Counselling

Whatever problems you may encounter, your parish is there to support you. All consultations with a pastor or diaconal worker are strictly confidential and free of charge.

Diaconal workers offer:

• Discussion
• Financial advice and material assistance
• Help in dealing with the authorities and filling forms
• Family and relationship counselling
• Emotional support
• Addiction counselling

Pastors offer:

• Discussion
• Spiritual and emotional support
• Pastoral care
• Family and relationship counselling
• Confession

For more information about counselling, contact a diaconal worker or pastor in your local parish. Most parishes have English-speaking staff as well, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Family counselling is available in most parishes and at the Helsinki Deaconess Institute. If your parish doesn’t offer family counselling, they are happy to refer you to one that does.

Adjusting to life in a new country isn’t always easy. The Finnish Seamen’s Mission recognises that fact and offers an online service where you can talk to a pastor anonymously in the comfort of your own home. The Mission offers help in English, Swedish and German.