Informed Consent Agreement (REQUIRED)
Our Goal – Our goal in providing biblical counseling is to help you meet the challenges of life in a way that will please and honor the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31), to truly thrive in this life in Christ, to help you grow in your love and sanctification in Jesus Christ, and in a way that will bring you the greatest joy and satisfaction (John 15:11).
Biblical Basis – As faithful followers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our counseling stems from our sincerely held religious beliefs based upon the Bible, including our understanding of sexuality. This is part of our free practice of religion in the form of intensive discipleship. We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). While we believe God graciously gives limited understanding through common grace, we do not believe that psychology or other human efforts are sufficient to fully help humans. Rather, we believe in the sufficiency of Scripture, and our counseling is based upon the authoritative principles, commands, and instructions of Scripture. Our counselors are not trained or state-licensed as psychotherapists or mental health professionals, nor should they be expected to follow the methods of such specialists.
All counseling will be conducted in accordance with the counselor’s understanding of the Scriptures, consistent with First Baptist Church of Sedalia. However, our counselors do not know all there is to know about biblical teaching and its life application. Therefore, when necessary, they will seek help, input, or advice from pastors, mentors, or colleagues.
Biblical Counsel – If you have significant legal, financial, medical, or other technical questions, you should seek advice from an independent professional in those fields. Our counselors will cooperate with such advisors and help you to consider their counsel in light of scriptural principles. Our counselors are certified through First Baptist Church of Sedalia training in biblical counseling, and/or ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors). All counselors are recognized, trained, and approved by First Baptist Church of Sedalia.
Counseling Observers – Because we conduct training in biblical counseling, our counselors often “team counsel.” You will meet with a biblical counselor, who will lead the session, and a counseling trainee(s), who will observe as part of his/her certification requirement.
Conditional Confidentiality – Confidentiality is an essential and important aspect of the counseling process, and we will carefully guard the information you entrust to us. Proverbs 11:13, “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.” There are situations, however, in which counselors may believe that it is wise or mandated (biblically or legally) for them to share certain information with others. It is not possible to list every possible circumstance, but some examples would include (please initial that you understand and accept each example):
Please be assured that our counselors strongly prefer not to disclose personal information to others, and they will make every effort to help you find ways to resolve a problem as privately as possible. We strongly hold to the policy of keeping the circle of involvement as small as is feasibly possible.
Biblical Counseling and Psychotropic Medication – While we hold to the sufficiency of Scripture for counseling problems, we know that many who will come to us will have been prescribed medications by a physician. The biblical teaching on the importance of the body affirms the use of medication for physical problems and, to varying degrees, can help with emotional difficulties. As biblical counselors, we do not offer medical advice, including advice on withdrawing from medications. Our care for counselees may lead us to ask questions about the side effects of medication, or whether the counselees have allowed the medication to take the place of the Lord as a refuge in their life. We will always encourage counselees with questions regarding medications, or who wish to discontinue using medications, to seek the advice of competent medical professionals before changing or discontinuing any medication.
Our Fee – Though it may be necessary for you to purchase materials for your use, the actual discipleship counseling is done on a recommended donation-only basis as a ministry to our church and community. Please see our Donation Policy for more details. If cost is a hindrance, please let us know before counseling begins. We will not let cost prohibit anyone from receiving biblical counseling.
Parental Involvement – When counselees are under the age of 18, we require parents to be involved in the counseling process; this includes the following: counseling sessions, homework, and/or accountability for their child.
Church Involvement – Because we believe the local church has a vital role in the lives of believers (Hebrews 3:3-13, 10:24-25), counselees are asked to commit to attending faithfully their Sunday School class and worship services while receiving counseling.
Church Advocates for Non-members: Because we believe counseling should be the primary responsibility of your home church, we ask for someone from your church (preferably a pastor) to be involved with the counseling process, whether joining the counseling room or receiving regular updates about the counseling process. This is beneficial for every person involved in the counseling process (Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 5:1-2).
Conclusion & Signature – Having clarified the principles and policies of our counseling ministry, we welcome the opportunity to minister to you in the name of Christ and to be used by Him as He helps you to grow in spiritual maturity and prepares you for usefulness in His body. If you have any questions about these guidelines or conditions, please speak with your counselor or someone at First Biblical Counseling.
Having read the foregoing information and conditions fully and completely, my typed signature below indicates that I understand all the material presented and fully agree to comply with the foregoing, and I consent to the disclosure of certain communications as provided above and waive any legal privileges that may apply.