SANCTUARY COUNSELING GROUP

Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of courage and strength!

It is an act of faith!

About Methodist Counseling

Sanctuary Counseling Group (SCG) is an ecumenical outreach ministry of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church in cooperation with churches of various denominations, providing counseling and educational services to the central piedmont area of North Carolina for over 30 years.  We are an accredited service center of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and the Samaritan Institute.

In counseling or therapy, you will meet one-on-one with a licensed professional counselor, usually in fifty-minute sessions.  This relationship is completely confidential and may last for only a few sessions or may continue for much longer, depending on your needs.  Persons come to counseling for a wide range of reasons, hoping to feel and function better. Common issues include: general anxiety, specific fears and phobias, depression, stress management, issues of loneliness and grief, difficult family experiences (past and present), relationship problems, adjustment problems, and spiritual problems.  Individuals may also come to counseling to work toward a better self-image, to explore existential themes (e.g., “What’s my purpose?” or “How can I make my life more meaningful?”), or to achieve personal and/or spiritual growth.

At SCG, one of our highest priorities is to make this a place where persons will feel safe talking about their concerns.

To learn more and go to the SCG website

About the Therapist

Dr. Jonathan Golden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in North Carolina, as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC).  He is a member of the American Counseling Association and Chi Sigma Iota (Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society). He is also an ordained elder and member of the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Dr. Golden has an MS and Ph.D. in pastoral counseling from Loyola College in Maryland, an MDiv from Duke Divinity School, and an MA in Culture and Spirituality from Holy Names College in Oakland, CA.  He did his undergraduate work at Duke University. His clinical experience includes internships at Hospice of the Chesapeake Bereavement Center (Millersville, MD), the College of Notre Dame Counseling Center (Baltimore, MD), and Towson University Counseling Center (Towson, MD).

Dr. Golden has been at the Hickory office of SCG since 2002.  He is also available to churches and local groups for workshops and continuing education opportunities for both clergy and laity.

About Fees

SCG works with a standard fee.  As a non-profit organization and in compliance with the Samaritan Institute guidelines, however, we also provide a sliding scale based on income and family size.  In addition, special arrangements may be available through the Samaritan Client Assistance Fund for persons who cannot afford the full amount. Insurance coverage may also be available and is determined on a case by case basis.

Our goal at SCG is to turn no one away because of finances.

To Schedule an Appointment, Call

Jonathan Golden, Ph.D.  • (828) 322-6058, Ext. 301