Mission Statements

Mission Statement: The Lutheran Counseling Center is a healing ministry of the Church offering health, hope and wholeness by serving individuals, families, congregations and our community.

The Lutheran Counseling Center (LCC) of the New York metropolitan and surrounding area is a (501C-3) nonprofit organization with nine mental health counseling sites that offer hope and healing by providing faith-based individual and family psychotherapy. LCC has licensed professional pastoral counselors, social workers and psychologists from a Christian background.

Faith-based Counseling: We value each person as a unique and worthy creation of God. LCC recognizes and celebrates the connection between one’s faith and the process of growth and healing. At the same time, being sensitive and respecting the religious views of the other person is a part of who we are in meeting the hurting person where he or she is. Our counselors serve persons and families of different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Our Roots and Partnerships: LCC is affiliated with the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in partnership with the Atlantic District. The ministry of the Center is supported by member Association Congregations and Schools and relates to the wider community as well.

Our History: LCC was begun in 1989 by four pastoral counselors who wanted to have trusted professional counselors who would respect and uphold their congregational members’ religious beliefs. The first site was at Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, Mineola, NY.

Our Expertise in Disaster Counseling: LCC provided eight years of counseling for disaster victims and affected New Yorkers after the 9/11 Disaster and one and a half years of counseling for victims after Super Storm Sandy through its partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response of New York (LDRNY). Our therapists have had special training in disaster response and in treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

How do I know that therapy is right for me? Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

What situations can therapy help me with? Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, past or present traumas, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Psychotherapists can also be a tremendous help in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you receive from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What exactly can I expect to happen in a typical session? Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts approximately forty-five minutes.

Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping a journal to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • Compassion, respect and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

For information about costs for therapy sessions or to set an appointment, please call us at 1-800-317-1173.

UA-108946710-1