Introduction

The Well Member Care Center operates under a recognized Thai foundation: Mulanitii Kijkandee. It exists to provide supportive care for people (individuals, families and organizations) who are involved in various kinds of cross-cultural ministry. The Well seeks to work preventively by caring for people’s spiritual, emotional and relational well-being.
The stresses of living and working cross-culturally often lead to personal or organizational concerns. Outside guidance and support is often very helpful and The Well providers, with a wide range of training and backgrounds, offer their services to help in these various needs.
You may have questions as to what The Well can offer to you. Below you will find answers to questions that we are frequently asked:

What do you mean by “member care?”

Member care is a broad term that can encompass any service given by an organization to provide supportive care to its members, with the goal of enhancing their lives and work so they can continue in their work in a healthy and productive manner.
In our context, however, it primarily involves the spiritual, emotional, and relational needs of Christian cross-cultural workers, their family members, or the teams/organizations of which they are a part. These needs might be addressed through consultation, debriefing, individual or family counseling or team consultation or interventions, as needed.  Please see the “services” section of this site.

What is the difference between "member care" and “counseling”?

“Member care” refers to the basic care for employees (organizational workers) that an organization or business provides so that their people have the greatest opportunity to succeed in their work. Member care begins during the application/candidate screening process and continues throughout the career of the worker. It may include counseling for various issues, but also includes many activities to try to prevent issues from becoming bigger problems. This may include consultations, debriefing, and work with the whole family or work team.
Some organizations have their own member care providers, but others use agencies like The Well to provide those services. Our providers are independent of any organizations as they counsel at The Well. 
“Counseling” responds to personal and relational concerns which have reached a level of discomfort or disruption of life such that immediate and focused intervention is desired. Counseling can be obtained either through The Well or through Cornerstone Counseling Foundation.

Why are there two member care organizations in Chiang Mai and what is the difference?

In 1998 a number of people from several different organizations who were interested in member care began to network together. They saw the need to encourage each other and to increase the member care services available to people in this part of the world. From this networking group, The Well began in 1999 under the leadership of Harry Hoffman. Over the years The Well grew as a member care resource and attracted people from several different helping disciplines including counseling, pastoral care, and prayer ministries. 
The network of member care providers saw the need for additional counseling services to be available in Chiang Mai. Under the leadership of Dr. Timothy Friesen and with the help of the Narramore Christian Foundation, Cornerstone Counseling Center was established in the fall of 2004, later becoming Cornerstone Counseling Foundation (CCF).
Since that time, these two sister organizations, though having different primary purposes, have continued to work together to provide member care services in Chiang Mai and throughout Asia.  Cornerstone focuses primarily on counseling and treatment services by licensed professional therapists, whereas The Well focuses on broader member care and preventive services, which also include counseling. We encourage you to look at both web sites www.thewellcm.com and www.cornerstonecounseling.in.th to get a better idea of the services and personnel at each agency.

How much do various member care services cost?

The Well provides services on a donation basis. All of the non-Thai providers are volunteers and do not receive compensation for their services. Donations are essential in helping us cover our operational expenses such as rent, utilities, Thai-staff salaries and benefits and many other day-to-day costs. Click on “donation guideline” for suggested donation.

What are your hours?

Our usual working hours are from 8 to 5, Monday to Friday. Emergency situations may lead to other arrangements being made on a case-by-case basis. However, for the health and well-being of our staff, we do not generally see people in the evenings or on week-ends.

Who gets the “report” on my counseling or member care consultation sessions?

Since The Well is an independent organization, our services are considered confidential and no reports will be given, orally or in writing, without your written permission, given on a “Release of Information” form. In some circumstances there are arrangements made previously prior to our time with you, in which you agree for us to communicate with your agency in some fashion.  The limits of that communication remain yours to decide.  However, we do operate under the usual professional limits on confidentiality in cases of "duty to warn" and "mandated reporting" situations. The former pertains to situations in which a person is potentially dangerous to him/herself or others. The latter involves situations in which minor children or the elderly are being and/or have been seriously abused.

Can I express a preference for a particular member care provider?

Yes.  After reading the profiles of the care providers, you may have a preference based on various factors important to you – the person’s areas of interest or expertise, their gender or age, their type of training, or their reputation. Of course, that person may not be available when you are, so please discuss with our administrator to find an appropriate match.

How long would I need to see a provider?

It is very difficult to know how long you will need to see someone until we have a better idea of the nature and extent of the issues you want to discuss. An initial assessment time of 1-2 sessions (if you are local) or initial email or phone contact (if you are from away) will hopefully give some guidelines. If you are coming from a distance, we will try to provide as much contact time as possible for your situation during the time you have available here in Chiang Mai.

Can I come back to see the same member care provider at a later time?

Yes, within the usual limits of time availability and if the provider is present in Chiang Mai.

If I do not live in Chiang Mai, how can I arrange to receive services?

Many cross-cultural workers living in surrounding countries have come to Chiang Mai for a period of one week to two months to receive care. This is initiated with an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it who will then begin to make plans with you, once it is determined that we are the appropriate place for you to come, and that we have the appropriate people available.

Where can I stay when I am in Chiang Mai?  Can you help me with arrangements?

There are many places to stay in Chiang Mai at many different price levels. We generally do not get involved in making housing arrangements since there are so many individual differences in need, finances, and ability to get around in Chiang Mai. Please follow this link to a list of potential accommodations.

How do I get to The Well?  What kind of Transportation is available to use?

There are several forms of public transportation available in Chiang Mai: metered taxi, tuk-tuk, and red song-thaew (a form of covered pickup truck with two benches in the back) which will take you wherever you would like for a negotiated price.
Our location can be confusing to find, even for locals. We advise you to look up our map and print out the directions on our web-site under “Location.” It also gives the instructions in Thai which you can give to a local driver.

Is Child care provided?

We do not provide childcare but we have some resources you could contact when you are here.  We do have a room equipped with toys, and a DVD player, which children can usually use (unless we are so busy we need the room for appointments) with some supervision.

What other help and services could I receive at The Well Member Care Center?

•    Coaching or direction in personal growth
•    Cross-cultural adjustment assessment and coaching
•    Information about TCK, and parenting issues.
•    Debriefing for stressful experiences, reentry, and other transitions
•    Prayer ministry
•    Conflict Resolution for individuals and teams
•    Review of issues and factors involved in major decisions
•    Assistance in team-building within organizations