and expertise. At New Leaf we have all four categories of therapists/counselors on staff and they have a wide range of interest and expertise. If psychological testing is needed, that would be done by our psychologists. If medication is needed we would refer to a psychiatrist (a medical doctor specializing in mental health issues). Only medical doctors are allowed to prescribe medications. We have a consulting psychiatrist that we work with, but he is not part of the New Leaf staff. Generally the psychiatrist monitors a patient’s medication while the therapists, counselors and psychologists provide the counseling that is needed and they work together as a team. We believe that having all of these types of professionals working together creates a rich variety of skills to offer the clients we serve.
What are the counseling areas in which New Leaf Resources has expertise?
Answer: Our staff has expertise in a broad spectrum of issues people may be facing. Here are some examples: Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Drug/Alcohol Addiction Assessment, Marital Problems, Family Relationship Problems, Abuse Recovery, Divorce Recovery, ADHD, Sexual Addiction, Adjustment Problems. Several of our staff members have special training and expertise to work with children. We have both art therapy and play therapy rooms available, to facilitate this specialty. We also have several therapists with past experience on the pastoral staff of various churches. This enables us to understand and help pastors and their families in their personal and professional lives. As a service to the church community, we offer support groups for pastors at no cost.
In what types of situations might New Leaf Resources not provide the best form of treatment?
Answer: We provide counseling on an outpatient basis, usually one appointment each week. For situations where a person may be in need of more intensive services, New Leaf Resources staff would be happy to suggest several options of agencies that provide such care. Examples of this type of care would include intensive outpatient or day treatment (counseling several days per week), or inpatient treatment in a hospital setting. This may be due to the severity of the problem, as in the case of severe depression, or alcohol/drug dependence.
How can New Leaf Resources help my business?
Answer: Small and family-owned businesses often find themselves struggling with personality clashes and other personnel problems which have a negative effect. We promote better communication and improved interpersonal relationships to effect more wholesome work environments.
What makes New Leaf Resources different from other counseling centers?
Answer: We are all licensed professionals. We believe that all people are created in God’s image and have immeasurable value, regardless of their life circumstances. A client assistance program is available for those who may not have sufficient financial resources. Our therapists are paid on salary, not based on how many clients they see, or on how much revenue is collected.