What to Expect
Counseling sessions occur on Mondays from 1:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Most counseling sessions take between 1 to 1.25 hours. The Biblical Counseling ministry is currently available to DSC members or attenders.
You should expect the following:
Privacy and Care – our staff will care for you and treat you with respect. Everything will be held in strict confidence except where, in the counselor’s judgment, there is a biblical requirement to involve others (e.g. criminal activity).
Expect to experience biblical love and compassion from your counselor (Eph. 4:32; 1 Tim. 1:5).
Expect your counselor to listen patiently and attentively to you (Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19-20).
Expect your counselor will always be asking questions to better help both of you to understand you and your situation (Proverbs 18:13).
Expect your counselor to provide you with hope (Romans 8:28-29; I Cor 6:11; 1 Peter 5:10).
Expect to receive a biblical definition and understanding of your problems or situation (1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim 3:16-17).
Expect your counselor to use the Bible to guide, correct, inform and instruct you (e.g. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Expect to be given homework each week – Change happens day by day (James 1:22; Psalm 139:23-24).
Expect to experience the Spirit of God work through His Word to bring about change in your life (Psalm 139:22-23; Rom 12:2; 1 Cor. 6:11).
Expect to be pointed often to Jesus Christ and His gospel (Luke 4:18; 6:20-35; Romans 1:16).
Expect no cost counseling. Since Desert Springs Church provides the facilities and the counselors volunteer much of their time, we offer the counseling free of charge. However, we require a $50 deposit which is forfeited for last-minute cancellations. If a counselee leaves counseling or graduates from counseling without a last-minute cancellation, the deposit is returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Do I need to be a member or attender of Desert Springs Church (DSC) to receive counseling?
Yes, although it is our privilege and desire to come alongside those seeking help with various troubles, at this time, DSC Biblical Counseling Ministry is limited to serving its church members and regular attenders only, for the foreseeable future.
+ Is there a cost for counseling?
Desert Springs Church provides the facilities and the counselors for which the counseling sessions are free of charge. However, out of respect for our staff's time and dedication, if, after two cancelations with less than a 24-hour notice (unplanned cancelation), a $50.00 deposit will be required and processed that same business day. On the third or subsequent cancelations with less than 24 hours notice, the deposit will be forfeited, and an additional deposit will be required. Any deposit not forfeited will be refunded when a counselee leaves or graduates.
+ What are the counseling hours?
Counseling sessions occur on Mondays between 1:00 PM and 8:30 PM. These sessions are scheduled in specific one-hour blocks during those times.
+ If my spouse and I want to apply for counseling, do we both need to complete the intake forms?
Yes, we kindly ask that each individual take the time to create their own account and intake forms which aids the counselor’s understanding of each one’s perspective of the issues they are facing.
+ How many counseling sessions can I expect to commit to?
The length of counseling can vary greatly, depending on the issues being addressed; each counseling situation is unique.
+ Are counselors meeting in person or online?
Yes! Both are available. Although we highly encourage in-person counseling whenever possible, we understand there are some who may require Zoom sessions for physical or health reasons for which we could accomodate.
+ Does DSC counsel children and adolescents?
The short answer is no. However, with that said, we welcome the opportunity to counsel, guide and encourage parents who are struggling while facing the challenges of “training up the child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). These sessions may or may not include the child.
+ What can you expect from your counselor and what will your counselor expect from you?
Click here to read the brochure.
+ Are the counselors qualified?
Whether they are pastors or laypersons, all of our counselors go through a Biblical counseling training program resulting in certification with ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counseling) and have experience helping people through similar issues to your own.
+ If I am not a member or attender of DSC but still in need of counseling, what other Biblical Counseling resources are there?
First and foremost we recommend praying and asking God for wisdom as you seek counseling based on Biblical truth: His Word promises to give you wisdom if you ask in faith (James 1:5).
Also, we encourage you to seek help for your circumstances from your pastor(s) directly, if possible. For they have been appointed to keep watch over your souls (Hebrews 13:17).
However, we also understand if you feel like an outside resource would be better. If that is the case, we would recommend Christus Biblical Counseling. You can also search ACBC to find a Certified Biblical Counselor in your area. Both of these are Biblical Counseling options we would trust.