Counseling Assistance
“Isn’t counseling only for really screwed up people?”
We all need help, usually more than we’re willing to admit.
We hear this often when “counseling” is mentioned. Maybe you’ve thought this same thing yourself. But here’s the reality: We all need help, more than we’re usually willing to admit. The good news of God’s grace frees us to admit that we’re deeply flawed and powerless to “fix” ourselves. God’s grace also gives us the spiritual power to change and be healed of our wounds, normally in the context of caring community (for instance, in a Neighborhood Group). Sometimes we’re so “stuck”—or a struggle is so acute—that more time and focused attention with a caring, trained professional is needed. That’s why we offer counseling services at Grace Meridian Hill. Duke’s been to counseling before. (He should probably go more often.) Maybe you should, too.
Our staff counselor Dr. Jackie Griffith (see bio below), provides services to the Grace DC network of congregations.
Appointments—Call 703-408-5584 for availability, general inquiries, or referrals. If you prefer, you may also email Jackie. Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 5:30pm at the Grace DC main office (637 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004; Metro: Green/Yellow lines, Archives station).
Fees—$95 per hour. Please make checks payable to “Grace Presbyterian Church,” memo “Counseling” and bring your payment with you at time of appointment. Sorry, no insurance is accepted; however, financial assistance is offered by the church.
Financial assistance—If you require financial assistance, please complete the Counseling Assistance Form and submit to diaconate@gracedc.net. Our diaconate will keep your request in confidence and will follow up with you regarding your request.
Privacy—All persons who visit the church office for counseling will be held in strict confidence by the Grace DC staff.
Dr. Jackie Griffith is a graduate of the University of Maryland (B.A., 1974) and the University of Pittsburgh (Ph.D., 1983) and is a Christian Counselor. She served on the staff of the Ligonier Valley Study Center and since 1982 has raised five children, counseled and taught in a variety of settings and served in pastoral ministry with her husband. Jackie is married to Dr. Howard Griffith, professor of theology at Reformed Theological Seminary here in Washington, DC. She and her family are a part of New Hope Presbyterian Church.
