Dear Potential Counselee,

Thank you for your interest in counseling at Harvest New Beginnings. All of our counselors are thoroughly trained and have numerous combined years of experience in biblical counseling. Together they have seen many individuals and families get the hope and help needed to reach biblical solutions to their problems. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us God’s Word has the solution for every problem we face.

All of our counseling is free of charge. However, out of respect for our staff and to minimize vacant appointment time slots, we require a $25 deposit, which is forfeited for same day cancellations or no-shows. If a counselee leaves counseling or finishes counseling without a same-day cancellation or no-show, the deposit is refundable for up to 6 weeks. Simply contact the counseling office within 6 weeks of your last scheduled counseling session and we will return your deposit. Any forfeited deposits or unclaimed refundable deposits will be used to help offset the costs of the counseling ministry.

Our Biblical Counselor’s time is limited and in high demand by those requesting counseling. If you must cancel or reschedule a counseling session, please notify us (630-554-3858) or your Biblical Counselor directly at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled counseling session. For scheduling purposes, please be advised the counseling period lasts an average of 8 to 16 sessions. The sessions usually last for 50 minutes.

We are training several people how to counsel. Part of that training requires them to observe us while we counsel. We will usually have one to two trainees observing our sessions. If you prefer to not have anyone observe, please let us know.

Homework will be assigned during each session to assist you in implementing biblical principles learned during counseling. It is important for you to bring your Bible, paper and pen to all sessions.

What you can expect from us –

1. Privacy. Everything will be held in strict confidence except where, in the counselor’s judgment, there is a biblical requirement to involve others. In addition, counselors are free to discuss counseling sessions and cases with other trained counselors and pastors of Harvest to gain the benefit of additional insight and input to better help you.

2. Care. Our staff will care and treat you with respect.

3. Christ-likeness. Our staff will encourage you to think and behave in a way that pleases Jesus Christ.

What Harvest New Beginnings Counseling Ministry expects from you –

1. Be honest. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to help you if you are not honest with us.

2. Do weekly homework. Assignments will foster a lasting change.

3. Give us a little time. Habits are not developed overnight, so we ask individuals to commit to regular counseling appointments for 3 to 4 months.

If you are interested in pursuing counseling through the Harvest New Beginnings Counseling Ministry kindly fill out our counseling intake forms and mail it to: Harvest New Beginnings, 5315 Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543, ATTN: Karen Peery or email to . Each person requesting counseling must fill out a form. We ask that you complete these forms and submit them to us at least one week ahead of your scheduled first appointment. Make sure to complete the information you feel would be helpful for us to know.

In Christ,

The Harvest Counseling Team

1 Corinthians 10:13