Janet Abadir, MD
Professional Christian Counseling
PO Box 8043
Kodiak, Alaska 99615
JanetAbadir.com
AGREEMENT FOR PASTORAL COUNSELING SERVICES – Revised 12/2025
Introduction
This Agreement is intended to provide ________________________________
(herein “Client”) with important information regarding the practices, policies and procedures of Janet Abadir, MD, (herein “Counselor”), and to clarify the terms of the professional Pastoral Counseling relationship between Counselor and Client. Any questions or concerns regarding the contents of this Agreement should be discussed with Counselor prior to signing it.
Counselor Background and Qualifications
Counselor has been a practicing general surgeon for twenty-four years, but has retired from the practice of medicine since 2024. Counselor has earned a certificate in biblical counseling through Light University in 2025. Counselor has been involved in Christian fellowship, Bible study, and ministry in the Body of Christ in good standing throughout her lifetime.
Pastoral Counseling involves building a relationship wherein trust is fostered between client and Counselor. Out of the relationship built, Clients are encouraged to disclose matters of relevance to them. Counselor will utilize approaches, techniques, and tools based in a biblical world view and a client-centered focus to bring Client or Clients to a higher level of growth, functioning, relationship, or well-being.
Risks and Benefits of Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral Counseling is a process in which Counselor and Client discuss issues, events, experiences, and memories for the purpose of creating positive change so Client can benefit from guidance, encouragement, insight, maturity, consolation, and wisdom. Counselor approaches counseling as both a skill and a ministry and is guided by the professional training and ethics typical of professional therapeutic relationships. Pastoral Counseling is a joint effort between Client and Counselor. Progress and success may vary depending upon the particular problems or issues being addressed, as well as many other factors.
Participating in Pastoral Counseling may result in a number of benefits to Client, including, but not limited to, reduced stress and anxiety, a decrease in negative thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors, improved interpersonal relationships, evidence of spiritual growth and development, increased comfort in social, work, and family settings, increased capacity for intimacy, and increased self-confidence. Such benefits may also require substantial effort on the part of Client, including an active participation in the Pastoral Counseling process, honesty, and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts and behaviors. There is no guarantee that Pastoral Counseling will yield any or all of the benefits listed above.
Participating in Pastoral Counseling may also involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc. There may be times in which Counselor will challenge Client’s perceptions and assumptions and offer different perspectives. The issues presented by Client may result in unintended outcomes, including changes in personal relationships. Client should be aware that any decision on the status of his/her personal relationships is the responsibility of Client.
During the Pastoral Counseling process, Clients sometimes report they feel worse before they feel better. This is not an unusual or unexpected phenomenon in therapeutic relationships. Personal growth and change may be easy and swift at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. Client should address any concerns he/she has regarding his/her progress in Pastoral Counseling with Counselor.
Professional Consultation
Professional consultation is an important component of a healthy Pastoral Counseling practice. For this reason, Counselor may seek clinical, ethical, and legal consultation with appropriate professionals. During such consultations, Counselor will not reveal any personally identifying information regarding Client.
Records and Record Keeping
Counselor usually takes notes during session. These notes constitute Counselor’s record of subject matter, themes, important points, assignments and other items of interest that come from the session. Such records are the sole property of Counselor. Counselor will not alter his/her normal record keeping process at the request of any Client. Should Client request a copy of Counselor’s records, such a request must be made in writing for Counselor to consider. Counselor will maintain Client’s records for a period of time following termination of Pastoral Counseling. However, at a time determined by the Counselor, the Client’s records will be destroyed in a manner that preserves Client’s confidentiality.
Confidentiality
The information disclosed by Client is generally confidential and will not be released to any third party without written authorization from Client, except where required or permitted by law. Exceptions to confidentiality, include, but are not limited to, reporting child, elder and dependent adult abuse, when a Client makes a serious threat of violence towards a reasonably identifiable victim, or when a Client is dangerous to him/herself or the person or property of another.
Client Litigation
Counselor will not voluntarily participate in any litigation, or custody dispute in which Client and another individual, or entity, are parties. Counselor has a policy of not communicating with Client’s attorney and will generally not write or sign letters, reports, declarations, or affidavits to be used in Client’s legal matter. Counselor will generally not provide records or testimony unless compelled to do so. Should Counselor be subpoenaed, or ordered by a court of law, to appear as a witness in an action involving Client, Client agrees to reimburse Counselor for any time spent for preparation, travel, or other time in which Counselor has made him/herself available for such an appearance at Counselor’s usual and customary hourly rate of $150.
Counselor-Client Privilege
The information disclosed by Client, as well as any records created, is subject to the privileges of professional counseling and clergy/penitent relationships. The Counselor-Client privilege results from the special relationship between Counselor and Client. Typically, the Client is the holder of the Counselor-Client privilege. If Counselor received a subpoena for records, deposition testimony, or testimony in a court of law, Counselor will assert any applicable legal privileges until instructed, in writing, to do otherwise by Client or Client’s representative. Client should be aware that he/she might be waiving the Counselor-Client privilege if he/she makes his/her mental or emotional state an issue
in a legal proceeding. Client should address any concerns he/she might have regarding the Counselor-Client privilege with his/her attorney.
Fee and Fee Arrangements
The usual and customary fee for service is $150 per session. A normal session lasts from 50 minutes to one hour. Additional minutes taken for a session beyond this are charged at a rate agreeable to both Counselor and Client. Counselor reserves the right to periodically adjust this fee. Client will be notified of any fee adjustment in advance. Sessions or consultations conducted by telephone or Zoom-type internet interface are charged at the same rate as in person sessions, unless otherwise agreed to by both Counselor and Client(s).
The agreed upon fee between Counselor and Client is ______________. Client is responsible for payment of the agreed upon fee (on a pro rata basis) for any telephone calls longer than ten minutes. Clients are expected to pay for services at the time services are rendered. Counselor accepts cash, checks, and major credit cards (except AMEX).
Insurance, Please Note:
Charges for Pastoral Counseling do not involve clinical diagnosis and will likely be rejected by insurance companies. Client(s) should not assume fees charged for professional Pastoral Counselor / Christian Counselor are reimbursable by either Insurance Companies or Medical Saving Account plans. Client may request a receipt for session charges and fees.
Cancellation Policy
Client is responsible for payment of the agreed upon fee for any missed session(s). Client is also responsible for payment of the agreed upon fee for any session(s) for which Client failed to give Counselor at least 24 hours’ notice of cancellation. Cancellation notice should be made online.
Counselor Availability
Counselor’s direct phone line equipped with a confidential voice mail system that allows Client to leave a message at any time. Counselor will make every effort to return calls within 24 hours (or by the next business day), but cannot guarantee the calls will be returned immediately. Counselor is unable to provide 24-hour crisis service. In the event that Client is feeling unsafe or requires immediate medical or psychiatric assistance, he/she should call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Termination of Pastoral Counseling
Counselor reserves the right to terminate Pastoral Counseling at her discretion. Reasons for termination include, but are not limited to, untimely payment of fees, failure to comply with counseling recommendations, conflicts of interest, failure to participate in Pastoral Counseling, Client needs that are outside of Counselor’s scope of competence or practice, or Client is not making adequate progress in Pastoral Counseling relationship.
Client has the right to terminate Pastoral Counseling at his/her discretion. Upon either party’s decision to terminate Pastoral Counseling, Counselor will generally recommend that Client participate in at least one, or possibly more, termination sessions. These sessions are intended to facilitate a positive termination experience and give both parties an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done. Counselor will also attempt to ensure a smooth transition to another Counselor or Therapist by offering referrals to Client.
Acknowledgement
By signing below, Client acknowledges that he/she has reviewed and fully understands the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Client has discussed such terms and conditions with Counselor, and has had any questions with regard to its terms and conditions answered to Client’s satisfaction. Client agrees to abide by the terms and conditions of this Agreement and consents to participate in Pastoral Counseling with Counselor. Moreover, Client agrees to hold Counselor free and harmless from any claims, demands, or suits for damages from any injury or complications whatsoever, save negligence, that may result from such treatment.
_____________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Client Name (please print)
_______________________________________________________ _____________
Signature of Client (or authorized representative)
Date ______________
_____________________________________________________________________________
I understand that I am financially responsible to Counselor for all charges.
_______________________________________________________
Name of Responsible Party (Please print)
_______________________________________________________
Signature of Responsible Party
Date ________________
“No Secrets” Policy for Family Pastoral Counseling and Couple Pastoral Counseling
This written policy is intended to inform you, the participants in family Pastoral Counseling or couple
Pastoral Counseling, that when I agree to work with a couple or a family, I consider that couple or family (the treatment unit) to be the Client. For instance, if there is a request for the counseling records of the couple or the family, I will seek the authorization of all members of the family unit before I release confidential information to third parties. Also, if my records are subpoenaed, I will assert any relevant privileges on behalf of the Client (or family unit).
During the course of my work with a couple or a family, I may see a smaller part of the family unit or group (e.g., an individual or two siblings) for one or more sessions. These sessions should be seen by you as a part of the work that I am doing with the family or the couple, unless otherwise indicated.
If you are involved in one or more of such sessions with me, please understand that generally these sessions are confidential in the sense that I will not release any confidential information to a third party unless I am required by law to do so or unless I have your written authorization. In fact, since these sessions can and should be considered a part of the family or couple Pastoral Counseling, I would also seek the authorization of the other individuals in the family or group unit before releasing confidential information to a third party.
However, I may need to share information learned in an individual session (or a session with only a portion of the treatment unit being present) with the entire treatment unit — that is, the family or the couple, if I am to effectively serve as a Pastoral Counselor. I will use my best judgment as to whether, when, and to what extent I will make disclosures to members of a family or group, and will also, if appropriate, first give the individual or smaller part of the family or group being seen the opportunity to make the disclosure. Thus, if you feel it necessary to talk about matters that you absolutely want to be shared with no one, you might want to consult with an individual Counselor who can treat you individually.
This “no secrets” policy is intended to allow me to continue to provide counseling services to the Client (the couple or family unit) by preventing, to the extent possible, a conflict of interest to arise where an individual’s interests may not be consistent with the interests of the unit being treated. For instance, information learned in the course of an individual session may be relevant or even essential to the proper counseling of the couple or the family. If I am not free to exercise my professional judgment regarding the need to bring this information to the family or the couple during their Pastoral Counseling, I might be placed in a situation where I will have to terminate my work with the couple or the family. This policy is intended to prevent the need for such a termination.
We, the members of the _____________(couple/family or other unit) being seen, acknowledge by our individual signatures below, that each of us has read this policy, that we understand it, that we have had an opportunity to discuss its contents with Janet Abadir, and that we enter couple/family Pastoral Counseling in agreement with this policy.
Dated: __________
Signature(s): ______________________________________________________