Common Questions

How can Christian counseling help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling.  A Christian counselor can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhance coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.  Christian counseling offers healing that comes from the God’s love and presence in the counseling session.  Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life.  Christian counselors can provide a fresh godly perspective on a difficult problem and bring answers that take you to the next level in your life. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. God says, “seek and you will find, knock and door will be opened” . We each have a part in our healing and victory in life.  Some of the benefits available from Christian counseling include:
  • Attaining a better understanding of God’s love, yourself, and godyl goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures in ways that glorify God
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones, walking in the new nature
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence, through a deeper understanding of your value to God

What’s the difference between Mental Health Counseling and Christian Counseling?

Mental Health Counseling allows a therapist to diagnose and treat a mental illness, as well as work with patients through life issues that do not require diagnosis. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are licensed through their state and may bill your insurance provider, if applicable, for mental health services if a diagnosis is made.

Christian Counseling  is based in the Word of God, the deliverance from shame that Jesus brought us, the grace of God that empowers us to walk like Christ, and the agape love of God reaching out to heal hurting people. The Christian Counseling you will receive at In His Image, includes tools  and therapy models that allow us to address the whole person, body, soul, and spirit.  Our counselors are licensed as Licensed Clinical Christian Counselors, licensed through the National Christian Counselors Association, and ordained as Pastoral Counselors. Payment from insurance providers is not guaranteed, as Christian Counselors do not bill providers directly. However, an invoice can be supplied for patients to submit to their insurance carrier.

Do I really need counseling?  I can usually handle my problems.

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 self-awareness 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 change the situation by seeking counseling.  Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

What about medication vs. counseling and therapy?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication.  Unresolved issues push forward in us and many end up having to increase doses or change medications.  We will partner with your present medical team, and provide referrals for any team members needed, such as psychiatrists for meds, or natural health doctors for a more natural approach to brain health.  Instead of just treating the symptom, counseling addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  In all cases where is medication  or supplements are being used for mental health,  the  combination of these and therapy is the right course of action.

Why do people seek counseling and how do I know if it’s right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to counseling.   Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creativity blocks.  Christian counseling can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills that lead to a more fulfilled, healed and productive life.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking Christian counseling are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

What is counseling like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, counseling will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous counseling session.  Depending on your specific needs, counseling can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).  Many find that 5 – 10 sessions bring the healing or new insight needed.  Others, continue to go deeper and gain even greater conisistency in their new walk of freedom.
It is important to understand that you will get more results from counseling if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of Christian Counseling is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in counseling sessions, your counselor will suggest things you can do outside of counseling to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking counseling are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

Does what we talk about stay confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and counselor. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office.   Every counselor should provide a written copy of their confidentiality disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your counselor cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission, except where law prohibits.