Counseling Agreement

If you decide to begin a counseling process with the Christian Counseling Practice, our mutual agreements will be outlined in this Counseling Agreement. This document describes what you can expect from me as your counselor, as well as the commitments you are making to ensure the success of the counseling process.

In Christian counseling, the person receiving help is typically referred to as the client. In Dutch, however, the term “confident” is often used, meaning “the one who entrusts themselves, who gives their trust.” That is exactly what you are doing by seeking help here, and I take that trust seriously; protecting your well-being throughout the counseling process is my top priority.

You can find the Counseling Agreement on my website, and a paper copy is available upon request during the intake session. This document offers insight into the objectives and methods of this practice, and the nature of the pastoral support offered, helping you decide whether the support offered is appropriate for your needs and personal situation.

Identity

This practice is a pastoral counseling practice. This means I provide support based on my Christian faith convictions. Your willingness to engage with this kind of support is essential. I respect your right to autonomy and personal choice, and I will not lead you into a counseling process you haven’t consciously agreed to.

If you're seeking support grounded in a biblical faith perspective, you will find it here. If you are not a believer but are open to seeking God, you are equally welcome.

You give me permission to approach your issues from a biblical standpoint, to pray with you, and to refer to the Bible. If this is not the kind of help you’re looking for, please bring it up so we can dis-cuss whether another form of support might better meet your expectations.

Pastoral Counseling

The practice offers pastoral counseling for issues such as anxiety, depression, burnout, guilt, relationship difficulties, feelings of inferiority, grief, trauma, and more.

To collect relevant background information, I use an information form developed by the Center for Pastoral Counseling (CPC).

Sometimes, your symptoms may be linked to underlying issues that aren’t immediately obvious. Unexpected concerns may also arise that may seem unrelated to your initial reason for seeking help. You are encouraged to engage meaningfully with the topics we discuss. If you do not find something helpful, please express this during our sessions so we can evaluate the process together. You are always free to decide whether to continue with the counseling. If your problems become so severe that you're unable to function in daily life and need more intensive care, I will advise you to seek help through an appropriate care facility.

Expectations

Hope is a crucial element in providing help. One principle of this practice is that God does not allow His children to face circumstances beyond their ability to endure. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the Apostle Paul writes: “God will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This is an encouraging promise. God knows you. He knows your capacity, how much you can bear, and with the temptation, He provides a way out.

Sometimes God’s outcome is that your problem is resolved; other times, it is that you receive the strength to endure it. It is my task as a counselor to assist you in finding a solution that aligns with the path God wants to take you on. I would like to guide you in your search for sufficient strength to cope with your problems and to find peace with yourself, with others, and with God.

Medical Matters

The practice does not provide psychotherapy or medical care, does not prescribe medication or give medical advice, and does not replace regular medical care. In case of severe psychological complaints, I recommend that you contact your general practitioner or a specialized healthcare professional for a medical evaluation.

You acknowledge that the Christian Counseling Practice cannot be held liable for personal harm or missed medical care. You remain personally responsible for seeking medical help in case of serious complaints.

Your Counselor

I work according to the CPC counseling model, as described in Helping with the Bible (translated title of Helpen met de Bijbel, Jef De Vriese, Center for Pastoral Counseling, 2007).

If you are receiving other support while working with me, please let me know. It's important that different forms of support do not conflict or cause confusion. Sometimes I may suggest choosing one approach or doing them one after the other.

Duration of Counseling

If, after the intake session, you choose to begin a counseling process, I recommend committing to a minimum of five sessions, generally scheduled once every two weeks. This gives the process a fair chance. Five sessions are usually enough to determine whether the support provided aligns with your needs.

After these initial sessions, we will evaluate whether to continue. You may choose to stop, and the same applies to me as your counselor. If circumstances require ending the counseling earlier, this can always be discussed. The total duration of counseling depends on the nature and complexity of your issues.

Availability and Emergencies

Between sessions, there is no contact regarding the content of the counseling, except in exceptional cases where I make an exception. The practice is not a crisis service. For serious emergencies, I recommend contacting your general practitioner, the emergency services, a church elder, Tele-Onthaal, or another specialized professional.

Homework Assignments

Depending on your needs, I may give you assignments to help bridge the gap between our sessions and your daily life. These may include spiritual activities (such as Bible reading, prayer, etc.), gathering information (via books, videos or podcasts), reflecting or journaling, improving communication skills, engaging in relaxation or specific exercises, and so on. These assignments will be given within the boundaries of your energy level and available time.

It is important that you set aside enough time to work on these assignments regularly. It is not helpful to postpone them until just before the next session, as the time in between is specifically intended for practicing them and opening yourself up to a “renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Regular engagement with these exercises significantly contributes to the effectiveness of the counseling process.

If you are coming for marriage counseling, it is especially important that you prioritize spending meaningful time together and engaging with the assignments.

Confidentiality

Everything you share with me during counseling is treated confidentially, in accordance with data protection laws and the applicable guidelines within Christian counseling. Sensitive information may be discussed, such as matters regarding faith, health, sexuality, family, or legal issues. By signing this agreement, you give explicit consent for the processing of these data, as described in the privacy policy.

Sharing information with others requires your written consent, unless there is an immediate danger to yourself or others, the case involves minors or suspected abuse, or it is legally required. In such situations, I will, except in urgent cases, first consult with you. Please note that communication via email, messages, or other digital channels is never completely secure.

For supervision purposes, I may discuss aspects of the counseling process, always using anonymized cases, to improve my services. Colleagues involved in supervision are bound by the same confidentiality rules.

To ensure quality counseling, I keep a client file. For more details, please refer to the privacy policy.

Finances

There are no fixed fees for the counseling sessions, in order to keep the support accessible to everyone.

However, the suggested voluntary contribution is €50.00 per session. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and can be transferred to the account that you will receive from me when you register.

Contractual Rights and Obligations

This Counseling Agreement serves as a contract between you and me. It outlines the responsibilities of the Christian Counseling Practice, as well as your rights and obligations.

By completing and returning the Information Form and starting the counseling process, you confirm that you have read the Counseling Agreement and the Privacy Policy, and you agree with the conditions described therein and the processing of personal data. I am equally bound to these terms.

Counseling Agreement – Praktijk voor Christelijke Counseling‍