Health & Wellness
Part I in the October print edition addressed traditional medical resources on Ocracoke for depression and addiction.
PART II: PASTORAL AND SPIRITUAL COUNSELING RESOURCES
December 2014
By T.L. Grace West
This month three specific alternative resources are featured for your information.
Pastor Ivey Belch (Assembly of God Church) offers Christian counseling at no charge.
“Ninety percent of the people that come to me are facing problems with depression and addiction,” he says.
Ivey grew up on the island, graduating from the Ocracoke School before going off to college.
He began Christian counseling with youth and families and expanded to all ages when he became the full-time pastor over three years ago. Contact him at: pastorb@ocracokeag. org, 252-928-9001.
Pastor Richard L. Bryant (The United Methodist Church) offers Christian counseling at no charge. He is new to our community. However, where he previously worked in Ireland he had the opportunity to deal with a lot of depression and addiction problems. He has also sought out training in both crisis intervention and psychology. Contact him at: richardlbyrant@gmail.com, 252-928-6219
Ann Ehringhaus, LMBT #1033, who has a doctorate in ministry, offers spiritual counseling on a sliding-fee scale. Ann has lived on the island for more than 40 years and compassionately offers support with feelings that can contribute to depression and/or addiction. Contact her at: aeocracoke@ gmail.com. 252-928-1311.
Rosen Method Bodywork (a massage therapy modality specifically for emotional help): Ann also offers this body work on a sliding-fee scale.
“Depression and addiction often result from feelings that are painful that we don’t want to have,” she says. This gentle bodywork is client-centered, meaning you work with Ann at pace right for you. As your body releases some of its tension and guarding, you create space to explore feelings safely with support. Contact her at: aeocracoke@gmail.com, 252-928-1311.
Counseling: Mitzi Crall, Ph.D., works with individuals and is the director of A Journey of Hope, a workshop program she started that helps traumatized partners of sex addicts. She uses her vast knowledge of how our brains work to help people successfully heal the underlying trauma that is the root cause of most depression and addictions.
Along with teaching specific coping skills, her personalized, synergistic approach uses visualization, hypnosis, emotional release work and other methods.
Mitzi recently moved to Ocracoke full time. Contact her at: ajourneyofhope.net, MJCrall@aol.com; cell:770-310- 4873.
In addition, remember prevention goes a long way. Ocracoke is rich with exercise programs, yoga, tai chi/ qi gong and many massage therapists who can ease stress.
For more information contact T.L. Grace West: floatwithgrace@earthlink.
