Counseling

NorthWoods Church provides counseling to those seeking to solve the problems of life in God’s way. We want to help you see God’s ever-present agenda to increase your conformity to Christ and your capacity to enjoy Him.

Who We Counsel

We provide counseling for individuals, couples, families, and children older than thirteen. If your child is younger than thirteen, we would be happy to meet with you (the parents) and help you learn how to work with your child at home.

Our Qualifications

Our Associate Pastor of Family Ministries, Matt Higgins, is certified as a Biblical counselor through the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and supervises our overall counseling ministry at NorthWoods Church. While most of our counselors are volunteers, all of our volunteers are either going through the ACBC certification process or have been trained by our Associate Pastor of Family Ministries.

How to Receive Counseling

To begin the process, please complete and sign the intake form (see link below). Each person receiving counseling must complete and sign his or her own form. (Teenagers may be assisted by their parents.) When your paperwork is received, you will be assigned to a counselor, and if necessary, your name will be placed on the waiting list.  Please understand that you may need to wait to be assigned a counselor, since we generally have more people seeking counseling than available counselors.

While Waiting for Your Appointment

As you anticipate your appointment, please understand that at times we have more people seeking counseling than available counselors. We will do all we can to get you in as soon as possible; however, there can be long waits because we offer deeply discounted counseling and have a limited number of counselors. How soon you get in for counseling also depends on your availability. In addition, someone who can come for counseling at any time on any day has a better chance of getting in sooner than someone who can only come in on Tuesday evenings.

What to Expect Once You Have a Counselor

Once you have been assigned to a counselor, you will typically meet every week or every other week on the same day at the same time for as long as the counselor determines. On average, counseling lasts 6-12 weeks, but some cases could be shorter or longer. Counselors will use God’s Word in every counseling session, therefore, you will always be required bring your Bible (not your phone’s Bible app please). There will also be homework assigned weekly to reinforce the counseling principles. 

Babysitting is NOT provided. If you come to your session expecting your children to sit and wait in the lobby while you are in your session, your appointment may be canceled for that day. Please make childcare arrangements ahead of time.

Counseling Confidentiality

All cases are confidential. There are a few situation required by the Bible or law that are exempt of confidentiality. Such situations include (but is not limited to):

1. Possible harm or danger to person(s);
2. A child being abused physically, emotionally or sexually;
3. Someone persistently refusing to stop a sinful pattern, and it is necessary to seek assistance from his or her church to encourage proper change (see Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 13:1-7); or
4. When a pastor/elder inquires about his sheep.

Scheduling Counseling Sessions

Once you are assigned a counselor, they will contact you to set up a time, place and location for counseling. If you need to miss a scheduled session, please contact your counselor directly to cancel or reschedule. We cannot issue refunds for scheduled sessions under any circumstances. We reserve the right to cancel counseling for excessive “no shows,” tardiness or lack of preparation. Our counselors volunteer their time, so please be respectful of their time and schedules. 

How Much it Costs

– Combined Household Income of Under $50,000: $25 / Session
– Combined Household Income of $51,000 – $80,0000: $40 / Session
– Combined Household Income of $80,000: $60 / Session

We reserve the right to cancel counseling for non-payment of session fees.

Counseling Materials:

Your counselor may suggest the purchase of counseling booklets or books to aid you in the counseling process. These prices vary but generally range from $5 – $25.

More Questions?

If you have any more questions about our program, please contact our Associate Pastor of Family Ministries, Matt Higgins at our NorthWoods Church Office at (812) 402-4954. Our office hours are 8:30AM – 2:30PM on Monday – Thursday. If you are calling after hours or on weekends, your calls and messages will be returned during regular office hours. 

How To Schedule An Appointment

Complete the Personal Data Inventory form HERE.

Once you have completed this form, our staff will contact you during our regular office hours (8:30AM – 2:30PM on Monday – Thursday). You can expect that our staff will contact you in a few days – especially if you are completing this form after hours or on weekends.