The Counselor’s Couch, Part 3: Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia

A continuation from Part 2: Vera tells ALL

The goal of PCCV is straightforward: “reduce the abortion rate in the Central Virginia Piedmont area.” PCCV has a resounding Mission Statement that speaks both of their high standards in Christian ministry as well as their uncompromising care for women, men and children in Central Virginia.

The Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia is a life-affirming Christian ministry committed to:

• HOPE for women, men and their families facing issues of unintended pregnancy;
• HELP through free and confidential counseling, education, medical services and adoption referrals;
• HEALTH by empowering individuals to make self-controlled, healthy lifestyle choices;
• HEALING through physical, emotional and spiritual support.

From these simple words - Hope, Help, Health and Healing - the counselors, staff and volunteers of PCCV are driven to serve their community with a steadfast love of neighbor. A clear and unwavering love of Christ fires their passion for life.

The differences between PCCV and abortion clinics are clear. PCCV knows the definition of “crisis pregnancy” and they are there for you. They know that while every crisis seems like a threat to our sense of well-being, God’s love and our strength as humans will pull us through any crisis and give us an opportunity to grow and learn about ourselves.

Unlike an abortion clinic, you are not demeaned to a number or patient file. You are an empowered individual, cared for lovingly by your pregnancy counselor every step of the way. When you feel like you might fall, your counselor is there to catch you. PCCV clients find friends and confidants in their counselors. Best of all, services are free and confidential.

Trained pregnancy counselors are in four convenient locations throughout Central Virginia - Downtown Charlottesville, Albemarle, Orange and Culpeper. PCCV puts their counselors through rigorous certification training, on-the-job and in-services trainings, and regular evaluations. You can be sure that your pregnancy counselor is top-notch.

Each center offers free, confidential pregnancy testing with immediate and reliable results. You have time to talk with your counselor about your results and receive upfront, factual information on all of your options, including parenting, abortion and adoption. Clients may request information about free limited medical services; free baby and maternity supplies; and referral information to social services, legal services or medical care. PCCV does not give referrals to abortion services or providers. A post abortion Bible study and support group is also offered several times a year. Women who attend say they feel “forgiven and set free.”

A trained volunteer is always available on their 24-hour helpline to take your call (434-220-3777 or 1-800-395-HELP (4357) toll-free), or visit www.VirginiaPregnancy.org. PCCV is committed to helping women, men and children, without false advertising or deception.

The Counselor’s Couch, Part 2: Vera tells ALL

A continuation from Part 1: Real Answers. Real Help.

I knew I always wanted a baby, but with my baby I also wanted a husband and family; my opinion of “normal.” I know being a single mom is possible, especially this day and age, but I didn’t think it was a possibility for me.

I was afraid to be pregnant because I was convinced that I could not make it work financially. My family was far away and Chloe’s father wanted nothing to do with us. Ending the pregnancy would have been easiest; nothing in my life would have to change. But even as these thoughts passed through my head, I think a larger part of me knew that Chloe was meant to be.

I confided in a friend at work. She helped me clarify my thoughts and realize I really wanted to keep Chloe, but I was still scared. Eventually I found PCCV. [Vera was referred to PCCV by a local abortion clinic.] I stopped by one day looking for programs that might assist me financially in keeping Chloe.

What I found was so much more. I found peace of mind. I found a great friend who drove three hours to come to Chloe’s baby shower. I found someone I could call and ask the silliest questions. My notebook is filled with “called Nicole about…”

The physical support - baby gifts, layette and especially the crib - were all very important, but having Nicole there for emotional support made all the difference in the world. Even my parents are so thrilled that I found PCCV and had your support. I felt in control and strong and, more importantly, not alone.

I was never pressured by PCCV. I had already made up my mind, but was afraid of the decision. Nicole just listened to me. She let me talk and by the time we were done there was Chloe. I would say, “She is a dream come true, but…”; PCCV helped remove the “buts” and let me enjoy the rest. I started thinking that I could do it and I did. I made the perfect little room fit for a princess with just their crib and a coat of paint. I even used the bedspread from my childhood room. PCCV was there for me whenever I needed them. It meant so much to me.

If I had to give advice to others in my situation? Get over the fact that you need to ask for help! The hardest thing in my life was to ask for help. Yes, you are great, beautiful, talented and successful, but sometimes even the best of us need help. I know it is hard to ask, believe me. I wasn’t going to. I thought I was too good for it. I mean, I went to college, I have a graduate degree. Why would I need help, right? But I did! My pregnancy, my life and Chloe’s life, wouldn’t be so peaceful if I had not asked for help.

Please read Part 3: The Pregnancy Centers of Central Virginia for the continuation.

Recently I was asked to write an article about my experience as a Pregnancy Counselor for Celebrate Life, a publication of American Life League. A daunting task to say the least, I hoped this would afford me an opportunity to tell the real story of what goes on in Crisis Pregnancy Centers.

Often I hear and read the liberal propaganda spewing lies about CPCs, what we do, who we serve and how we accomplish our mission. I have even heard twisted tales about what a CPC’s mission is. Naturally when I started writing I wanted to correct as many fallacies as possible. To this end, and my absolute joy, one of my former clients enthusiastically agreed to a “no-holds-barred” interview about her experience with our center and me, her counselor.

The final printed article, I am pleased to say, can be found in the September/October 2008 issue of Celebrate Life. However, I have also split the article into three shorter pieces for your enjoyment here. I hope you all enjoy the stunning truth my client revealed about CPCs!

The Counselor’s Couch, Part 1: Real Answers. Real Help.

Crisis pregnancy - for those who have never experienced one, you cannot begin to imagine the rollercoaster of emotions flooding your senses. You feel light headed, even giddy, but then you are flying out of control, tossed upside-down and desperately praying for someone to flip the off switch.

The best way to explain the rush of mixed feelings is like a freefall, total gravity. To see the breathlessness when clients walk through the door; the raw, unreserved emotion as they slowly unfold their story and the utter relief when a woman finds sanctuary and truth in a Pregnancy Center; it is both a heavenly joy and a heavy cross to bear as a pregnancy counselor.

Every time the door chimes or the phone rings I know it is a Divine appointment filled with opportunity. Looking up from the front desk as Vera walked into the Albemarle center was no different. I knew there was going to be a connection between us.

As a pregnancy counselor you learn very quickly to read people. Every client is an individual, unique. In training you learn counselors have only seven seconds to welcome a client and assess her personality. In Vera’s seven seconds I saw that she was a very action oriented person with a bright smile and a no-nonsense attitude. She came prepared with a list of questions; all she needed was a close friend and comfy couch.

Please read Part 2: Vera Tells ALL for the continuation.