FAQs

Is Christian counseling right for me?

Seeking out Christian counseling is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing struggles or psychological issues, and other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal and spiritual exploration and growth. Working with a Christian Counselor can help provide biblical insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Christian counseling can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, anger, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, parenting, and general life transitions. Christian counseling is right for anyone who is interested in personal change and spiritual renewal and direction.

Do I need to be a Christian to receive counseling at Foundations?

No. You do not need to be from the Christian faith. However, our counsel is based on Scripture and will include, at minimum, scriptural principles to apply.

Do I really need Christian counseling?

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough strength and humility to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to by seeking Christian counseling. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the information and direction needed to apply to your life for change.

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you
will be counted among the wise. ~ Proverbs 19:20

How can Christian counseling help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in Christian counseling. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and biblical wisdom and insight for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, communication struggles, and much more. Many people also find that Christian counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal and spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Christian counselors can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help you understand the situation biblically and help you to change the heart. The benefits you obtain from Christian counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counseling include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek counseling

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures through a relationship with God

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Grow in your relationship with the Lord

What is Christian counseling like?

Every counseling session is unique and caters to each individual and their needs as well as the counselor’s personality. It is standard for Christian counselors to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life and faith during counseling sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty-five minutes, however others schedule bi-weekly appointments. Counseling can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the counseling sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. For counseling to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking Christian counseling are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards transformation and work to develop a greater understanding of their faith amidst their struggles. Here are some things you can expect out of counseling:

• Compassion, respect and understanding

• Biblical perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and feelings

• Real strategies for enacting positive change

• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Do you accept insurance?

Foundations does not accept insurance at this time. We will, however, give you a receipt upon request to submit to your insurance carrier. It is the client's responsibility to contact the insurance company prior to any appointment to determine eligibility for insurance coverage.

We do our best to keep rates as low possible to help the most people we can. We reduce our rates for eligible low-income families through the Karen Hoffner Memorial Fund and through church partnerships.

Is counseling confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The counselor is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.