Pastoral Care
Pastoral services have a very different client demographic; in most cases this work involves one on one visits with people at their homes or in health care facilities. Whether they are dealing with grief, a family crisis or planning a life change like marriage or divorce, my function is to be present
Visitation
Visits are patient/client driven: some people have spiritual concerns or issues they are seeking resolution about, some have concerns about what happens after death, in some case people simply want to share their life stories. The individuals are generally elderly and have multiple health issues. Often these individuals have been unaffiliated with a local congregation or estranged from faith and a faith communities for a variety of reasons. In some instances we process the reasons and in some cases not- it depends on what the person wants to talk about.
End of life :: grief & bereavement
End of Life counseling covers all of the issues, emotions and steps before someone’s passing, during and after. I assist not only the individual, but the family as well.
Individual & family support services
Often people just need to be heard without judgement and shown care that comes from a discussion or just listening. Those I serve need an extra measure of support, comfort, guidance and light.
Pre-wedding counseling
I believe in the importance of premarital counseling as a means to opening up communication and prepare for the inevitable rough spots by facilitating clarity and expectations. We talk about conflict styles, household responsibilities and some pretty mundane stuff that as you know can end up making a difference in the long haul. The feedback I’ve received on the premarital work has been pretty positive so far.
“We were all at the hospital, there had been a serious accident and we were waiting for news on whether or not we would see our family member again. My most vivid memory from that night in the hospital was when a burly bearded Rabbi took us into a room to deliver the worst possible news. He stands out in my mind more than anyone else on that night because of his gentle nurturing and consoling presence.
A few months later I saw him again when he presided over the funeral of a family friend. Once again Rabbi Alterman said just the right thing; he was attuned to our grief but also, perhaps even more importantly, our need for a bit of levity (it had been a rough year). My third meeting with the Rabbi was at Asheville’s annual Brewfest; he was wearing a kilt, had beer in hand and appeared to be off duty for a change. He was just as kind, present and engaging as he had been in his professional role. His graciousness just cemented my deep respect and appreciation for this remarkable human being.”