Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Christian Counseling Services:

Are you licensed?

Counselor Ann Hazelwood is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan. Stephen Guthrie is an ordanied minister and Board Certified Pastoral Counselor.

Do you have a denominational affiliation?

Christian Counseling Services is an independent ministry with rented offices in at Family of Faith Ministries, a Church of God congregation located at 203 E. Upright St, Charlevoix, MIchigan. Although both Steve and Ann are active at that church, the counseling practice is not affiliated with the Church of God or any other denomination.

What Services are offered?

• Bible-based Christian counseling of a pastoral nature and traditional clinical counseling, offered in one-to-one and group sessions
• Healing prayer for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, through Jesus Christ, including deliverance and intercessory prayer.
• Conflict mediation for families, churches, and organizations.
• Spiritual direction for individuals.
• Education.
• Christian Life Coaching.
• Support to other ministries

Whom do you serve?

• Individuals
• Families
• Churches
• Organizations.

Are our counseling sessions confidential?

There are high expectations for professional conduct for everyone serving in the ministry, and the most fundamental standard is that we will respect the confidential nature of the counseling, mentoring, or prayer relationship. Your permission is required to discuss anything about your case with anyone outside the ministry. Internally, your case may be discussed between the counselors unless you request otherwise. The details of individual and group counseling are not shared with your Pastor or denominational overseer without your specific written permission. In group counseling situations, the norm for group participation is that whatever is shared in the group stays in the group.

What is your policy regarding court testimony?

While the ministry will make every effort to resist sharing the particulars of counseling in court we have no immunity from testimony or legal basis on which to refuse a subpoena. We will comply with court orders for information.

Are you obligated to report any information to police or public agencies?

Christian Counseling Services complies with the laws of the State of Michigan and the accepted reporting practices common among counselors, educators, and medical professionals. We report instances – proven or suspected – of neglect or physical abuse of children, spouses, and the elderly, including sexual abuse. We will notify the appropriate authorities if we have reason to believe you are a danger to yourself (suicidal) or to others (homicidal or potentially violent). We will report illegal activity of any sort.

Do you refer to other professionals?

Christian Counseling Services does refer to other mental health and medical professionals when appropriate. We believe in treating the whole person. The goal is vitality in the physical body, stability in the mind and emotions, and a deep, meaningful relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that frees the human spirit from bondage and despair. Obviously, we can’t be all things to all people so we will help you find the help you need that we cannot provide.