Counseling FAQs
1. What is your training and experience?
Dr. McKinney is a licensed pastoral counselor accredited by the North Carolina Board for Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors (pdf). Before he began his practice, Dr. McKinney served as a pastor for almost two decades at six different churches.
2. What is pastoral counseling?
Associated with psychotherapy, pastoral counseling uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. Pastoral counselors are certified mental health professionals who have had in-depth theological training. Here is more information on the topic.
3. What is your clinical approach?
The primary approach I use is called narrative therapy. The basic idea is to partner with the client to understand their problem-saturated story, and also to understand their alternative stories that are full of strength and health. Once people become more aware of their hidden strength/health they can make conscious choices to live from those places. More important than these technical aspects, though, is my simple desire to hear people and ask curious questions that may be helpful in guiding them to the truths already in them.
4. What areas do you specialize in, if any?
I am interested in working with people who are trying to develop a better understanding about themselves and their lives. This list is not exhaustive, but may give you an idea of the kind of work I do:
- spiritual/religious questions
- sexual orientation and gender identity
- depression
- trauma
- discerning new directions in life
- relationship struggles
- premarital counseling
- couples counseling
- loss and grief
5. Where is your office located?
My office is located at 312 W. Millbrook Rd, Suite 109 in Raleigh. My phone number is
(919) 845-9977 Ext. 219. The waiting room is on the first floor. Here is a map so you can get directions from your location.
6. What will happen at my first session?
Typically, I begin by asking what concerns brought you to seek counseling. I listen closely and ask questions as needed. I hope you will ask me questions, too, so you get a feel for the relationship we will build together.
7. Will you say anything or do I just talk the whole time?
The focus is on you, but I may respond with questions, clarifications and feedback. If talking is uncomfortable at first, I’ll do my best to provide what you need to experience comfort without interfering with the emotions that brought you to seek therapy.
8. Do I need to tell you everything the first session?
It would be remarkable if you did. Therapy is a process where revealing your personal details takes place in security and confidentiality. Understandably, that relationship takes some time to form. We’ll move at the pace that works best for your personal well-being.
9. How do I know if you are the best therapist for me?
You won’t until we meet. Other than the obvious credentials, this is very much a match-making process that involves face-to-face meetings to determine a mutual “fit.” I encourage clients to explore other therapists to ensure they are working with the individual uniquely suited to assist in their healing process. Should we not be a good fit, I will refer you to other therapists with the goal of finding the therapeutic relationship that works for you.
10. Do you file insurance?
Yes. To learn more about insurance options, please visit this page.
11. How long does a session last?
Each session is generally scheduled for 45-50 minutes.
12. How often do you see clients for sessions?
Once we feel we’ve correctly evaluated your status, we will mutually agree upon a regular time and schedule for our meetings. There is no set formula besides what works best for you.
13. Why do you work with the LGBT community?
As both counselor and pastor, I have worked with hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people over the last two decades. In that time, I have come to admire their courage and strength. I also have a brother who is gay, so this is a very personal issue for me. In addition to counseling, I’ve worked on legal and political issues related to the LGBT community, including the formation of the North Carolina Religious Coalition for Marriage Equality.
Jack McKinney, M.Div., Ph.D. 312 W. Millbrook Road, Suite 109 Raleigh, NC 27609-4398 919.845.9977 Ext. 219
