BIBLICAL COUNSELING MINISTRY

Because this is a ministry within the church, please be aware that we are always training new counselors. It is possible that a counselor trainee may be observing the counselor and the counseling process. Trainees are subject to the same guidelines in regard to confidentiality as our counselors.

Counselors will not normally be available for telephone conversations due to their scheduled appointments. If you have an emergency, please call the church office. Your counselor will return your call as soon as possible.

Due to the increasing need for our counseling services, we ask that appointments be cancelled at least two days in advance so that the time can be offered to someone on the waiting list. Having three cancellations, without prior notice, may forfeit future sessions.

OUR GOAL

As “Biblical” counselors, we endeavor to help you understand your problem and its solution in light of God's Word and His purpose for your life. The ultimate goal of our counseling is to help you grow in your faith, knowledge, and love for Jesus Christ on your journey of becoming conformed to His likeness.

BIBLICAL BASIS

Because we believe the Bible to be the very Word of God to man concerning all that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3,4), the principles used in our counseling will be based upon Scripture and not necessarily in adherence with any psychological or psychiatric association. A foundation to our counseling is our belief that God has specifically created mankind in His own image and for the purpose of His own glory. Therefore, we believe that to fully address the root of the problems that our counselees face, we must help them apply God's Word to their lives.

Counseling “Biblically” does not mean that we will simply dispense Bible verses. Our approach is to meet our counselees where they are, help them gain insight into their particular problem, and help them view the solution from a God-centered perspective. Concerning possible medical complications, we may advise/require the counselee to seek medical treatment where necessary.

CONFIDENTIALITY

We understand that the nature of the information we deal with is highly personal, and thus, we will do everything we can to guard the information that is entrusted to us. However, there are three situations whereby we may be legally or religiously obligated to share certain information with others:

• When we perceive you to be a physical threat to yourself or to someone else;
• When we are informed of specific information regarding physical abuse and/or sexual abuse done to a child by you or anyone else specifically named;
• When we discern the need to talk with your pastor and/or church officers concerning a particular circumstance that may require pastoral or leadership assistance.
  

Concerning the above three situations, we will make our best effort to work with you, and help you act according to what we understand to be in your best interest. Where possible, we will thoroughly discuss the situation with you, and receive your consent to release information before any action will take place. We may also reserve the right to confidentially discuss your case with a supervisor, and/or an associate counselor, to help us better serve your interests.

We welcome the opportunity to minister to you in the Name of Christ as He uses us to help you grow in all spiritual maturity.