Trained Biblical Lay Counselors are available to meet various needs using Theophostic Prayer Ministry and other Biblical counseling techniques.
A Word About Lay Biblical Counseling
You have probably come to counseling because you are experiencing difficulties in your relationships with others or within yourself. Our desire is for you to gain as much as possible from your sessions, and to help you do so we will address five major areas of counseling that may be a concern to you.
1. What is the role of the Lay Biblical Counselor? Their role is to assist you, through their training and skills, to work through the problems and concerns that confront you. This is in contrast to simply telling you what to do. The counselor may be a lay counselor, counselor trainee, or counselor intern. They are equipped to counsel others, but they are not licensed therapists. They are under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
2. How many sessions will it take? The number of sessions depends on many factors. You and your situation are unique and the number of sessions can only be estimated after the initial evaluation. There is no contract binding you to a specific number of sessions or time frame, but we encourage you to commit to a minimum of six sessions to establish a cohesive working relationship with your counselor.
3. What is your part in the counseling process? Issues are not resolved solely in the office, but outside the office through your personal effort in your real life situations and relationships. With your cooperation and willingness to face issues, more rapid, positive change can occur.
4. What about confidentiality? Ordinarily, every counseling session is strictly confidential, and your written consent is necessary for any information to be shared with anyone. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. The first exception is for supervision. For your protection and theirs, all counselors are under the supervision of a licensed therapist, who advises and supports them in their work with you. The second group of exceptions to your confidentiality is set by state law and includes suicidal or homicidal intentions, child abuse or neglect, and elder or dependent adult abuse or neglect. These situations must be reported.
5. There is a minimum $20 facilities fee per-session. Although there are no set fees for the Lay Counseling sessions we ask that you bless those who give their time to serve and minister to you, with a suggested donation or love gift of $50 per 50 minute session. We believe that investing in your healing brings greater commitment and results in the counseling process. A sliding scale payment arrangement can be made on a case-by-case arrangement with The Growing Place.
