Counseling

How is biblical counseling different from other kinds of counseling?
Biblical counseling is committed to the position that Scripture provides the only authoritative guide for what we are to believe and how we are to live (2 Timothy 3: 16, 17). The biblical counselor is trained in the use of Scripture and the principles of biblical counseling. He does not base his counsel on man’s wisdom, opinions, experience, or concepts of behavior (Isaiah 55:8-11) but seeks to bring the full range of Biblical truth to focus on the counselee’s need (Hebrews 4:12).

What kinds of problems can biblical counseling address?
Biblical counselors are equipped to deal with any problems relating to ourselves, our relationship to God, or our relationships with others (2 Peter 1:3). Problems we can help with include broken marriages, parent child relationships, fear, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, tension, anxiety, worry and any other problems that may result in mental and/or physical immobility.

How does biblical counseling work together with medical needs?
​​Biblical counselors believe in the total health needs of the counselee. Your counselor may recommend that you have a full or specified medical examination. If medical assistance is required, counseling will continue in conjunction with medical advice.

Am I required to go to Soteria to receive biblical counseling?
In order to achieve lasting victory over the problems of life, it is vital that each person becomes established in a consistent Christian walk. Therefore, it is important that counseling sessions be accompanied by faithful involvement in your local church. If you attend a different church other than Soteria, your counselor may contact your church and request their assistance in involving you in these activities. One of your elders or deacons may even become part of the counseling to provide the most effective help for you. It is our commitment to do what will best bring about victory over your problems.

Are your counselors licensed mental health professionals?
We believe that the Bible provides guidance and instruction for faith and life. Therefore, our counseling is based on scriptural principles rather than those of secular psychology or psychiatry. Neither the pastoral nor the lay counselors of this ministry are licensed as psychotherapists or mental health professionals.

How will my counselor address my problems or issues?
Your counselor will use all of his skill in applying Biblical principles to enable you to glorify God in your life and to enable you to gain victory over life’s problems. Your counselor will concentrate on three areas that are necessary for Biblical change to take place.

• • HOPE: In Jesus Christ we have a great High Priest who has suffered and been tempted in all things, yet He never sinned. Because of Christ, even though you may be facing every sin common to man, you can have victory. God has promised that He will not let you be tempted beyond your endurance and that He will provide a way for you to have victory in the midst of your temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 4:14-16).
  • CHANGE: In Christ we can learn how to lay aside the old selfish ways of living and put on the new ways of living in a manner worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ. We can learn to please God in every area of our lives. We can learn to live a godly life and to live in such a way that we will be increasing in our knowledge of God and our ability to relate to others. Biblical Counseling will enable you to make practical changes. (Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 1:10).
  • PRACTICE: We need to prove ourselves to be doers of God’s Word and not merely hearers of the Word. Only in the actual practice of the Scriptures shall we be blessed in what we do, and only then will we please the Lord (James 1:22-25; Proverbs 28:13).

How much does biblical counseling at Soteria cost?
Counseling is a ministry of the body of Christ, and there is no cost to you.

How long will my biblical counseling sessions last?
Normally, counseling sessions will last one hour per week and will continue for eight to twelve sessions. If you respond quickly to biblical counsel, the number of counseling sessions may be lessened. However, if the counselor does not observe definite change in the first few weeks, he will seek to identify why this is and discuss next steps with you to help you move forward.

How do I schedule a counseling appointment?
After submitting your application, our office will contact you to set up your first counseling appointment. After that, you will schedule your appointments directly with your counselor.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you are unable to attend a counseling session, please notify the church office at least 24 hours before the session.

What do I need to bring to a counseling session?
You will need a notebook and your Bible at all sessions, including the first session. Be sure to bring them each time.

What should I expect from a biblical counseling session?
Come with high expectations. You will find hope and encouragement even during your first session. We are absolutely confident that the Word of God has solutions to all of life’s problems (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3) and that includes an answer to the difficulty that prompted you to come.

Will my sessions remain confidential?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of the counseling process and we will carefully guard the information you entrust to us. There are four situations, however, when it may be necessary for us to share certain information with others:

• • When a counselor is uncertain how to address a particular problem and needs to seek advice from another pastor or counselor
  • When a counselee attends another church and it is necessary to talk with his or her pastor or Elders
  • When there is a clear indication that someone may be harmed unless others intervene;
  • When a person persistently refuses to renounce a particular sin and it becomes necessary to seek assistance of others in the church to encourage repentance and reconciliation (see Matthew 18:15-20; Proverbs 15:22; 24:11).

Please be assured that our counselors strongly prefer not to disclose personal information to others, and they will make every effort to help you find ways to resolve a problem as privately as possible.

Are there any areas where my counselor will encourage me to receive outside help?
In the process of biblical counseling, you may need significant advice with regards to legal, medical, financial, or other technical areas. In those cases, you will be encouraged to seek independent professional counsel. Our pastoral and lay counselors will be happy to cooperate with such advisors and help you to consider their counsel in the light of relevant scriptural principles.

I have another question or concern about receiving biblical counseling. Who should I contact?
If you have any questions about these guidelines, please contact a member of our pastoral staff.