Meaning of the word “Counselling”
The word “counselling” can have multiple meanings, including:
- offering advice and encouragement,
- sharing wisdom and skills,
- setting goals,
- resolving conflict, etc.
Counsellors usually probe the past (whether the problem happened a week ago or during childhood) in an attempt to repair the present. Sometimes they explore possible affects of physical and chemical imbalances that can cause physiological problems. A major part of counselling is resolving and restoring conflicts between people.
What is Pastoral Counselling?
Pastoral counselling focuses on a few main principles. It focuses on the care of the whole person, body, soul and spirit, as it is sometimes named “soul-care”, and maintains the values taught in the Bible. The aim of pastoral counselling is to help people regain a sense of hope for their life that is found in Jesus Christ. Pastoral counselling believes that at the core of what they do is to help others achieve a better understanding of themselves and God which is rooted in the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Pastoral counsellors seek to make people aware of the sin in their lives that has caused them suffering but also come to know the immense worth and value they have as a person to God.
Raphah provides Pastoral Counselling
The worst thing about a problem is having to face it without help. There is always an “answer.”
We realize that pressures and situations can quickly arise in a person’s life; therefore it is necessary that they rise again to wholeness as quickly as possible. Pastoral counselling through Raphah functions through the faith that when Godly counselling is administered, God Himself gets involved in the process. Therefore, aid has to be forthcoming in the restoration process.
Click “More” to read more
More
Pastoral counselling is a unique form of therapy, which uses biblical truth as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. Our counsellors are ordained ministers/pastors. Sessions consist of the following processes:
- Counselling
- Inner Healing ministry
- Deliverance ministry
- Prayer ministry
Less
Pastoral Counselling Sessions / Services
Counselling can equip you with the strategies needed to overcome challenges, accomplish goals, and find strength for life’s journey
Pain is real…but so is HOPE!
About Us
We are a non-denominational, non-profit faith-based organization, established to offer God’s healing plan to the emotionally wounded. This is accomplished by applying Christian principles and spiritual leadership.
Click “More” to read more
More
- emotionally,
- physically,
- socially,
- intellectually, and
- spiritually.
This endeavour includes counselling and other services based on the Word of God.
Our Commitment
As Pastoral counsellors, we are members of the body of Christ and are committed to providing Godly guidance and Biblical truth to those seeking counsel. We provide pastoral counselling services and are dedicated to bringing Christ's love and healing to people who are in emotional, mental and spiritual pain.
Counselling times
At this time, counselling sessions are offered only from Mondays to Fridays during office hours (09:00 to 17:00). Most counselling sessions take between 1 to 2 hours (in severe cases could take up to 3 hours).
| Please Note: We DO NOT do counselling during weekends, or public holidays, unless you have booked in at our Journey of Faith Retreat weekend sessions or on request of a medical professional or another pastor/church leader in extremely serious cases. |  |
Follow-up consultations/sessions will be one session per week, for the following reasons:
- To give your body time to adjust, relax and heal. Sessions can take a lot from your body physically and in some cases clients reported muscles pains, nausea, extreme tiredness etc. The fact that the client spoke out/released/forgave/let go of certain issues and beliefs, is seen by die body as a “shock”.
- To enable the Holy Spirit to work with the client from the knowledge gained through the sessions and the healing processes in progress.
- To complete weekly tasks – if applicable.
- To seek help from external referrals/service providers to compliment the healing/counselling sessions (medical care, legal assistance, etc.)
Privacy, Confidentiality and Care
We will care for you and treat you with respect.
We respect your right to privacy and confidentiality and will guard that right as we are permitted by law and our ethical standards. We will not divulge information you disclose, except in the following situations:
-
(a) you threaten to harm yourself or others,
(b) you ask us (confirmed in writing) to disclose information to a third party,
(c) there is reasonable suspicion of neglect or abuse against:
-
* a minor child (ages 0 – 18 years),
* an elderly person (60 or older),
* a dependent adult,
Psychiatric Services
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating a variety of mental health disorders. As a physician, a psychiatrist is licensed to prescribe medication that may help in treating these disorders. Psychiatric services are available to provide individuals an option for medical management of their mental health care needs. Most often psychiatric services are best utilized in conjunction with therapy/counselling. Raphah will refer a client to a Psychiatrist if it seems necessary that the client is suffering from a mental health problem that needs medical attention/medication before continuing with the counselling sessions.
Weekly Homework
We might assign homework to you to take home between your weekly counselling sessions. The assignments are meant to encourage lasting change.
Encouragement toward Christ-likeness
We will encourage you in your successes and exhort you to think and behave in a way that pleases Jesus Christ.
Give Us Some Time
Habits are not developed overnight, and new habits will take time to develop. In most cases, we ask individuals to commit to regular counselling appointments for a period of 3 to 4 months.
Financial Consideration for Christian Counselling Services
Raphah’s counselling service is self-supporting and this service is not subsidized by any churches or outside organizations at present. This service is currently free of charge, but if you are financially able to contribute towards a monetary donation (cash only) of your choice, we would appreciate your financial support. Raphah is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) and therefore your donation can be claimed from your annual tax returns from SARS.
Any office has running expenses, administrative expenses as well as some remuneration for our counsellors/pastors assisting with this service. We humbly appreciate your consideration to bless this service and to sow into this Healing and Deliverance Ministry.
| READY TO GET HELP?
When you are ready to schedule the first session (approx 1 - 2 hours), you can contact us as follows:
Please be aware that we do not do phone counselling because the face-to-face contact, is vital. |
 |
Less
Counselling – women
Women are often the emotional center and rock of a family and/or relationship. We understand that you may have specific struggles unique to your circumstances. Women will only be counselled by another woman, otherwise a woman will always by present should a need arise for a male counsellor to assist.
Addictions
Addictions can be in many forms: Drugs, alcohol, meds, internet, gaming, gambling, pornography, sex etc.
More
- Do you have the revelation that drugs, alcohol, prescription medications, some other substance/s or the internet, gaming, pornography have a hold in your life?
- Have you tried counselling, treatment programs, group meetings and “cold turkey” methods with little or no lasting success?
- There can be a demonic stronghold behind addiction and other spirits, including fear, rejection, depression, and anger. It is important to address the open doors for these spirits and call them out also in order to help secure freedom.
- Generational curses, traumas and abuse are huge open door for spirits of addiction to enter a person’s life.
Less
Adultery
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counselling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
More
- What do you do now?
- Do you leave?
- Do you try to drag him in for counseling right away?
Maybe you are the one who has committed adultery?
-
Don’t know what to do next?
- Do you leave?
- Do you tell him?
- How to tell him?
Is there a pattern of adultery in your bloodline?
Less
Anxiety / Fear
fear/anxiety/worrying – emotions that is part of our soul – reacting to real or perceived life situations. Its normal emotional reactions that we all face, but sometimes it can be overwhelming or can get totally out of hand.
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counselling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem:
- Is fear, worry or anxiety a constant driving force in your life or been part of your life for a long time?
- Are you overly concerned about things that just don’t seem to burden others?
- Your looks/weight/etc?
- Relationship issues?
- Your children?
- Fear of man
- Fear of the future
- Growing old alone?
- Irrational fears that no one else would understand?
- Have you been trying to cope or use medications unsuccessfully (and it is more a band aid solution at best) and you are not getting the victory?
- Financial issues/challenges?
- Does it frequently overwhelm your life’s activities?
- Do you know the root cause of your fear/anxiety/worry?
- Is there a pattern of worry, fear and anxiety in your bloodline?
- You have had panic attacks
- Phobias have plagued you.
- Night-time torment is common.
Less
Depression
Situations can arise that causes us to feel down or out of control for some time. Depression in women can be debilitating! Has depression been a long term “issue” in your life or is it relatively recent?
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counselling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
- Have you been feeling depressed longer than you or others think is normal?
- Maybe it’s been almost a lifelong condition for you?
- Are people telling you that you look depressed which serves to make you feel worse?
- Have you tried medications with little or no success or you just hate the side effects?
- Do you know the specific source of your depression?
- Do you see a repeat of depression in your family bloodline?
- Have you tried medical alternatives (medication) and found that they provide limited (at best) or temporary relief?
- Do you have a sense that the root cause(s) may be spiritual in nature and need a spiritual solution?
Less
Family Counselling
Do you have young children and you see behaviours and issues working in their lives that you know are not normal? Maybe their school wants to label them with disorder tags like “ADD” or “ADHD” and you do not want to go down that road. Do you see behaviours in them that have also been prevalent in you or your family or the child’s father? Maybe your children are older and have left the house but they are still your children and you want to know how to help them properly.
More
The term “family counselling” is very broad and typically masks underlying issues that may be at the root of problems. There are often layers of problems and if it is a blended family situation the issues are compounded.
Answers to the following questions, as a minimum, will guide us in order to recommend the best approach:
- What are the perceived problems?
- What is the spiritual, mental and emotional condition of the parent/s?
- What is the spiritual, mental and emotional condition of the child/ren?
- Are there behavioural strongholds such as anger, fear, depression addictions or pornography (typically called “issues”) that are present in one or more of the parents?
- What issues are the children presenting?
- Is there agreement on what a healthy family looks like?
- What are the areas of disagreement in terms of discipline?
Depending upon the answers we receive to those questions, and others, we are able to propose a plan of action.
Less
Life out of control
- Do you feel like you’ve lost control of your own life?
More
- Is your spouse, family or friends making demands upon you that are overwhelming?
- In spite of your best efforts to plan and maintain control, are you in a constant state of turmoil?
- Learn about your own God-given temperament with our assessment questionnaire. Find your unique strengths and weaknesses and understand yourself better.
- Learn how to set and maintain proper boundaries with everyone in your life.
- Do you have “issues” that you feel are keeping you from getting control of your life.
- Are there emotional / mental strongholds that seem to have control of you?
Less
Relationships / Marriage
Encountering problems in your relationship with a partner or in your marriage? Constant fighting or no communication? You need to address and face these challenges and not put it aside and think that you can manage it yourself or that there is no hope.
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counselling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
- Learn how to get the love from your husband that you so passionately desire!
- Do you see a repeat of failed marriages/relationships in your family bloodline?
- if you are married or in a relationship and your spouse/partner is open to counselling, individual counselling will be the first step, thereafter as a couple.
- Maybe you are in relationship and partner does not want help, but you know that you need it. Be encouraged! We can work with you so that you walk in peace, joy and victory as you carry out specific strategies to help strengthen the relationship.
- If the relationship seems hopeless, we can help you to move forward from here.
Less
Others
We offer a wide-range Christ-centered counselling in many specific areas. There is help for men, women, couples (married, unmarried, premarital) and families. Explore what we can do for you. Feel free to contact us to discuss your particular area of concern. We are here for you…
COUNSELLING MEN
Christian men are called by God to be the leaders in the home. We understand that you may have specific struggles unique to your circumstances. Men will only be counselled by another man, otherwise a woman will by present should a need arise for a female counsellor to assist in the company of the male counsellor.
Addictions / Substance abuse
Addictions can be in many forms: Drugs, alcohol, meds, internet, gaming, gambling, pornography, sex etc.
More
- Do you have the revelation that drugs, alcohol, prescription medications, some other substance/s or the internet, gaming, pornography have a hold in your life?
- Have you tried counselling, treatment programs, group meetings and “cold turkey” methods with little or no lasting success?
There is a spirit behind addiction:
- There can be a demonic stronghold behind addiction and other spirits, including fear, rejection, depression, and anger. It is important to address the open doors for these spirits and call them out also in order to help secure freedom.
- Generational curses, traumas and abuse are huge open door for spirits of addiction to enter a person’s life.
Less
Adultery
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counselling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counselling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
- What do you do now?
- Do you leave?
- Do you try to drag her in for counselling right away?
Maybe you are the one who has committed adultery?
- Don’t know what to do next?
- Do you leave?
- Do you tell her?
- How to tell her?
Is there a pattern of adultery in your bloodline?
Less
Anxiety and Fear
The world says that men are supposed to be fearless warriors and providers who march forward with purpose and clarity. Has this statement worn you down? Are you constantly worried in the area of your job, family or relationship? Have you tried medications with little success if any?
More
Fear/anxiety/worrying - emotions that is part of our soul - reacting to real or perceived life situations. Its normal emotional reactions that we all face, but sometimes it can be overwhelming or can get totally out of hand.
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counseling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem:
- Is fear, worry or anxiety a constant driving force in your life or been part of your life for a long time?
- Are you overly concerned about things that just don’t seem to burden others?
- Your looks/weight/etc?
- Relationship issues?
- Your children?
- Fear of the future
- Growing old alone?
- Irrational fears that no one else would understand?Have you been trying to cope or use medications unsuccessfully (and it is more a band aid solution at best) and you are not getting the victory?
- Financial issues/challenges?
- Does it frequently overwhelm your life’s activities?
- Do you know the root cause of your fear/anxiety/worry?
- You have had panic attacks
- Phobias have plagued you.
- Nighttime torment is common.
Less
Anger
The bible says we are not to sin in our anger or let the sun go down on it because we will give the demonic realm a foothold. If one or more of the following applies, you may need counseling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem:
More
- Do you get angry frequently?
- Is the intensity or duration of your anger more than what is reasonable?.
- Is your relationship or family being damaged because of your outbursts?
- Have you been told that you have an anger problem?
- Have you been told that you’re like another person when you’ re angry? That it is not “you”?
- Have you been through classes and therapy with little or no lasting benefit?
- Do you see a (potential) generational issue in your family bloodline? (a repeat through the generations of the same/similar anger problems)
- Do you have a sense that the root cause(s) may be spiritual in nature and need a spiritual solution?
Less
Depression
Situations can arise that causes us to feel down or out of control for some time. Depression in men is different than for women. Life happens and situations can arise that causes us to feel down for a season. Has depression been a long term “issue” in your life or is it relatively recent?
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counseling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
- Have you been feeling depressed longer than you or others think is normal?
- Maybe it’s been almost a lifelong condition for you?
- Are people telling you that you look depressed which serves to make you feel worse?
- Have you tried medications with little or no success or you just hate the side effects?
- Do you know the specific source of your depression?
- Do you see a repeat of depression in your family bloodline?
- Have you tried medical alternatives (medication) and found that they provide limited (at best) or temporary relief?
- Do you have a sense that the root cause(s) may be spiritual in nature and need a spiritual solution?
- Are you wondering still what God’s call is in your life or feel unfulfilled at work and unappreciated?
Less
Family Counselling
Do you have young children and you see behaviours and issues working in their lives that you know are not normal? Maybe their school wants to label them with disorder tags like “ADD” or “ADHD” and you do not want to go down that road. Do you see behaviours in them that have also been prevalent in you or your family or the child’s father? Maybe your children are older and have left the house but they are still your children and you want to know how to help them properly.
More
The term “family counselling” is very broad and typically masks underlying issues that may be at the root of problems. There are often layers of problems and if it is a blended family situation the issues are compounded.
Answers to the following questions, as a minimum, will guide us in order to recommend the best approach:
- What are the perceived problems?
- What is the spiritual, mental and emotional condition of the parent/s?
- What is the spiritual, mental and emotional condition of the child/ren?
- Are there behavioural strongholds such as anger, fear, depression addictions or pornography (typically called “issues”) that are present in one or more of the parents?
- What issues are the children presenting?
- Is there agreement on what a healthy family looks like?
- What are the areas of disagreement in terms of discipline?
Depending upon the answers we receive to those questions, and others, we are able to propose a plan of action.
Less
Life out of control
- Do you feel like you’ve lost control of your own life?
More
- Is your spouse, family or friends making demands upon you that are overwhelming?
- In spite of your best efforts to plan and maintain control, are you in a constant state of turmoil?
- Learn about your own God-given temperament with our assessment questionnaire. Find your unique strengths and weaknesses and understand yourself better.
- Learn how to set and maintain proper boundaries with everyone in your life.
- Do you have “issues” that you feel are keeping you from getting control of your life.
- Are there emotional / mental strongholds that seem to have control of you?
Less
Relationships / Marriage
Encountering problems in your relationship with a partner or in your marriage? Constant fighting or no communication? You need to address and face these challenges and not put it aside and think that you can manage it yourself or that there is no hope.
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counseling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
- Learn how to get the love from your husband that you so passionately desire!
- Do you see a repeat of failed marriages/relationships in your family bloodline?
- if you are married or in a relationship and your spouse/partner is open to counseling, individual counseling will be the first step, thereafter as a couple.
- Maybe you are in relationship and partner does not want help, but you know that you need it. Be encouraged! We can work with you so that you walk in peace, joy and victory as you carry out specific strategies to help strengthen the relationship.
- If the relationship seems hopeless, we can help you to move forward from here.
Less
Pornography / Lust (another form of addictions)
Addiction to pornography as typically the “end” result of other issues, including pride, fear, depression, loneliness and the fruit of sexual sin. These root issues must be dealt with in order to secure and maintain a lasting victory.
More
If one or more of the following applies, you may need counseling (and possibly deliverance from a stronghold) to help sort through the issues that are bringing about this problem and to identify the root cause:
- Does pornography have a hold over you?
- Do you find yourself almost continually drawn to it and yet finding yourself giving in?
- Has it been a long term battle and you’ve seen limited, lasting fruit if any at all?
- Are your eyes continually been drawn to look at women in a sexual way that results in mental torment?
- Do you see a (potential) generational issue in your family bloodline? (a repeat through the generations of the same/similar anger problems)
- Do you have a sense that the root cause(s) may be spiritual in nature and need a spiritual solution?
Less
Others
We offer a wide-range Christ-centered counselling in many specific areas. There is help for men, women, couples (married, unmarried, premarital) and families. Explore what we can do for you. Feel free to contact us to discuss your particular area of concern. We are here for you…