What are we about?

The Florence McDonnell Center is a group of therapists committed to the development of the human spirit through counseling, psychotherapy and the growth of the spiritual life. We believe that the integration of theological, psychological, masculine and feminine disciplines will lead to a more compassionate and holistic human being.

Our Uniqueness

We began the Center as a dream to integrate the component parts of psychological and spiritual wholeness, using a Jungian model, and to consolidate these into one entity. We are attempting to offer the most integrative, comprehensive and holistic approach available in the Metro area to all persons who seek psychological, psychiatric and spiritual wholeness. We take seriously the spiritual nature of the human being without being sectarian or proselytizing.

Our fiscal model is built on funding from individuals and foundations instead of being derived from the medical or HMO models. We are truly ecumenical with a rich variety of therapists available. At FMC our therapists are composed of several denominational affiliations, disciplines, specialties, lay and clergy persons, and an effective gender mix, a psychiatrist and spiritual directors. We are utilizing this gifted group of therapists to create a "Clergy and Clergy Family Wellness Resource Program" that is both comprehensive and ecumenical. Since our opening in October 2001, what we initially suspected has proven true. There is a profound need for this approach, and our Center is thriving.

Organization

The Center is an established 501c(3) organization separate from any other organization. The Board of Directors, guided by the By-laws, is responsible for all fiscal and organizational policies, procedures and operations of the Center. The Board of Directors consists of 12 members. The Board members are carefully chosen to represent a diversity of gifts. We seek those who have wisdom and experience in nonprofit and charitable work, those who can provide financial insight and entrance into funding sources, and those who are diligent and spirited workers for the mission and vision of the Center.

We currently have serving on the Board, civic leaders, therapists, a psychiatrist, a financial planner, a former corporate executive, persons with business expertise and clergypersons. Serving ex officio on the Board are our Administrative/Clinical Director, our Executive Director/ Pastoral Theologian-in Residence, and retired Canon of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Philip.

The Executive Committee consists of the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Administrative/Clinical Director, the Executive Director, the Treasurer, and the Chair of the Development Committee. The Executive Committee currently serves as the Nominating Committee for the nominations of new members of the Board, although the nominations can come from anyone.

The Executive Committee deals with all issues relative to the Center when the Board is not in session. All action taken by the Executive Committee has to be ratified by the Boardl in regular session. The Board meets every other month.