First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
The Pilgrim Center...
Sometimes, on life's journey, we may need more than a little help from our friends. And so, in addition to other services of the church, we provide space for a professional counseling service.
The Pilgrim Center provides psychological, social and spiritual counseling to members of the
congregation, members of the immediate neighborhood, and to the city at large.
The center is not a religious counseling program. It is sponsored by the church because of First
Congregational's overall support for programs which help people help themselves. The center's goal is not only to counsel those with unmanageable problems in living, but also to provide an assortment of educational programs to support positive mental health and healthy spirituality.
The Pilgrim Center also publishes a quarterly newsletter on line. Feature articles address such issues as addiction, teen problems, depression and anxiety issues, holiday stress and economic hard times. It is sent out as an email. If you would like to begin receiving "The Pathfinder," send your email address to Dr. Joel Chapman at jchapphd@aol.com. Your address is not shared with any one else!
About the Staff
Our center director is Joel Chapman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist with over thirty-five years of administrative and clinical experience. He specializes in assisting adults with depression, anxiety, addictions, marital/relationship problems, and gay/lesbian concerns to name a few.
Denise Cox M.S., is a Senior Psychological Examiner with over twenty-five years of experience. She evaluates learning related
disorders and provides psychotherapy and extensive interventions for all ages and academic levels. She works with
relationship, parenting and life adjustment issues. Her practice is grounded in the work of C.G. Jung.
Sandy Furrh, LCSW, with over fifteen years of counseling experience with children, adolescents, and adults,
specializes in family, marital and adolescent counseling. She is also a TN Supreme Court certified Family & Civil
Mediator, helping resolve divorce, parental plans, and community and workplace disputes. She also welcomes gay and
lesbian referrals.
Edwina Hackett, LCSW, L.A.A.D.A.C., has over thirty years experience working with adults in many problem
areas such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and issues of relationship, aging and grief.
Emily Schultz, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker in Tennessee and Arkansas who has over twenty years experience in individual, couples, and family therapy. She is Level II certified in EMDR treatment for trauma related issues and uses cognitive behavioral approaches for helping people cope with their life challenges.
Jennifer A. Stone, M.Div., Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who has over twenty-five years experience with couples, adults, and teens. She specializes in depression, gay, lesbian and gender concerns, and EMDR. Having a Presbyterian seminary degree, she also has a strong background regarding spiritual issues.
Sharon Thompson, Ph.D., provides counseling for adults. Typical areas of focus include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and histories of abuse.
COMING IN JUNE: THE 2010 PATHFINDER FORUM
Join us June 6th for the eighth annual forum which focuses on "Making the World Fit for Children." Already scheduled is Rev. Ryan Tracy from Stand for Children, a national and local organization that works toward grassroots solutions for lasting change in children's education. Meeting each Sunday in June, each session is from 9:00am to 10:00am and will take place in the new Conference Center of First Congregational Church. As always, Pathfinder Forums are a free community service, and all are welcome. For further details, call Dr. Chapman at 844-4357.
Want more information or want to make an appointment? Call 844-HELP(4357) Sorry, we cannot take requests for appointments via email. Please call us.