Counseling

All too often, Christians build their lives on sand, instead of the foundation of God’s truth and obedience. When the storm of circumstance comes, they find their world collapsed. Our goal is to help them learn:

• What God is doing in the middle of their circumstances, 

• How they can respond in faith and obedience, and 

• How they can learn to treasure Christ above all else.

Our ministry is not to be confused with secular therapy or mental health, but rather is Christian discipleship applied to the crises of life as an outgrowth of our Christian convictions in obedience to the Great Commission, with the goal of helping you grow in Christ-likeness. We address a wide variety of life issues, which include marital and relational issues, parent-child issues, eating disorders, anger, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Meetings are typically every week, and appointments typically run between 1 – 1.5 hours depending on the issue and the number of people involved.

We believe that biblical change involves growth in Christ, which requires the ministry of the Bible through regular teaching and preaching. If you do not have a church home, we ask that you attend Berean Community Church or an approved church while you are meeting with us.

We minister out of love for God and love for His people. All our counselors are trained through ACBC and are experienced in helping people deal with the issues of life and change.

While we do not seek professional credentials such as state licensure for ministry, we counsel according to the biblical standards established by ACBC. Our counselors are accountable to the Center Director and to the elders of Berean Community Church.

To begin the process, please complete and sign the PDI and Consent to Counsel forms below. Each person receiving counseling must complete and sign his or her own form. (Children may be assisted by their parents.) You can fill them out online or complete the PDF forms and return them to us at [email protected]. When your paperwork is received, your name will be placed on the waiting list. When a counselor becomes available, you will receive an email from [email protected] letting you know the next steps.

As you anticipate your appointment, please understand that at times we may have more people seeking counseling than available counselors. We will try to get you in as soon as possible; however, there may be long waits because we offer free counseling and have a limited number of counselors. How soon you get in for counseling also depends on your availability.

On average, counseling lasts 12 weeks, but some cases could be shorter or longer. Because we will be using God’s Word in every counseling session, we encourage you to always bring your Bible, a notebook, and something with which to write. There will also be assignments for growth assigned weekly to reinforce the truths that you are learning. Babysitting is NOT provided. If you come to your session expecting your child(ren) to sit and wait in the church while you are in your session, your appointment may be canceled for that day. Please make childcare arrangements ahead of time.

Please know that our counselors seek to keep your information as confidential as possible. There are a few situations required by the Bible or law that do not permit confidentiality, such as:

1. 1. Possible harm or danger to person(s)
   2. A child being abused physically or sexually
   3. Someone persistently refusing to stop a sinful pattern such that it is necessary to seek assistance from his or her church to encourage proper change (see Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 13:1-7)
      
   4. When a pastor/elder inquires about the people under his oversight

The counseling provided by Berean Biblical Counseling Ministries is free of charge. Donations are accepted.