What is Biblical Counseling?

This is a good question, without a single dictionary-definition answer.

Biblical counseling might look like other current methods of therapy in some ways. A relationship of trust is built between a counselor and counselee in order to heal, forgive, get through a difficult time, or work towards goals for emotional and reational thriving. As a biblical counselor, I’m committed to preparation, ongoing study, and confidentiality, as well as other professional practices. An agreement is signed so everyone’s clear on the nature of the counseling relationship. Secular psychological understanding and methods may be helpful, but as viewed through the lens of a biblical worldview: We are made in God’s image, interconnected in body and soul, living in a broken world. A counseling meeting might include talking about the past, present or future. We might develop specific strategies for dealing with certain situations (What should I do this week if I have a panic attack? How can I handle this difficult relationship?) We might also ask what God might be saying in these situations (The promise of his presence and help in our fear; his endless grace and mercy for all the circumstances of our life.) Each meeting is individualized according to the need and for the benefit of those who come.

I’m committed to growing in my practice of counseling in ways that are:

Scriptural: I believe that Bible expresses and explains our suffering and offerings healing and hope. It also shows us how to live well. In my counseling, I seek to connect the hurt and confusion of people’s lives with the living words of Scripture. This doesn’t mean that each counseling session will include an in-depth Bible study. It does mean that the Bible is the lens through which I understand all of life.

Christ-centered: God has given himself to us through His Son. In my counseling, I seek to walk with struggling, hurting people to the Good Shepherd who deeply cares for them. 

Dependent: In my counseling, I seek to follow God where He is already at work, through ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer and preparation. 

Church-honoring: I believe that Jesus loves his church and has created us to grow together. In my counseling, I encourage the ministry of local churches when possible. 

Practical: Counseling should build others up according to their needs. In my counseling, I draw from various sources of counseling research, methodology, and technique and adapt them to fit individual needs. 

Personal: At its heart, biblical counseling is a relational connection between people who share experiences of suffering and shame, faith and doubt, confusion and hope. In my counseling, I seek to build genuine relationships.

Inviting: A safe counseling relationship is a place to explore the deep issues of life, including hard questions about faith. In my counseling, I seek to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable and to share the love that I have known from Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. I’m committed to honoring people wherever they are in life and faith.

Questions

Do I need to be a Christian or part of a church to meet with you?

Not at all. I’m happy to work together for your well-being, wherever you are in your faith journey. Some people find that hard things in life stir up questions about faith. Some are disappointed or angry with God for their suffering. Others have been hurt in the church and are working through the pain of that. Some are trying to figure out what they think about the faith of their childhood – or have never been in a Christian community and wonder what it’s all about. If any of these describe you, and you’d like a safe place to talk about it, I’d consider it a privilege to hear your story.

Do you work with insurance companies?

I’m not state licensed or medically trained and don’t work with insurance companies. If cost of counseling is out of reach, I’m committed to help find ways to make it work.

What about….?

I’d be glad to answer other questions you might have. Please feel free to contact me.