Counseling

If you are interested in becoming a biblical counselor, IBCD can assist you in that process.

The first place to start is to read about the NANC certification process by clicking here.

A great resource for understanding this process is the How to Become NANC/IBCD Certified audio seminar by Jim Newheiser.

Once you understand what all is involved, then we can show you how IBCD can help.

1. Introduction to Biblical Counseling:

The first step in pursuing biblical counseling is to cover all of the material in the 30 hour Introduction to Biblical Counseling course. There are several ways that we offer this through IBCD.

MP3: The entire Introduction to Biblical Counseling course by Jim Newheiser is available to download for free at our audio resources page. You can view these by clicking here. You can also download and print out the syllabus to follow along in the course.

DVD: The entire Introduction to Biblical Counseling is also available as a DVD set through IBCD. If you are interested in more information about these DVDs, click here.

In Person: This is the best way to learn the material covered in this course. Each year we offer the Introduction to Biblical Counseling course prior to our Summer Institute at a great rate. Also, if you have a group of 30 people who are interested in taking the course, you can contact us to possibly set up a seminar in your area.

2. Observation:

If you live near Escondido, California, it is possible for you to complete the NANC 10 hour observation requirement through IBCD. For more information, click please see the Observation section.

3. Tutorial:

Phase 3 of the certification process can be completed through IBCD if you are local and meet all of the requirements. For more information on this process, please see the Tutorial section.

4. Resources:

We understand that there are a wide variety of issues that you will deal with as a biblical counselor, and so we have many resources to help keep you informed about how to approach these situations biblically. If you can't find the particular topic you are concerned about on our site then check out our more comprehensive list at www.soundword.com.

Receiving Counseling

IBCD offers consistently biblical counseling in San Diego County. Most of our counseling occurs in Escondido on Mondays, and we also offer some on Thursdays at our La Mesa office. The primary goal of this ministry is to train pastors and lay people so that they can counsel in their own churches. Therefore, there will often be students observing counseling sessions. The counseling focuses on applying the principles of God's word to the problems of life. It costs us $65 per hour for these counseling appointments, and we therefore ask that you make a donation to IBCD for that amount when you receive counseling. If you are not able to afford that rate, we ask that you donate whatever you are able.

If you need counseling, we encourage you to ask your pastor or another church leader first. If they are not able to help you, you may call us at (760) 747-9252. When you call, we will take down some information about your needs and then seek to match you with the appropriate counselor. We often have a waiting list, but we will contact you as soon as cancellations occur or timeslots become available.

If you do not live in this area, you can go to the NANC website and look at their list of certified counselors to see if one is near you.

Dr. Laura Hendrickson counseling a woman