Counseling
Counseling is provided for many who request it as time permits. The chaplaincy receives hundreds of requests per week from those who desire counseling. These requests come from the inmates, their families and friends. The office also receives calls from the jail administration and family members asking that an inmate be notified and counseled about a death or serious injury in the family. The chaplains perform this ministry. Counseling is done wherever space permits and the Chaplain is allowed “contact” counseling rather than counseling through the security glass like visitors must do. For some inmates this is the only ministry they take advantage of during their stay in the jail. Some are simply loners and are not comfortable in group meetings. Others are not allowed to attend services for security reasons. The jail houses many who have mental or emotional problems and are dangerous. Regardless of an inmate’s status, the chaplaincy provides counseling to those who request it and are receptive to it.
Many inmates have problems or concerns that simply cannot be addressed in a group setting. These counseling sessions provide the chaplain and the volunteers the opportunity to work with those who need intense and continued help to overcome grief, fear, addictions, or other emotional problems. No matter the reason for the inmate desiring counseling, every counseling session is an opportunity to minister truth from God’s Word.
