History
In 2023, we became keenly aware of the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of campus ministers, campus faculty, and college students…
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The loss of our founder, Andrew Marais, brought these issues crashing into our world. We also witnessed the loss of multiple CMU students to suicide and often heard stories of college students and staff struggling with loneliness, depression, anxiety, or just a general directionlessnes.
We began to ask what the Christ Center could do to help. In time we felt directed towards creating a fund that would scholarship campus ministers, campus faculty, and students towards counseling or spiritual direction. God has gifted us with great relationships with local counselors and spiritual directors. A generous gift seeded this fund.
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Purpose
The Christ Center’s Wellness Fund aims to ease financial and relational barriers to counseling. We hope this fund will help campus ministers and campus staff to continue in their vocational callings to positively impact the campus for years to come. We hope that students will use the fund to find the help and support that they might need if the university is not able to assist them in a timely manner.
Eligibility
- This fund is primarily intended for campus ministers or campus faculty serving at Colorado Mesa University (CMU) or the University of Málaga. This fund is also available for college students. However, CMU students specifically seeking counseling should try to make an appointment with the Health and Wellness Center on campus first before contacting us. They are awesome and should be your first option for mental health care!
- This fund is for individuals who are finding the prospect of paying for counseling to be extremely burdensome. If you have insurance or other options for covering your costs, we ask that you do not apply.
- This fund is not just for Christians. And, The Christ Center does not discriminate based on race, age, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or religion or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and state laws.
Process
- Reach out to the counseling group we work with by clicking here. Make sure to let them know that you have a coupon from the Christ Center.
- Bring your coupon to your first session.
- You will have up to five free counseling sessions. If you feel that you need more, please have your counselor contact us.
- Be aware: you will be asked to complete a questionnaire before and after your sessions. This is so we can gauge the effectiveness of this program and apply for grants to help more people like you.
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- Email us at chirstcentergrandjunction@gmail.com (You may have someone contact us on your behalf if you wish to remain anonymous)
- Include a brief explanation of your situation and your wellness needs
- We will determine your eligibility and get back to you
- You will have up to five free counseling sessions. If you feel that you need more sessions, please have your counselor contact us.
- Be aware: you will be asked to complete a questionnaire before and after your sessions. This is so we can gauge the effectiveness of this program and apply for grants to help more people like you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you only pay for 5 counseling sessions?
Answer
This number was recommended to us by the counselors we work with. It is the amount of sessions that they most often see people for. It is generally enough time to work through one major obstacle or issue in your life and leave with some strategies and next steps. If this isn’t enough time for you, please have your counselor reach out to us directly.
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What is Spiritual Direction?
Answer
Spiritual direction is an ancient Christian practice. It involves a supportive relationship between a mature spiritual director or guide and an individual seeking guidance in their faith journey. It emphasizes the exploration of one’s spirituality, connection with God, and ability to hear the direction of the Spirit. You can learn more on this helpful webpage: https://transformingcenter.org/spiritual-direction-4/
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What is the difference between spiritual direction and counseling?
Answer
The differences between counseling and spiritual direction lie in their primary focus and approach: counseling addresses mental health and emotional issues using psychological methods, while spiritual direction concentrates on matters of faith, spiritual growth, and the exploration of one’s relationship with the divine.
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Isn’t counseling a secular strategy?
Answer
We believe that counseling and the many different strategies and methods involved in it, can be valuable tools for people dealing with difficulties in their lives. Much like modern medicine, we believe it is a good gift from God that can be used for the flourishing of His people. However, it is not a silver bullet and certainly not something that should be solely leaned upon for right-living.
The counselors we work with are Christians and will integrate faith into their counseling process (if this is what the client wishes).
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