As a counseling center, Peninsula Pastoral places emphasis on paying attention to the entire person. In order to heal, Reverend Becky Glass states that it is important to its mission at the Center to work with mind, body and spirit.
Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center (PPCC) has been in existence since 1973, so it is nearing 50 full years of helping empower clients to become the best versions of themselves and navigate through life’s challenges. According to Glass, the nationally accredited Center is “a nonprofit that sees people regardless of their ability to pay. [They] try to work with them on that aspect.” Meeting people where they are is a value which the Center’s staff works to uphold.
The staff members, consisting of clergy who are trained in the behavioral sciences and pastoral ministry, offer the option to approach the counseling process from a spiritual perspective. That being said, any spiritual discussion is left to the discretion of the client. This voluntary consideration accompanies the PPCC’s mission to aid clients in a holistic sense. Glass states, “When someone comes into the room, we invite the whole person into the room,” which refers to the openness with which counselors approach their discussions with clients — no matter the struggle.
For Glass, her path toward a counseling career ultimately began with her work as a campus minister. During post-college and seminary education, she says she felt called to work with ministry, which resulted in placing her in a collegiate environment working with students from Christopher Newport University (CNU) and Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC). During her summers, Glass took part in chaplaincy training in Newport News and Portsmouth. It was through these involvements that she realized her passion for “being present with people in times of challenge and difficulty, and also times of celebration.” This experience guided Glass to both her purpose and Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center.
In terms of her current job, Glass says, “There is no typical day in my work.” While she completes responsibilities related to counseling, Glass also focuses on balancing administrative tasks and grant writing. Receiving grants allows the Center to effectively assist those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford counseling.
As far as her favorite part of her work, Glass prefers working with people more than paper — hearing stories, helping people find resources and making a beneficial impact on clients’ lives is where she finds the most meaning. Glass affirms that she often works with people who are wishing to improve their lives’ external relationships, and that can refer to both couples and individuals. She feels that her strength lies in supporting clients in their journey toward healthier relationships.
In her personal life, Glass loves to venture outside into nature, read and spend time with her family. She feels lucky that her family is close by, so she is able to see her sons and daughter-in-law. Glass enjoys traveling with her husband, and together they very much like going to baseball games. From local teams like the Norfolk Tides to the major leagues, Glass is an avid baseball fan. Overall, Glass genuinely loves being a part of the Hampton Roads community and making a positive difference in the lives of her clients at the PPCC.
TO THE POINT:
Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center
Address: 707 Gum Rock Ct.,
Newport News, VA 23606
Contact: Rev. Rebecca E. Glass, LMFT, LPC, executive director
Phone: 757-873-2273
Fax: 757-873-9422
Website: peninsulapastoral.org
Email: beglass@peninsulapastoral.org
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