To Know Christ, To Grow in Christ, To Share Christ and His Love
 

Counseling Ministry


First United Methodist Church has counseling services available to meet your needs. If you have asked these questions, or questions like them, we can help.

  • What happens after the wedding?
  • How do I get over guilt?
  • How can I make sense of my pain?
  • What can I do to make my relationships feel better?
  • Why do I make the same mistakes over and over again?
  • Do I have an addiction?
  • How can I become a better parent?
  • Is my marriage in trouble?
  • How can I find hope in the midst of so many struggles?
  • ...

 

You do not have to be a member of the First United Methodist Church. Counseling services are available, by appointment, for anyone.

The counseling office is located at 603 McKinney Street (directly across the street from the doors of the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Niceville).

Our Counselors:

Rev. John Edward (Ed) Chandler

678-4411, ext. 162

Edward ChandlerEd attended the University of Alabama, Asbury College, and Asbury Theological Seminary. In the years after graduating from Seminary, he completed further graduate study in Personal and Family Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Alcohol Problems, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexual Abuse, Problems of Sexual Orientation, and Career Changes.

Rev. Chandler has 49 years of service in the United Methodist Church. From 1983 to 1998, he was the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church, Niceville. He was also a counselor during 26 years of his ministry. Since 1998, he has been on the church staff as a counselor. For more than 25 years, Rev. Chandler has also taught stewardship seminars in churches across the country.

Rev. Chandler's office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fees are $40 per counseling hour.

Rev. Chandler is also approved as a premarital counselor* for Okaloosa County.

Rev. Allison H. Posell

678-4411, ext. 164; (Appointment Desk ext. is 176)

Allison PosellAllison was born into the military life in Reno, Nevada and was “planted” in the south in 1973. After completing high school in Panama City, Florida, she attended Auburn University, graduated with a degree in nursing, and then went "on the road" as a nurse in the military, specializing in critical care. Allison, her husband Steve, and their children moved to this area in 1991. After an early retirement from the Air Force, Allison graduated from Troy State University with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and completed her seminary coursework at Asbury Theological Seminary. Allison remains a registered nurse, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with the State of Florida, and is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church.

Allison’s approach to counseling can be summarized as:

"Through God’s direction and power, we seek the truth in various aspects of our lives – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Pain in any of the three areas not only affects the other two but also relationship with self, God, and others in community. As one invited to come and sit alongside those in need, I bring a wealth of experience, both personally and professionally, in all three areas."

Various areas of counseling include premarital counseling*, marriage and family, interpersonal relationships, communication styles and skills, parenting, seasons of life issues, and healthy sexuality. Allison also serves as a speaker for retreats, pulpit supply, and topical presentations for church and community groups.

Counseling is by appointment only on a fee for service basis.

  • $40/session for individuals
  • $50/session for couples
  • $50/session for 3 or more

 

Unless previous arrangements are made, payment is due when sessions are completed.

If you desire to make an appointment, or seek a referral to another provider, please call 678-4411, ext. 176.

Rev. Allison Posell's email is: aposell@fumcniceville.org

 

 

Various Support Seminars/Groups:

Myers-Briggs Seminar - Future seminar date to be announced.

View information about Celebrate Recovery, on Friday evenings and related weekday Step Studies.

Parent Support for the Challenging Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Aspergers, ADHD, ADD, OCD, ODD, PDD, depression or anxiety. Call 678-7100 for information. This group meets on Wednesday evenings, 6:00 p.m., Room 803.

View information about "The Wounded Heart Healing Seminar".

Body Image and Eating Disorder Support Group – Mondays, 7:00 p.m., Room 703. Contact Lissachristen@aol.com for more information.

Boundaries (Men): Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., in the reception area of the Counseling Center. Contact Steve at 420-4934.

Divorce Recovery Support Group – (See Singles Ministry) or contact Pam Ellisor, Minister to Singles.

Survivors of Suicide (a national organization for those who have lost loved ones to suicide): A new group is meeting on Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. at the Covenant Hospice office at 101 Hart St., Niceville. The group is led by Sandi Gatling, MSSW bereavement specialist. For more information, contact Sandi at 729-1800.

*Both Rev. Chandler and Rev. Posell are approved as premarital counselors for Okaloosa County. A certificate of completion will be given after four hours of pre-marital counseling.

Individual Appointments: Contact 678-4411, ext. 176 for information.