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C+C POLICY

PHILOSOPHY OF CARE

We are committed to providing a balanced and biblical approach to counselling. By biblical counselling we mean that your Counsellor is a Christian with special training and experience in applying the truth of the Bible to life. We believe that the Bible speaks to all of life and to all its problems, but it takes careful thought and prayerful wisdom to know how to make those connections. We don’t believe that the Bible is simply a how-to book for happiness.  

 

We are confident that through the Scriptures and the power of His Spirit, God has given us all the instruction necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). It is our joy to help real people with real problems using the Bible. Your counselling will be biblical, pastoral counselling in which the Scriptures are held as the final authority in all matters. If you are not sure that you will be interested in biblical counselling, you will have the option of attending one or two sessions to discover how biblical counselling may help you.  

 

Most importantly, we believe that the Bible ultimately points us to a Person – the Lord Jesus Christ.  We believe that real change comes when people learn to see themselves and their problems in the context of a loving, vital relationship with Christ. This does not mean that you must be a Christian to profit from our counselling, although we believe that deep and lasting change is brought about only by God Himself. Because of this, we do not use the Bible in either a superficial or heavy-handed way.  

 

When necessary, we will work with your physician or other professionals to ensure you receive the appropriate medical/mental health care in conjunction with the counselling services you receive.

THE CARE & COUNSELLING TEAM

Central Community Church Care & Counselling Team utilizes the help of trained lay volunteers. Our Counsellors do not know everything about biblical teaching and its application to life; nevertheless, they do know much and will do their utmost to help you. Counsellors will honestly tell you if they require additional assistance from the Care & Counselling Director. Please understand that biblical counselling consists of Christians providing scriptural advice and practical application. Yet the Counselee is held fully responsible for how he/she implements that advice (James 1:23-25). In addition, our Counsellors are neither psychologists, nor professional Counsellors. The Counselling Team consists of lay biblical counsellors under the supervision and direction of Central’s Care & Counselling Director, as well as the church elders who provide guidance and oversight.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A COUNSELEE

As a Counselee, you have the right to discuss outcomes and challenges regarding the counselling and receive an estimate of the predicted length, goals, and outcome of the counselling, as well as alternative options to that counselling. You have the right to ask about and/or refuse any techniques used. You are encouraged to report to an Elder/Pastor or Counselling Director if you have any grievances regarding the counselling. You may terminate counselling at any time, but we encourage you to consult with your Counsellor as to the best way to do so.

NOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

If you have significant legal, financial, medical, or other technical questions, we may help you seek advice from an independent professional in that field.

REFERRAL PROCESS

We believe in biblical counselling and the future support of the Body of Christ once counselling is completed. However, in the case that progress is not being made, a conflict of interest, or for medical concerns, we do make referrals.

CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSE

Confidentiality is an important aspect of the counselling process. We carefully guard the information you entrust to us to the fullest extent possible. As a church-based counselling ministry, we do not offer absolute confidentiality. There are times when it may be necessary for us to share specific information with others. Examples include but are not limited to matters of church discipline (cf. Matt 18:15 ff.), divorce and separation which may include notifying the Pastor/Elder of Counselee’s attending church, criminal activities, and potential harm to self or others. Additionally, when a Counsellor is uncertain how to address a particular situation, the Counsellor will consult with the Care & Counselling Director for the purpose of providing the highest level of care within the ministries of the church. To best care for you, we will work together as a ministry team while keeping the circle of confidentiality as tight as possible.

 

There are times when counselling information may be shared outside the church context. Those exceptions would include, but are not limited to the following:
 

  • Known or suspected abuse of any kind

  • The intent to take criminal actions or violence against another person

  • Imminent serious and credible risk of suicide

 


If you are suicidal during the course of your counselling, it is crucial that you talk with your Counsellor about these matters. By signing below, you agree to share any suicidal thoughts or intentions with your Counsellor at any time they arise, and by email if they occur in between sessions, and that you will seek medical care if you become suicidal in the course of your counselling.  

In the case of marriage or family counselling, there is limited confidentiality, meaning the confidentiality belongs to the couple and not the individual. 

Confidentiality for counselling at Central Community Church is defined by religious communications privilege because we are a local church and our Counsellors operate as agents of the church (Pastors/Ministers), not agents of the legislative body (Registered Clinical Counsellors). This means counselling conversations are inadmissible in the court of law. All counselling forms and notes taken by the Counsellor are the property of Central Community Church Care & Counselling Ministry. They are protected as confidential and may not be used in court proceedings or in any other way that is not authorized by the Care & Counselling Ministry. If your counselling needs require professional representations in a court setting by a Counsellor, Central Community Church Care & Counselling Team will likely not be the best fit for your needs.

LIABILITY WAIVER

In seeking counselling from Central Community Church Care & Counselling Team, counsellees are asked to acknowledge the following conditions and further release Central Community Church, its elders, staff, Counsellors, employees, and all ministry team leadership from any legal liability, claim, or litigation arising from their participation in this voluntary program:  


  1. Counselling will be provided by church-trained lay biblical counsellors. The counselling team is not a licensed counselling service.  

  2. All counselling is provided in accordance with the biblical principles adhered to by Central Community Church and is not necessarily provided in adherence to any local or national professional counselling, psychological or psychiatric associations.  

  3. No representation has been made, either expressly or implied, that the biblical counselling, as conducted by the above-mentioned Counsellors, is accepted as customary psychological and/or psychiatric therapy within the defined terms utilized by those professions.  

  4. In consideration for receiving any form of counselling from Central Community Church, the person receiving the counselling agrees to release and waive any and all claims of any kind against the ministry, the staff, the pastoral/lay counsellors or any participating church member, which may arise from, result out of, or be related to conduct or advice given.  

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