Specializing in Counseling for Church Workers

Faithful Guidance
Lutheran Counseling
Rev. Dr. Dean Pittelko, BCPC, CARS, CCBT

Name: Faithful Guidance Lutheran Counseling
Address: 344 Pembroke Ct
Telephone: 224/655-3300

At one time or another, we all need some guidance, some help, some compassion, care and concern. Our Lord Jesus says plainly:“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV

The Lord puts people in our lives to help, to listen, to process with, to unload our baggage onto, to help reflect with, get support from and to guide. That is what Dr. Dean does!

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“Our help is in the name of the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8 ESV

Ministry and life can be difficult

WHY CHURCH WORKER COUNSELING?

We all know that ministry, and life itself, can be stressful. Marriage and family life can be difficult, being single can be hard, finances often draining, health issues painful to deal with, even living out your Christian faith can be lonely. So many things can arise and all of life has its ups and downs. That is not to say that there are a lack of blessings in life – there are indeed many! As trusting Christians who have been taught the Holy Scriptures, know how to pray, and rely on our merciful Lord, many of life’s problems are handleable by Jesus and us together.

Yet, there are also times when too many things pile up at once. Situations when we are faced with particularly difficult issues or encounter a crisis. Also, we experience those occasions when we just need to destress, to talk about what we are going through with someone who will understand us as a Christian servant and disciple, someone who has learned the ins and outs of human thought and behavior, is compassionate and caring and is also a faithful, experienced church worker. These are the times to talk with me and work through your issues, large or small. I will help you regain hope, strength of faith, equip you to cope with problems and people, navigate difficult systems, help you to help yourself and to find more peace in the Lord again. Additionally, I can assist by making referrals to other professionals who are able to help you.

My fees per sixty minute session are quite low, and I am always willing to work with my clients to reduce fees to an affordable level, so you can be helped. Today is the time to contact me. You will be glad you did!

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What We Do for You

METHODOLOGY

Christ, the Bible - God’s Holy Word, and the proper distinction between Law and Gospel are all first. This IS Lutheran counseling! Along with that Lutheran theological “trinity,” Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is employed, insofar as it agrees with Scripture, and when as needed. CBT is not the only psychological approach used, but it is primary because so much of it agrees with the Bible [Philippians 4:4-9 is an example] and it has been shown to be effective in one study after another for many years. No psychodynamic or humanistic methods are used.

Where We Are

LOCATIONS

St, John Lutheran Church – 1800 S. Rodenburg Rd. [at Irving Park Rd], Schaumburg, IL 60193 [located near I-390, Barrington Rd, Roselle Rd. I-290 and Lake St.]

Trinity Lutheran Church – 300 S. Ardmore Ave. [2 blocks south of St. Charles Rd.], Villa Park, IL 60181 [located near North Ave., Roosevelt Rd., I-355 and I-290 at IL 83 south exit]

Faith Lutheran Church – 9701 S. Melvina Ave [3 blocks south of 95th St.] Oak Lawn, IL60453 [located near Ridgeland Ave, Southwest Hwy. and I-294] – I am the called part-time pastor of this congregation.

On-Screen Chat – doxy.me [HIPAA compliant, secure resource that requires no software on the counseling client’s device]. After an appointment is made, an email will be sent to you one or two days before the appointment with the link, day and time reminder.

Experience

EXPERIENCE

-D.Min. – Toronto School of Theology, The University of Toronto ON, 2006 Professional doctorate in clinical pastoral counseling

-M.Div. – Concordia Seminary, St. Louis MO, 1988 Pastoral Ministry and Doctrinal Theology

-B.A. – Concordia University, River Forest IL, 1983 Religion major, double minor in behavioral sciences and history

-State of Illinois Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Addiction Counselor training – McDermott Center/Haymarket: classwork and internships, Chicago IL, 2011 in-class work, counselor on men’s inpatient, and dual diagnosis mental health units

-Clinical Pastoral Education [CPE residency], Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington IL, 2016-2017 2 units [1,600 hours] working in oncology, acute care and urgent care units and with social work department; along with class work, group work and research

-Case manager and substance abuse counselor, Haymarket Center and Anchor Behavioral Health, Chicago IL [part-time], 2012 - 2013

-Pastor, Senior Pastor since 1988 – present: serving small, medium and large congregations in small town, mid-size town, suburban and inner city areas of MN, WI and IL. Served in two congregations with PK-8 schools, and served with teachers, DCE, Minister of Church Music and associate pastor. Taught part time for five years at Luther High School North in Chicago [psychology, sociology, anthropology, world religions, Old Testament and Senior Honors Theology classes] and served as school counselor.

-Professional Certifications: Board Certified Pastoral Counselor [BCPPC], Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist [NACBT], Certified Addiction Recovery Specialist [BCPPC], Certified Mediator [Northwestern University], Certified Family Mediator [DePaul University]

Congregation & Community Counseling

NON-CHURCH WORKER COUNSELING

i am happy to counsel non-church workers and their families as my time and availability permit. Please call or email, as I often will be able to see you or "make time" depending on our respective schedules!

CONTACT INFO

Hours available: 8am to 8pm

Phone: 224/645-3300 **If you find yourself, a family member or friend in a crisis situation, please call 9-1-1 immediately! They are best equipped to deal with these situations in a timely manner.**

E-Mail: dr.deancounseling@gmail.com