Counseling FAQ's
For over 25 years, we have helped a great many people through our ministry of Biblical counseling and encouragement. We have developed answers to commonly asked questions to help you better understanding our ministry.
Q: Why do you have a Biblical counseling ministry?
A: We know there are many people who are seeking help and encouragement to face life's difficulties and challenges. There are some who have sought help elsewhere and been disappointed with the results. We believe God provides answers and solutions through His Word and His people. When we understand life and its struggles from God's perspective and then live that out ever more fully, we experience life in the healthy abundance Jesus came to give us. Some churches are not staffed or prepared to provide Biblical counseling so we are here to step into the gap where that is the case.
Q: What counseling methods do you use?
A: Our counselors use the Bible as the primary source for counseling. As there are many secondary details of life and relationships that the Bible does not cover, we also use other reliable, Biblically-based principles, strategies, and tools to support and encourage clients as they develop new skills and explore options for dealing with problems. We do not use what are often termed "secular" modalities. TILBCC is non-integrationist: While we may use the "gold and silver of the Egyptians", we do not integrate psychology and the Bible. We never use methods which contradict Biblical principles.
Q: What types of counseling do you provide?
A: We provide individual, pre-marriage, marriage, family, and group counseling. Some of the issues may include depression, anxiety, divorce, grief, issues of worth, communication, anger, stress, family and relationship problems, sexual and relational brokenness, health issues, vocational problems, burnout, spiritual and ministry issues. God has also given us a specific ministry for counseling those who are survivors of all forms of abuse, neglect, domestic oppression and violence, and sexual assault. (For a complete list, go here.)
Q: How confidential is your counseling?
A: Privacy is a crucial element of the counseling relationship. Information shared is maintained as completely private and not shared with anyone else without consent or as required. Confidentiality carries with it legal technicalities that slightly differ from privacy. While there are some limitations to confidentiality by law, confidentiality belongs to the counselee, not the counselor. Privacy, on the other hand, respects and protects information shared unless to share that information is deemed Biblically mandated by Scripture or by the law of the land.
Q: What are your fees?
A: We are committed to providing affordable Biblical Counseling as best we can. We ask for a donation of $60.00 per session in California and $45.00 per session elsewhere. If someone is able to donate more, that helps those who have financially unable to do so. We do not turn people away because they are unable to donate the recommended amount.
We are well aware of the difficulties people face and will work to make our services available to all who seek counseling. We are able to take credit cards, but cash or check is preferable. Some churches assist their members with the counseling fee. We are unable to accept insurance.
Q: How long does a counseling session last?
A: Unlike most counseling situations, we are not limited to a one-hour block (that in reality becomes 50-minutes) each time we meet with someone. This is not our livelihood, so we have greater freedom and flexibility. We always plan on about 90-minutes, but it will depend on what is needed at the time of the session.
Q: Will I ever be referred somewhere else?
A: Occasionally there may be cases when it is in the best interest of the counselee to refer them to another counselor or other source of help. Referrals will be made to competent individuals whose approach we are comfortable with. We will walk you through the transition as needed, so you never have to feel abandoned or discarded.
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Appointments may be arranged by calling or texting (360) 546-2020. Late-afternoon and evening appointments are available. If you reach our confidential voice mail, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you would rather, you may also email your request to tilbcc@outlook.com.
Use this same email address if you have other questions, or feel free to call (360) 546-2020.
Q: Why do you have a Biblical counseling ministry?
A: We know there are many people who are seeking help and encouragement to face life's difficulties and challenges. There are some who have sought help elsewhere and been disappointed with the results. We believe God provides answers and solutions through His Word and His people. When we understand life and its struggles from God's perspective and then live that out ever more fully, we experience life in the healthy abundance Jesus came to give us. Some churches are not staffed or prepared to provide Biblical counseling so we are here to step into the gap where that is the case.
Q: What counseling methods do you use?
A: Our counselors use the Bible as the primary source for counseling. As there are many secondary details of life and relationships that the Bible does not cover, we also use other reliable, Biblically-based principles, strategies, and tools to support and encourage clients as they develop new skills and explore options for dealing with problems. We do not use what are often termed "secular" modalities. TILBCC is non-integrationist: While we may use the "gold and silver of the Egyptians", we do not integrate psychology and the Bible. We never use methods which contradict Biblical principles.
Q: What types of counseling do you provide?
A: We provide individual, pre-marriage, marriage, family, and group counseling. Some of the issues may include depression, anxiety, divorce, grief, issues of worth, communication, anger, stress, family and relationship problems, sexual and relational brokenness, health issues, vocational problems, burnout, spiritual and ministry issues. God has also given us a specific ministry for counseling those who are survivors of all forms of abuse, neglect, domestic oppression and violence, and sexual assault. (For a complete list, go here.)
Q: How confidential is your counseling?
A: Privacy is a crucial element of the counseling relationship. Information shared is maintained as completely private and not shared with anyone else without consent or as required. Confidentiality carries with it legal technicalities that slightly differ from privacy. While there are some limitations to confidentiality by law, confidentiality belongs to the counselee, not the counselor. Privacy, on the other hand, respects and protects information shared unless to share that information is deemed Biblically mandated by Scripture or by the law of the land.
Q: What are your fees?
A: We are committed to providing affordable Biblical Counseling as best we can. We ask for a donation of $60.00 per session in California and $45.00 per session elsewhere. If someone is able to donate more, that helps those who have financially unable to do so. We do not turn people away because they are unable to donate the recommended amount.
We are well aware of the difficulties people face and will work to make our services available to all who seek counseling. We are able to take credit cards, but cash or check is preferable. Some churches assist their members with the counseling fee. We are unable to accept insurance.
Q: How long does a counseling session last?
A: Unlike most counseling situations, we are not limited to a one-hour block (that in reality becomes 50-minutes) each time we meet with someone. This is not our livelihood, so we have greater freedom and flexibility. We always plan on about 90-minutes, but it will depend on what is needed at the time of the session.
Q: Will I ever be referred somewhere else?
A: Occasionally there may be cases when it is in the best interest of the counselee to refer them to another counselor or other source of help. Referrals will be made to competent individuals whose approach we are comfortable with. We will walk you through the transition as needed, so you never have to feel abandoned or discarded.
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Appointments may be arranged by calling or texting (360) 546-2020. Late-afternoon and evening appointments are available. If you reach our confidential voice mail, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. If you would rather, you may also email your request to tilbcc@outlook.com.
Use this same email address if you have other questions, or feel free to call (360) 546-2020.
