Frequently Asked Questions
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Biblical counseling seeks to address life’s challenges by applying the truths of Scripture. Unlike secular approaches, which may draw on humanistic or psychological theories, biblical counseling relies on the timeless wisdom of God’s Word as the ultimate authority and methodology, believing it provides sufficient guidance for emotional, relational, and spiritual healing. It aims to bring individuals closer to Jesus Christ and help them understand and apply biblical precepts to their lives.
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Biblical counseling addresses a wide range of issues. We work with individuals, couples, and families to help them find hope and direction in God’s Word. The following are common struggles or which we are willing to offer counsel: Abortion, ADHD, Anger, Assurance of Salvation, Bipolar Disorder, Body Image, Chronic Fatigue, Codependency, Decision Making, Deconstructing Faith, Divorce, Eating Disorder, Gambling Addiction, Gaming Addiction, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt & Shame, Infertility, Life Transition, Loneliness, Marriage Conflict, Occult Involvement, Parenting, Perfectionism & OCD, Procrastination & Sloth, Relational Conflict, Same-Sex Attraction, Self-Harm, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Addiction, Social Anxiety, Stress Management, Substance Abuse & Suffering & Grief, Suicidal Ideations, and Vocational Problems.
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Our counseling courses and in-person or virtual counseling serve different purposes, though both are designed to help you address life’s challenges through the lens of God’s Word.
(1) Counseling Courses are self-paced, online programs designed to address common struggles in a general way over four structured lessons. They provide biblical insights and practical tools to help you begin understanding and addressing your challenges. While not tailored to your specific situation, these courses serve as a helpful starting point for those exploring biblical counseling or seeking growth in a particular area of life.
(2) In-person and Virtual Counseling involve one-on-one counseling sessions that are highly personalized to your unique situation. Whether in person or online, these sessions allow for deep engagement, individualized support, and specific biblical guidance for your situation. As certified biblical counselors, we walk with you and provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability as you work through your struggles.
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No, you do not need to be a Christian to receive biblical counseling. While we use the Bible as the foundation for guidance, we welcome anyone who is open to exploring solutions from a Christian perspective. Our goal is to offer compassionate, respectful care that meets you where you are, helping you find practical insights and support, regardless of your current faith background.
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In biblical counseling, you’ll explore your struggles through the lens of Scripture, working with your counselor to uncover the heart issues underlying your situation. Each session involves discussing your challenges openly, looking at relevant biblical passages, and setting practical, gospel-informed goals. Your counselor will also provide resources and assignments to help you apply what you learn in sessions, encouraging lasting transformation through God's Spirit and Word.
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Our typical counseling sessions last one hour, whether in-person or virtual. This allows enough time to address your immediate concerns, discuss your progress, and work together on practical next steps. We find that this duration provides a balance of depth and focus, making it easier for counselees to process and apply what they’ve learned in each session.
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Confidentiality is a priority in our biblical counseling practice, and we are dedicated to protecting your privacy. Your personal information and the content of our sessions are kept secure and shared only if required by law or if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others. For church members, certain information shared in counseling may be communicated to a pastor if deemed appropriate, but we will discuss this with you first and encourage you to share the information yourself if possible. Our goal is to create a safe, trusting environment where you feel comfortable sharing openly. Please refer to our Legal Agreement for more details on confidentiality.
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While the Bible is our primary source of guidance, we may also incorporate other resources, such as biblical workbooks, trusted Christian authors, reputable scientific data, and practical tools that align with Scripture. Our goal is to help you apply biblical wisdom in practical ways, and we thoughtfully choose resources that reinforce a Christ-centered approach to growth and healing.
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For members of Sacred Mission Church (SMC) in Cincinnati, Ohio, our counseling is provided at no cost. We do encourage a money gift to SMC at your discretion. For non-members, each session is $150. Due to the in-depth preparation and customized growth work provided for each counselee, a typical 1-hour session represents approximately three hours of counselor time: one hour in-session, an hour of preparation (review and research) before each session, and an hour after each session reviewing and customizing the growth assignments.
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We begin with a four-session plan to assess your needs, set goals, apply the gospel to your challenges, and establish a practical path forward toward lasting freedom. Additional sessions may be recommended based on your progress and specific goals.
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To begin, visit our counseling page and read our Legal Agreement, then select either "Virtual Counseling" or "In-Person Counseling" (for those in Cincinnati, Ohio). Finally, complete the Personal Data Inventory Questionnaire form. Once submitted, we will review your information and respond within 48 hours to discuss next steps.