Para

A PEER COUNSELING MINISTRY of NCC

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
(Isaiah 61:1)

What is Peer Counseling?

Pará is a word that describes someone who is close beside.

PARA Ministry provides free peer counseling and support groups for adults 18 and older with the purpose of promoting improved mental health through emotional and spiritual healing. Peer counseling is not professional counseling. Non-judgmental listening, sharing, and encouragement are offered through trained volunteers. The volunteer peer counselors have completed 36 hours of course work. As a ministry of Nashville Christian Church, we meet people where they are, regardless of their spirituality or belief system.

Our phone contact 812-900-2423 is available to call or text. Our email is also open for referrals:  peercounselor@nccin.org

Directors

Marcy Wright, RN

Director
Marcy worked at Bloomington Hospital as a registered nurse for nearly 25 years caring for Heart Failure patients. That time afforded her a vast amount of counseling experience for those dealing with chronic disease and the impact that has on mental health. She recently began work in an acute mental health unit at Columbus Regional Hospital so she may grow her knowledge base in caring for the acutely mentally ill. Marcy personally struggles with chronic depression and at times this has become very crippling. Her personal experience paired with her professional experience has provided her with an earnest heart for the mission of mental health care in our community. We are all broken in some way and deserve access to counseling regardless of our ability to pay.

Carlos Wright, RN

Co-Director
Carlos Wright is a registered nurse with more than 10 years experience in hospice and working with families and counseling them through difficult situations and losses. He has served as a community lay director for Hoosier Hills Emmaus, a spiritual community with over 5,500 members. He has served on the non-profit board of directors for MUM, which works to reduce prison recidivism rates in Monroe County. Working with MUM, Carlos has helped mentor young individuals in developing leadership skills.

FAQs

If you have other questions, you may send us a message using the form at the bottom of the page.

Where do we meet?

Peer counseling sessions meet in the office building of Nashville Christian Church. 140 S. Van Buren St.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to receive peer counseling. Our volunteers generously donate their time for service to our community.

Who can receive peer counseling?

Any adult (18 or older). You must complete an intake form to help us understand your story and pair you with the right peer counselor. 

Will our conversation be kept confidential?

Absolutely. Our peer counselors are trained to treat clients with respect and keep information confidential.  

Let us come alongside you

Please send us a message if you are interested in receiving peer counseling, want to refer someone you know, or have unanswered questions. 

Send message