About

History, Vision, Mission and Core Beliefs

If you are a licensed counselor/therapist/psychologist with a Christian world view, we invite you to consider joining the Rooted Counselor Network (RCN). This project originated from a small peer supervision group that started in 2015, which prompted more communication channels between Christians in the Baltimore area who rely on wisdom and support from like-minded practitioners. Our group has now grown to include over 45 members, with plenty of room for more! 

We have also been inspired by some amazing facts about how God designed the root systems of trees to collaborate in sharing resources, providing assistance, and developing healthy forests!

 

Our mission has taken shape around three elements: Information Sharing, Training/Networking Events, and Support to Church/Ministry Staff.

Information Sharing

We host a ListServ feature using Google Groups. Members use the ListServ for posing questions, arranging client referrals, and sharing clinical and community resources with a Christian theme. Members have the option of replying directly to the sender only, or “replying to all” depending on the topic. When you first join, please send us a message to introduce yourself, your counseling practice, and any specializations. This can help with client referrals and consultations.

We also maintain an internal directory of member information, which can be used for arranging referrals to assist prospective clients or community members who are seeking counseling services. This directory is not shared with the public at large, and is solely for use by members to aid in professional networking and referrals.

For example, as a member of the RCN you might learn of someone who is seeking a Christian therapist for a particular need, in the northeast area, who wants to use in-network insurance benefits. By reviewing the Counselor Directory in Member Resources, you could select a few names and provide contact information to the person in need. 

Training/Networking Events

While sharing information and resources through email is quick and convenient, it is good to gather for face-to-face fellowship, training, and networking. We currently attempt to meet every other month between September and May, by Zoom or in-person. You can learn more about the format and dates of these events on the Training and Networking Events page.

We select training topics based on member surveys, with a focus on integration of Christian spiritual values with clinical knowledge and treatment modalities. The one hour training is presented by a member or guest speaker, and certificates for 1.0 Category 2/B CEU’s are provided.

Support to Local Church/Ministry Staff

We endeavor to help the Church (capital “C”) and leaders of local churches and ministries address the mental health and counseling needs of their respective communities. This has taken the shape of informal consultations with pastors and providing names of licensed clinicians with a Christian worldview who might be particularly equipped to help persons in need of treatment. We also respond to requests and suggestions from church and ministry leaders about other ways that the Rooted Counselor Network might assist them with professional education, formal consultations, or general information about “faith friendly” treatment resources. Church and Ministry Staff who wish to reach out to us may use the designated form on our Contact Us page.

Core Beliefs

We selected the Nicene Creed to express the core beliefs of our common faith, as it is generally used within most Christian church denominations and Christian organizations.

The Nicene Creed (1975 Ecumenical Version)

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit
He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.
For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.