Counseling Tools and Standards
1. Diagnostic Tools: We use helpful forms such as this Personal Data Information form and other aids to gain and understanding of the central problems a person is experiencing. The Bible is our frame of reference to understand and change human behavior.
2. Intent Listening: We encourage the client to speak his mind in an appropriate fashion and to discuss his thoughts, anxieties, resentments, and fears so that the consultant will have a clear understanding of the central problems.
3. Team Counseling: There may be times when a counseling situation calls for a team approach. In this event, we may have more than one consultant involved in a session. These consultants share insights and opinions with one another which peratin to the case.
4. Assignments: Clients make more rapid progress when they are required to study or perform specific informational or behavioral assignments which pertain to the problem. We tailor these assignments to the individual and their circumstances.
5. Accountability: We are interested in believers learning how to experience the peace and joy that result from a walk of obedience to God's Word, and we believe it is important to hold a client accountable for doing the assignments on schedule.
2. Intent Listening: We encourage the client to speak his mind in an appropriate fashion and to discuss his thoughts, anxieties, resentments, and fears so that the consultant will have a clear understanding of the central problems.
3. Team Counseling: There may be times when a counseling situation calls for a team approach. In this event, we may have more than one consultant involved in a session. These consultants share insights and opinions with one another which peratin to the case.
4. Assignments: Clients make more rapid progress when they are required to study or perform specific informational or behavioral assignments which pertain to the problem. We tailor these assignments to the individual and their circumstances.
5. Accountability: We are interested in believers learning how to experience the peace and joy that result from a walk of obedience to God's Word, and we believe it is important to hold a client accountable for doing the assignments on schedule.
How Long Does Counseling Take?
Biblical counseling will vary in the amount of time required according to the individual, his motivation and the particular problem. On the average, however, the process requires far less time than conventional secular counseling. One reason is that Biblical counselors are not interested in prolonging the number of sessions. Simple problems are often solved in one or two sessions. Severe problems may require a longer period. Addressing marital issues may require as many as 6-8 sessions. Substance abuse (which in a Biblical context is understood as a worship problem - idolatry) problems may require many more sessions with intensive accountability and follow-up appointments.
What Does Counseling Cost?
1. 1st Session Processing Fee = $15
2. Marriage/Family Session (60 min) = $120
3. Individual Session (60 min) = $85
4. If a SUBPOENA is issued and/or court attendance is required, a rate of $250/hour will be required. This includes preparation for court, travel to and from the courthouse as well as hours in court.
5. Cancelation without 24-hour notice = 50% of session
6. NO SHOW = 100% of session
7. Request for Paperwork = $25 +time
8. Phone calls will be charged as a session if longer than 15 minutes.
9. Clients may pay by cash, check, Cash App, or the counselor can swipe a card at the end of a session.
Checks payable to "Abundant Life Biblical Counseling.”
10. Payment is due no later than one day after the appointment.
2. Marriage/Family Session (60 min) = $120
3. Individual Session (60 min) = $85
4. If a SUBPOENA is issued and/or court attendance is required, a rate of $250/hour will be required. This includes preparation for court, travel to and from the courthouse as well as hours in court.
5. Cancelation without 24-hour notice = 50% of session
6. NO SHOW = 100% of session
7. Request for Paperwork = $25 +time
8. Phone calls will be charged as a session if longer than 15 minutes.
9. Clients may pay by cash, check, Cash App, or the counselor can swipe a card at the end of a session.
Checks payable to "Abundant Life Biblical Counseling.”
10. Payment is due no later than one day after the appointment.
What If You Miss an Appointment?
NO SHOWS will be charged 100% of the session fee. Please let your counselor know 24 hours ahead of time if you cannot attend to avoid any fee. Appointments that are canceled with less than 24 hours notice/or no show appointments could be given to other clients. Please respect that others are wanting those appointments. Notifying the counselor of an appointment cancelation with less than 24 hours notice will result in a 50% cancelation fee.
About Confidentiality
Usually, anything discussed with your counselor/consultant, and all information on this intake form, will be held in strict confidence. However, there are some situations that may have to be reported to appropriate authorities as required by law. This reporting may take place without your permission or knowledge. Reportable situations include, but are not limited to, indications of bodily harm to self or others, involvement in a felony crime, suicidal intentions, and resonable evidence/suspicion of child/elder/dependent abuse or neglect. Your counselor may also be required to disclose information in reponse to a subpoena issued by a court of law. Your informaiton will not be shared without your written consent except under legal obligation or for professional consultation. There are also times when a counselor/consultant may confer with others on his or her team for advice. There may also be times when informaiton is given to those you approve of in writing, such as an advocate or family member.
Counseling Agreement
As a client, I understand that I am receiving Biblical counseling/consultation. I understand that my counselor is not a licensed therapist, psychologist, or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I understand that at any time in the counseling process, for reasons sufficient to himself/herself, the counselor(s) or the client(s) shall have the option of terminating this agreement, including the following reasons:
1. If you begin counseling with your spouse, and while in the counseling process, you and your spouse decide to get a divorce, the counselor may decide terminate your sessions. Marriage counseling will no longer be needed. IF one or both of the spouses decide to reconnect with the counselor for individual counseling during or after the divorce, the counselor will decide whether or not to continue with either party.
2. If the counselor feels threatened or that she is being lied to by a client, she may terminate the sessions.
3. Other reasons may arise, but as of yet, the above have been the only reasons for termination.
I agree to and understand the following…
1. I am committed to changing my life by coming into obedience to the Word of God.
2. I will keep the appointment time or will call to cancel in advance with legitimate reason.
3. I will fulfill the weekly assignments.
4. I understand that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in the case of information as indicated above.
5. I understand that information disclosed in sessions will be held confidential unless the Bible or the law requires disclosing that information.
1. If you begin counseling with your spouse, and while in the counseling process, you and your spouse decide to get a divorce, the counselor may decide terminate your sessions. Marriage counseling will no longer be needed. IF one or both of the spouses decide to reconnect with the counselor for individual counseling during or after the divorce, the counselor will decide whether or not to continue with either party.
2. If the counselor feels threatened or that she is being lied to by a client, she may terminate the sessions.
3. Other reasons may arise, but as of yet, the above have been the only reasons for termination.
I agree to and understand the following…
1. I am committed to changing my life by coming into obedience to the Word of God.
2. I will keep the appointment time or will call to cancel in advance with legitimate reason.
3. I will fulfill the weekly assignments.
4. I understand that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in the case of information as indicated above.
5. I understand that information disclosed in sessions will be held confidential unless the Bible or the law requires disclosing that information.
Counselor/Client Relationship
1. The counselor will not engage in any form of relationship outside of the professional in-office relationship.
2. The counselor will not accept friend requests on social media from clients.
3. The counselor will not acknowledge or engage in conversation with the client outside of the office in a public place unless the client engages first in order to protect client privacy.
2. The counselor will not accept friend requests on social media from clients.
3. The counselor will not acknowledge or engage in conversation with the client outside of the office in a public place unless the client engages first in order to protect client privacy.