• Testimonial

    "As a pastor, it is great to have someone out there like Al who is genuine and truly cares for the hearts of the people he sees, and comes along side Pastors to minister and sincerely help people. There are so many counselors out there that finding the right ones to trust is not that easy. Al is one that I trust and I am not afraid to quickly refer him. He is a great help to our ministry."


    Mark Westerfield


    Sr. Pastor, Central Baptist Church

FAQ’s

Frequently-asked Questions about Christian Counseling, Pastoral Counseling, and about our Ministry

What is pastoral counseling?
Pastoral counseling ministers to the whole person: spirit, soul, and body.
Pastoral counseling uses ethical counseling techniques in combination with biblical principles, and believes the Bible is the final standard of authority for the counselor.
A belief that God is the one who ultimately bring about healing in our lives, and relationship with Jesus is the key to restoration.

What is the difference between a pastoral counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor?
Pastoral counselors are considered clergy and ministers first, and counselors second. The pastoral counselor is in the “Ministry of Counseling.”
National Christian Counselors Association pastoral counselors have a National license and provide “Biblical” counseling. Licensed Professional Counselors are licensed by the state and provide commercial/secular counseling.

What is the National Christian Counselors Association (N.C.C.A.)?
The N.C.C.A. was “formally” founded in 1983 by Dr. Richard Arno. The N.C.C.A. has three primary goals or purposes:

    • To develop a biblically-based counseling model/technique that is relatively easy to learn and one that really works!
      • To develop a scientifically sound but biblically-based profiling system (method) that would identify a person’s very natural (inborn temperament) rather that his/her learned behavior (mask). N.C.C.A.’s counseling model is called Temperament Therapy.
        • To provide a National licensing program for persons who are called by God into the “Ministry of Counseling.”

          What is Temperament Therapy and the Arno Profile System (A.P.S.)?
          Temperament Therapy uses biblically-based counseling principles in combination with a profile system that identify a person’s very natural (inborn temperament) rather that his/her learned behavior (mask).
          Temperament Therapy was first developed and studied in the early 1980’s.
          The Arno Profile System (A.P.S.) is a scientifically based temperament assessment that identifies a persons natural processes and responses related to developing and maintaining social relationships, control within relationships, and deep emotional relationships.
          The first research Temperament Therapy and A.P.S. involved 250 N.C.C.A. trained counselors/therapists and 7,403 individuals who were counseled using this particular model. The research provided the following conclusions:
          Out of the 7,403 persons tested by 250 licensed therapists, the A.P.S. results were 95.4% accurate.
          Out of the 7,403 persons who were counseled with Temperament Therapy, the 250 therapist reported a 92.7% success rate.

          What are the fees for pastoral counseling through Head to Heart Restoration Ministry?
          The standard fee for counseling services is $60.00 per fifty minute session. As a non-profit counseling ministry, reduced or sliding scale fees are available based on need. Comparable counseling services in the Williamson/Travis county area averages $90.00 – $120.00 per session.

          Does Head to Heart Restoration Ministry accept insurance for payment?
          Most insurance companies do not cover pastoral counseling. It is up to the counselee to contact their insurance company regarding payment for services.

          How many sessions can I expect to be in counseling?
          The number of sessions depends on the specific problems being discussed, the regularity of the sessions and the amount of energy/work that the counselee puts in to the therapy. Most counselees attend approximately twelve sessions.

          When and where are counseling sessions provided?
          Currently, counseling sessions are available two evenings per week and on Saturday mornings. This schedule allows people who work during the day to have a convenient time to attend sessions without having to take time off of work. Counseling sessions are held in the Round Rock, Texas area.

          What type of services does Head to Heart Restoration Ministry provide?
          Head to Heart Restoration Ministry provides individual, couples, and family counseling. Services are available for men, women, and children. In addition, Dr. Jones is available for group, retreat, and special guest presentations.

          What type of credentials does Dr. Jones maintain?
          Education and pastoral counseling credentials include:
          BS in Education – Texas State University
          State of Texas Teacher Certifications:
          All-Level Art
          General Elementary Education
          Secondary Special Education
          M.Ed. in Educational Administration – Texas State University
          PHR (Professional in Human Resources) Certification – Society for Human Resource Management
          Ph.D. of Philosophy in Clinical Pastoral Counseling – Colorado Theological Seminary
          National Christian Counselors Association Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with Advanced Certification
          National Christian Counselors Association Faith Based Board Certifications:
          Integrated Marriage and Family Therapy
          Substance Abuse and Addiction Therapy
          Crisis and Abuse Therapy
          National Christian Counselors Association Certified Temperament Counselor
          Member: National Christian Counselors Association
          Clinical Supervisor: National Christian Counselors Association
          Fellows Member: National Board of Christian Clinical Therapists
          Ordained as a minister in the State of Texas

          Will there be homework or activities outside of the regular counseling sessions?
          Counselees are often asked to complete activities and/or reading assignments to compliment the counseling process.

          Do I have to be a Christian to receive counseling?
          While counselees are not required to be a Christian to receive help through Head to Heart Restoration Ministry, they need to be fully aware that the counseling techniques used are faith based.

          Do I have to attend a certain church or denomination to receive counseling?
          Head to Heart Restoration Ministry is a non-denominational counseling ministry. Counselees do not need to attend a certain church or denomination to receive counseling.

          Does Head to Heart Restoration Ministry ever refer counselees to other services?
          Not every counselor is able to help every person. When necessary, Head to Heart Restoration Ministry will refer counselees to other counselors/therapists in the area. Head to Heart Restoration Ministry may also recommend that counselees see their physician, attorney or other professionals depending on their unique situation or circumstance.

          Are counseling sessions and discussions confidential?
          To the greatest extent possible, counseling sessions are confidential. Exceptions to when confidentiality is not guaranteed include: reports or suspected reports of abuse of children, the elderly or the disabled; reports of suicidal and/or homicidal threats or gestures; and court ordered subpoenas.

          Some of the information contained in this FAQ can be located in the following books:

          Richard Arno, Basic Christian Counseling (National Christian Counselors Association)

          Robert Dennie, Arno Profile System Research Report (National Christian Counselors Association)