WEST CENTER
FAQ
Biblical Counseling is a process of realignment: bringing those aspects of life that have fallen outside God’s proposed boundaries into agreement with His teachings, commands, callings, principles, and promises. It is impossible to counsel someone into “healthy alignment” when using the template of the world. As a result, a counselor must become intimately knowledgeable and responsive to the Word of God and to the leading of the Holy Spirit if he/she is to be effective in the delivery of godly care.
Biblical counseling is provided by a Christian who believes in the sufficiency of Scripture and the truth of 2 Peter 1:3: “God’s divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness.”
Christian counseling may also be provided by a Christian, however, the counselor often integrates secular concepts. The danger in doing so is when those ideas and values are advocated over or are in direct contradiction to the Word of God.
Please plan on 60 minutes for your session. Some sessions may be shorter or longer, but this is an average time frame.
This depends on the reason you are coming in for counseling. Our goal is not to make you dependent on the counselor but lead you to personally understand and apply God’s Word to every area of your life and so you can then also help others.
Given this, your counselor will discuss progress and continuation with you monthly; further, you are free to withdraw from counseling anytime you desire.
The application provides vital information so we know which counselor will be the best one to meet with you. It also allows a higher probability of the initial session to be productive, not just an information gathering time.
Not at this time. This is due to the wide ranges in children’s ages, timing of appointments and staffing constraints.
No.
The counseling itself is a free gift of West Huntsville Baptist Church. We do, however, ask that you pay for the published materials given to you to read between sessions. The total costs of all such materials rarely exceed $50.00.
Counselees may request which counselor they see. However, because of the number of requests for counseling we receive, The WEST Center may not be able to fulfill specific requests. Please be assured though that all WEST Center counselors providing counseling are equipped and affirmed by WHBC leadership to provide the biblical counseling that is needed.
This allows you to every day apply the biblical truths that your counselor has shown you in your session. It could be compared to going to physical therapy. Just as your physical therapist gives you exercises to do at home in between your visits because the exercises reinforce the therapy, your homework from your counselor will also reinforce the biblical truths from your session.
Scheduling is between you and your counselor. We understand that circumstances may arise which prevent you from keeping your appointment. Please be courteous and notify your counselor as soon as possible before your appointment by phone, text or email.
There are two reasons for this. First, this is one way WEST Center counselors gain training and experience in the practice of biblical counseling. Second, there is safety, accountability and wisdom in having multiple counselors.