Purpose and Services: The Ministry Assistance Program (MAP) is a confidential counseling and consultation service for our Synod's pastors, rostered lay leaders, and their immediate families.
Counseling is provided for individuals, couples, and families who are dealing with personal and family issues as well as with pastoral concerns. Counseling sessions usually are held in the Director's office in Worcester. Consultation, in person or by telephone, also is offered around pastoral care questions and concerns.
Referrals are made to other caregivers when a person cannot come to Worcester or desires ongoing therapy closer to home.
Confidentiality: Persons who use the services of MAP may be assured that their identity and privacy will be protected. Only the number of monthly contacts is reported to the Bishop, and these reports contain no identifying information.
Cost: Because MAP is included in the budget of the New England Synod, there is no charge for services provided by its Director. If a referral is made, then that therapist will charge a fee (which may be covered in part by insurance).
Common Issues: Persons who have used MAP have presented varying concerns and problems. Some of the most common are: marital issues, divorce-related concerns, immediate and extended family problems, time issues, boundary and behavioral problems, depression, substance abuse, financial difficulties, dysfunctional congregation, conflicts with leaders or members, problem parishioners, unhappiness with present call, vocational and career questions, and retirement issues. Many other concerns also have been presented.
About the Director: Director of MAP since 1991 has been the Rev. Dr. Howard Mathisen. Pr. Mathisen is licensed both as a psychologist and as a marriage and family therapist and is a board-certified diplomate in family psychology and in sex therapy. He has served as a parish pastor, director of a community mental health center, and co-director of a group private practice. Currently, he is semi-retired and serves, part-time, as a psychologist at Prescott Health Care, in addition to being the Director of MAP.
How to Begin: To ask questions about MAP or to schedule an appointment, please contact Dr. Mathisen at:
(508) 754-1803, x123
(508) 949-2566
mathisen@charter.net
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