How are counselors trained?
Each counselor has gone through at least three phases of training before being formally assigned to meet with a counselee:

• They complete the nine-month course called Cornerstone, using the Self-Confrontation Manual, completing all the homework assignments along with the required, supplementary reading
• Fundamentals of Biblical Counseling class
• Co-counsel with another counselor

Steve Mawhorter, Director of the Biblical Counseling Ministry, supervises all counselors on a monthly basis. Continuing education seminars and conferences are held throughout the nation and the Ministry team travels together to attend. Some choose to further their studies at the college level, or by pursing certification. Training and further development is an extensive, on-going work.

Where can I learn more about biblical counseling?
For more information, we recommend:

• The Self-Confrontation Manual, developed by John C. Broger
• How to Counsel Biblically, compiled by John MacArthur and The Master’s College faculty
• Competent to Counsel, by Jay Adams
• The Christian Counselor’s Manual, by Jay Adams
• The Journal of Biblical Counseling

What are the fees?
All counseling done by the Biblical Counseling Ministry is free of charge as a ministry of NorthCreek Church. However, if someone wishes to make a contribution, it will be deposited in the church’s general fund.

How long will counseling last?
Counseling can last anywhere from four to twenty sessions. When a believer has set his/her heart on pleasing and glorifying God, the process is much shorter. It just depends on whether one really sets his heart on pleasing and glorifying God. All other things seem to fall into place.

How long does each session last?
One and one-half hours is the standard session, but at times it may be longer. We are here to love people and help them to change and grow. We’re not on a clock.

How do you determine whether something is an organic problem?
We don’t. That is a job for a medical professional. We deal with the spiritual issues of one’s life and let the doctors do what they do. Occasionally, we may suggest that a counselee have a physical examination by his/her doctor.

What are the most common reasons that people come in for counseling?
We see people for a wide range of issues, such as marital problems, depression, grief, anger and unforgiveness, anxiety, parenting, fear, confusion, and pre-marital counseling.

Whom do I call to get the ball rolling?
Please contact Kathy Preeg at the church office (925-210-9036) for more information, or to schedule an appointment. Steve Mawhorter meets with the counselee(s) for the initial sessions (called intakes). A counselor will then be chosen for you based on experiences, talents, gifts, gender, availability, etc., and the two of you will coordinate schedules for your appointments.

Can someone receive counseling if they are not a member or attender of NorthCreek Church?
Yes, but we like to see them at least attend our church while receiving counseling. This is, of course, negotiable. If there is a waiting list, priority is given to NorthCreek members and attenders.

What about 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 entrusted to us. However, there may be situations whereby we may be legally or religiously obligated to share certain information with others. For example,

• If you are a danger to yourself or someone else
• If there is physical or sexual abuse reported
• If we discern that your pastor should know so that he can shepherd you