Biblical Counseling
PLease take a moment to read about updates in our counseling ministry
During this time, we are not accepting new counseling clients from outside the Calvary family. We remain committed to caring for and supporting those who call Calvary home through pastoral care and encouragement.
If you have questions or need support, please reach out to Stephanie or Pastor Chuck.
Thank you for joining us with your patience, prayers, and understanding as we walk through this season together.
Our Counselor & Pastor
Stephanie O'Connell
MS, LPC
Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin. She loves working with children, adolescents, and adults. Stephanie received a strong biblical education and is also trained in clinical counseling techniques. Stephanie’s journey began in education where she spent several years in a variety of school settings and taught middle and high school English. After receiving God’s call to biblical counseling, she completed her master’s degree in Professional Counseling at Concordia University in Mequon, WI. Stephanie has experience working in Crisis Intervention and is passionate about strengthening marriages through couples counseling and working with families. Stephanie believes in earning her clients’ trust and patiently supporting them on their individual journeys through an encouraging partnership.
Pastor Chuck Cervenka
Pastor Chuck is the Senior Pastor at Calvary Community Church. During this season of transition following the loss of Pastor Timmy, Pastor Chuck will be coming alongside Stephanie to help with counseling conversations from a biblical perspective. While he is not a licensed or professionally trained counselor, he desires to point people to the hope, wisdom, and truth found in Jesus Christ.
Who We See
- Children ages 12 and up (including play therapy), Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families
- Pre-Marital Counseling (Offered by our Senior Pastor)
- Marital and Couples Counseling
- Domestic Violence related issues
- Grief, Loss, Lament (including complex)
- Child and Adult Acute Stress Disorder / Trauma / PTSD (i.e., sexual assault, sexual abuse, catastrophic injury) including ‘survivor work’ in these areas
- Anxiety / Panic disorder related areas
- ADHD / Developmental assessment issues are screened then referred
- Teen Issues (self-harm/cutting, relationship concerns, identity/image)
- Depression / Suicidal Ideations
- Career transition issues
- Relationship Separation issues (including Biblical Separation Coaching)
- Self esteem / Kingdom identity / Co-Dependency issues
- Divorce Recovery (post Divorce Care class attendance)
- Facilitative consultation with Sr. Pastoral Staff / Elder Board
- Pre/Post Mission Debriefing Consultation (i.e., overseas return of teams)
What to Expect
- Introduction to counselor(s)
- Explanation of how we work with people – seek to provide a safe holding space, desire to protect the integrity of what is shared, intentionality behind earning the clients’ trust
- No expectation that a first session is going to turn into an ongoing therapeutic relationship (client gets a sample of what counseling at Calvary would look like and can decide from there)
- Gentle probing into the presenting concerns or issues (not intrusive/deep interrogation) to determine what it may be helpful to address down the road as trust is established
- To have hurts that have happened along the trail validated
- Handouts to take home and review/complete should the client decide to return
- To be given a standard intake form to complete and bring back for the second session
- To be walked through a standard informed consent document (signature needed)
- To be given the option of reaching out if the client would like to set up a next appointment after giving it more thought, or to immediately look at scheduling a next appointment
- An opportunity to voice concerns or ask questions about the counseling process
Payment & Scheduling
- We don’t accept insurance by choice, which allows us to freely pray and open God’s word with people.
- $50 per session, paid in cash or check made out to Calvary Community Church.
- Talk to us if finances prevent you from seeking counseling.
- Sessions are scheduled on a “first come, first served” basis.
- Sessions are scheduled at a frequency that makes sense for the work being done (biweekly, monthly, as needed – for periodic checkups or there is a need for rescheduling).
- Scheduling is discussed directly with your counselor (no online calendar or appointment booking).
Intake Form
Please complete the Adult Intake Form and bring to your first scheduled appointment.