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.