Orland Evangelical Free Church | Questions

1. What is Biblical Counseling? These services are ministry to Christians struggling with personal problems who desire to approach those problems from the perspective that God's Word is sufficient for life and godliness (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:3-4).
   
   
2. Who are Biblical Counselors? Our biblical counselors are men and women trained in the use of the Scripture and the principles of biblical counseling and are not psychologists, psychiatrists, or other licensed (by the state) mental health providers. Some may be Pastors and some are trained lay-counselors.
   
   
3. What is the goal of Biblical Counseling? The goal of Biblical counseling is first to Glorify God by studying and applying His Word to our lives.  Then it is to encourage other Christians towards faith and good works (Hebrews 10:23-24).  We also desire to help people overcome difficult struggles (sometimes very emotional) by being sensitive to their specific circumstances and concerns.
   
   
4. What about confidentiality? A commitment to trustworthiness is an important quality in biblical counselors and we will not share information unnecessarily.  There may be times when it will be wise to discuss concerns with other counselors (see team counseling below), or with Pastors, but only if needed to help solve specific problems.  Also, we are bound by the state of California's mandatory reporting requirements as they relate to illegal activity.
   
   
5. How will the sessions be conducted? At every meeting, the counselor will use the Bible. Therefore, counselees are encouraged to bring it with them to all sessions.  The counseling will focus on the four principles of biblical change:  understanding the problem, biblical hope, biblical change, and biblical practice. Assignments will be given to complete during the week that are directly related to the concerns being addressed in the counseling sessions.
   
   
6. How long will it take? Normally, counseling sessions will be between one to one-and-one-half hours and will continue weekly for eight to twelve weeks with two to three follow-up visits once counseling is completed.  Please be aware that commitment to the process of counseling and commitment to pleasing God will have a direct impact on counseling progress.  The harder a person works, the faster they will change!
   
   
7. Why do you encourage church involvement? God's greatest commandment is to love Him and love others (Matthew 22:37). Because of this, we must purpose to be a part of a church family.  This is a very important part of the way we learn to love God more and love others as He intends.  This personal interaction also provides us with a venue to encourage resolution of personal problems which encourages maturity. If you are not involved in a church family, you are welcome to join us so that you can be encouraged toward love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25 and Hebrews 3:13). Also, if you don't attend our church, we will encourage you to bring a mature Christian friend, your Pastor, or another church leader with you to your counseling sessions so that you can work together in between your counseling sessions (Proverbs 27:17).
   
   
8. What does it cost? As of January 1^st 2008 we have initiated a small fee schedule.  The information regarding this recent change is listed on our website under FEES and Policy agreement.
   
   

If you have any other questions, please call us at 530-865-2453.