What is Biblical Counseling: What to Expect
Our approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that you are not a product of evolution but rather, are created in the image of God and that the Bible is the primary source of wise counsel for our lives. Because you are created in the image of God, we believe that our counseling should: 1) seek to address each aspect of that image: spirit, soul, and body 2) should bring hope and help you fulfill your God-given purpose and 3) should use only those additional resources that are not in opposition with the scriptures. This approach also means that we will not counsel from the standpoint that man is his own god, does wrong only because of what is done to him or her or, that there is no consequence for violating God's principles.
We will however counsel from the standpoint that the Holy Spirit is the greatest counselor and His presence is needed in each counseling session, that the heart of man plays a crucial role in our desires and behaviors, and that meaningful change can be realized as we grow in our relationship with Christ.
The Biblical counselor offers help not from the standpoint of judging or condemning but from the standpoint of compassion and skill to apply relevant counseling approaches in accordance with scriptures. In the parable of the good Samaritan, compassion motivated him to be the rescuer and the restorer of the Jew who fell among thieves (Luke 10:33). Medical, emotional, material, physical, and financial needs were met in a remarkable way by the least expected person. He was a person who not only felt compassion but showed it by meeting needs. This same compassion should motivate the Biblical counselor. PurposeHouse offers counseling in a range of issues including sexual abuse, depression, pre-martial, and marriage counseling.
For more information on Biblical counseling review our Facts about Biblical Counseling information sheet.
What to Expect when you come for counseling
Once you contact PurposeHouse and complete your Intake Form and Facts About Biblical Counseling Awareness Form, your first session can be scheduled. Counseling works best when the client and counselor are both committed and active participants in the sessions. You can expect to begin either weekly or biweekly 50 minute or 80 minute sessions. Most clients meet for 80 minute sessions and there is no set amount of sessions. We usually recommend 8-10 sessions for most of our clients; however, as every person and situation is different and requires unique care, the number of sessions is flexible.
Please bring your Bible with you to your sessions. If you don't have one, a Bible will be provided for you to use during the session and return at the end of the session. For most sessions, there will be minimal (a manageable amount of) work that you will need to complete at home after the session.
Our approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that you are not a product of evolution but rather, are created in the image of God and that the Bible is the primary source of wise counsel for our lives. Because you are created in the image of God, we believe that our counseling should: 1) seek to address each aspect of that image: spirit, soul, and body 2) should bring hope and help you fulfill your God-given purpose and 3) should use only those additional resources that are not in opposition with the scriptures. This approach also means that we will not counsel from the standpoint that man is his own god, does wrong only because of what is done to him or her or, that there is no consequence for violating God's principles.
We will however counsel from the standpoint that the Holy Spirit is the greatest counselor and His presence is needed in each counseling session, that the heart of man plays a crucial role in our desires and behaviors, and that meaningful change can be realized as we grow in our relationship with Christ.
The Biblical counselor offers help not from the standpoint of judging or condemning but from the standpoint of compassion and skill to apply relevant counseling approaches in accordance with scriptures. In the parable of the good Samaritan, compassion motivated him to be the rescuer and the restorer of the Jew who fell among thieves (Luke 10:33). Medical, emotional, material, physical, and financial needs were met in a remarkable way by the least expected person. He was a person who not only felt compassion but showed it by meeting needs. This same compassion should motivate the Biblical counselor. PurposeHouse offers counseling in a range of issues including sexual abuse, depression, pre-martial, and marriage counseling.
For more information on Biblical counseling review our Facts about Biblical Counseling information sheet.
What to Expect when you come for counseling
Once you contact PurposeHouse and complete your Intake Form and Facts About Biblical Counseling Awareness Form, your first session can be scheduled. Counseling works best when the client and counselor are both committed and active participants in the sessions. You can expect to begin either weekly or biweekly 50 minute or 80 minute sessions. Most clients meet for 80 minute sessions and there is no set amount of sessions. We usually recommend 8-10 sessions for most of our clients; however, as every person and situation is different and requires unique care, the number of sessions is flexible.
Please bring your Bible with you to your sessions. If you don't have one, a Bible will be provided for you to use during the session and return at the end of the session. For most sessions, there will be minimal (a manageable amount of) work that you will need to complete at home after the session.
Payment Information
Fees
Our fees are based on 50 or 80 minute sessions. Fifty minute sessions are normally $70 per session and 80 minute sessions are normally $90. While the per session fee is much lower than the average cost of counseling, we realize that some may still not be able to afford it. If you have special financial circumstances, please discuss this with the counselor before your first session. If you are a pastor or spouse of a pastor with an active congregation, your fee is further discounted to $40 and $60 for 50 minute and 80 minute sessions respectively.
Payment
Online payment is available through this website via credit card, debit card or Paypal. Checks made out to "PoPs" are also accepted. Payment is due at the beginning of each session. There is a $35 fee for all returned checks.
Insurance
PurposeHouse Christian Counseling does not bill insurance, however counseling is often covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Our counselors are able to provide you with a receipt for each session so that you can submit to your provider for reimbursement. Payment is due at the time of service.
Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
- Do I have marriage and family counseling insurance benefits?
- Does my insurance cover services for an "out of network" provider?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per session?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Cancellation Policy
If you do not show up for your scheduled counseling appointment, and you have not notified us at least 24 hours in advance, you will be required to pay a $35 cancellation fee as outlined in the Intake Form.
We thank you for your understanding of this policy.
Client Forms and Scheduling an Appointment
How to Schedule an Appointment
Please be sure to fill out the Initial Intake Form (.pdf) / Online Intake Form and review and sign the Consent and Awareness Form. These forms provide you with an overview of our counseling approach and tell us the reason you are seeking counseling and provides some necessary background information. After you have completed the paperwork, you can attach it to your scheduling request online or, send it to us via email, or postal mail and we will contact you to schedule your first session. So there are three ways to schedule your first appointment:
- Download and complete the Intake Form and the Facts About Biblical Counseling Awareness Form and email them along with your online scheduling request.
- Email or mail us (postal mail) your Intake Form and Facts About Biblical Counseling Awareness Form and we will contact you to schedule your appointment upon receipt.
- Complete the Intake Form and then, submit your scheduling request online.
Please bring your Bible with you to your appointments. If you don't have one, a Bible will be provided for you to use during the session and return at the end of the session.
Additional Forms
The additional forms may be needed after the first session; for example, a medical information release form. If they are need the counselor will let you know.
