- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Christian therapy?
Christian therapy is first of all a professional process for individual psychotherapy or couple and family therapy offered as per the standards of the profession. Therefore, ACTS service offering meets the standards of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists, and Psychotherapists (OACCPP), the Ontario Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OAMFT).
Christian therapy is differentiated by the possibility to explicitly integrate Christian faith elements as per the client’s wishes and the therapeutic needs. A few examples of explicit integration include: prayer during the session, biblical text relevant to the problem in question. For those looking for biblical integration, we strongly believe that the spiritual dimension greatly enriches the therapeutic process and contributes to its unparallel success.
However, we recognize that each person’s journey towards a relationship with God is as unique as the person, we are not looking to impose Christian faith elements against the wished of the client but to offer the possibility of faith integration if the client so desires.
How is Christian therapy integrated?
As practised by Associates in Christian Therapy Services (ACTS), professional Christian therapy integrates biblical concepts into the therapeutic process with the specific intentions of being relevant, redemptive, and restorative. First and foremost, we seek to see struggling individuals, couples, and families as God sees them -- in a caring, nonjudgmental way which sees beyond the "problem" to the God-given potential in even the most marginalized, "messed-up" people and relationships. While professional assessments, resources, and techniques are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of treatment plans, the therapist's awareness of each person's value in God's sight is crucial to the healing process, by providing the foundation and motivation for change.
About Being Relevant Believing that God is infinitely creative in drawing people into relationship with Him according to personality, interests, and circumstances, the professional Christian therapist strives to understand how God is seeking to capture the attention of the client in each particular context. We recognize that a person's journey towards a relationship with God is as unique as the person. We continually assess where the person is on that journey, so as to avoid imposing an itinerary which disregards their uniqueness. By sensitively pointing out signs and landmarks on the journey according to what the client is ready and willing to consider, we can meet people in their current reality, being relevant to them professionally, but relevant also within the broader context of how God can speak into the uniqueness of each person's life.
About Being Redemptive Believing that the ground at the foot of the cross is level, we consider that every person, regardless of achievements or failures, is in need of personally claiming the death and resurrection of Christ for forgiveness in order to be in relationship with God. While this decision may be a one-time experience, we also recognize that throughout our lives, opportunities to experience forgiveness and redemption abound.
Redemption is the opposite of condemnation. Condemnation, the work of God’s enemy, destroys a person by offering no escape. Condemnation may come in the form of distorted perceptions which may render a person powerless to effectively manage life's challenges. Redemption, on the other hand, prompted by the Holy Spirit, recognizes the need for forgiveness, leads us back to the cross, and to the power of the resurrection. It is freeing to be hidden in Christ when God looks upon us.About Being Restorative Believing that God’s interest in us extends to our relationships with others, and that He seeks to step into even the most difficult and seemingly impossible situations to find what is salvageable and to bring restoration, the professional Christian therapist strives also to discover opportunities for personal growth and restored relationships in the client’s life situation. Acknowledging the deep pain which may be necessary for this purpose to be achieved in the client’s life, we strive to demonstrate the gentleness and sensitivity of the Holy Spirit in prompting restoration, whether in marital, family, or church contexts. From the professional perspective, Associates in Christian Therapy Services use primarily a systems-based approach, believing this to be the most conducive to restoration of complex relationships.
When is it time to seek therapy?
When is it time to seek therapy : Section under construction
Where is ACTS located?
Please note that appointments are required, and that no drop-in services are available at any of our locations.
Our locations are:
- Ottawa/Gloucester: 425 McArtur Ave. second floor unit 2, Gloucester, ON K1K 1G5
- Ottawa/Nepean: Arlington Woods Free Methodist Church, 225 McClellan Road, Nepean, ON K2H 8N5
For a map of our various locations please refer to Our Location page.
How do I make and appointment?
Please call 1-800-417-6966, ext 0 to make an appointement.
André, our intake worker is available to receive your call from 10 am to 11 am Monday to Friday. He/she will be happy to answer any questions you may have, take down all basic information necessary and once the fees have been set, to assign you to the appropriate therapists. The therapists will then give you a call to set a time for your first appointment.
Please note that whenour intake worker is on the line with another client, your call will be sent to voice mail. Your call will be returned in the shortest delay possible, often on the same day or the next day, as first priority the next morning.
If you prefer, you can fill out our online intake form and someone will get back to you within 48 hours.
You can also fill out the printable intake form and fax it to 1-844-950-7111.
How much does it cost?
We offer services which are covered by most insurance programs and some EAP's. Our rates are generally lower than rates charged for most professional counselling, psychotherapy, or couple and family therapy services. A sliding fee scale is used to determine fees based on client's household income, number of dependents, and extenuating circumstances. Lower income clients may qualify for services below our minimum fee. In this case, clients meet with a mature therapist intern who is completing his/her accreditation requirements.
How can I support ACTS?
You can help by praying for our therapists and our clients. You can also donate funds to help those who struggle more to gain access to therapy. To learn more about the subsidy fund, please visit our "donation" page.
What if I have more questions?
You may submit your questions by filling out the "Contact Us" form or you may call André at 1-800-417-6966 ext. 0.