I’m Interested in Biblical Counselling – Where Do I Begin?

I’m glad you asked!
 
Does this sound familiar? When you face the difficulties of life- as we all do- you tend to try muddle through on your own (with or without consciously asking for God’s help). Sometimes you’re successful. At other times, you find yourself simply spinning your wheels, so you look for someone who can help you process your struggles.
 
Historically, there has been a negative stigma about counselling. I often tell people that biblical counselling is much like a conversation with a wise and loving friend. And while we’ve seen a significant change in the stigma associated with counselling over the years, I think much of the anxiety that still exists about going for counselling stems from what is unknown about the process. In order to help lessen that trepidation, I’d like to let you know how to get started!
 
Some of our counsellees found us on the internet. Others know about us because their church is part of our Church Assistance Program. Still others were encouraged to go to Insight by a friend or family member. Personal referrals are the best because they come from someone you know has your best interest at heart. (Personal referrals are a huge encouragement to us, too!) But whatever the case, do check out our website, familiarize yourself with the staff and the services we offer.
 
You can connect with us through the chat box on the website, by email, or simply by calling the office. A scary first step, I know, but every step of faith honours the Lord! One of our Administrative Assistants will guide you through the intake process and would be happy to answer questions you might have for us.

We’ve kept our intake form quite short to make this part of the process as easy as possible. Once we have your completed form, we will work on our end to connect you with a counsellor we think would be a good fit. You may, of course, request a specific counsellor you think would be a good fit for you. (We have multiple male and female counsellors on staff, so if in the process you find your counsellor is not a great fit- no problem! We can arrange for you to continue with one of our other counsellors.)
 
Oh, and just so you know: our counselling is completely confidential. You’ll read more about that on the intake form.
 
Once we have your completed intake form, one of our staff will reach out to schedule your initial session. All that’s left is for you to come to your appointment, where you will be greeted by Michelle or Celena, offered refreshments, and then your counsellor will invite you into his or her office for a chat.
 
As my kids would say: Easy peasy.
 
Next month we’ll take a look at what that initial session might look like, and where counselling goes from there.
 
Enjoy the rest of your summer!