Our Philosophy
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance
and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
We believe that God “…has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (2 Peter 1:3) Our aim is to equip Christians to counsel themselves and others from God’s Word. We are an ACBC (Association of Certified Biblical Counselors) certified training center.
Request for counsel
If you live in the area and are seeking biblical counseling, please click the "Request for Counsel" button at the bottom of this section. Counseling is offered in person only and is provided at no cost. Each individual must complete their own Request for Counsel form, as submissions cannot be made on behalf of someone else.
Due to a high volume of requests, priority is given to members and regular attenders of Cornerstone Church. Others may be placed on a waiting list.
Please review the Consent to Counsel form (once you click the Request for Counsel button) for important information regarding our policies, confidentiality practices, expectations of counselees, and other relevant details.
At Cornerstone Counseling Training Center (CBCTC) we often have trained observers present during counseling sessions as part of our mission to equip individuals to provide biblical counseling in their local churches. Observation is a key component of this training process. All observers have completed foundational counseling training and have signed confidentiality agreements in accordance with CBCTC's confidentiality policy.
CBCTC offers counseling on a donation basis. We have found that a financial contribution can encourage a deeper personal commitment to the counseling process. However, no one will be turned away due to an inability to donate. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made by check (preferred), payable to Cornerstone Community Church, or through the Donations section below.
Due to a high volume of requests, priority is given to members and regular attenders of Cornerstone Church. Others may be placed on a waiting list.
Please review the Consent to Counsel form (once you click the Request for Counsel button) for important information regarding our policies, confidentiality practices, expectations of counselees, and other relevant details.
At Cornerstone Counseling Training Center (CBCTC) we often have trained observers present during counseling sessions as part of our mission to equip individuals to provide biblical counseling in their local churches. Observation is a key component of this training process. All observers have completed foundational counseling training and have signed confidentiality agreements in accordance with CBCTC's confidentiality policy.
CBCTC offers counseling on a donation basis. We have found that a financial contribution can encourage a deeper personal commitment to the counseling process. However, no one will be turned away due to an inability to donate. If you would like to contribute, donations can be made by check (preferred), payable to Cornerstone Community Church, or through the Donations section below.
Donations
We do not charge for our counseling. Our resources are available because of the registration fees from our courses and donations received. If you've benefited, or would like to help others benefit from this ministry, your donations are appreciated! You can pay with a check to Cornerstone Community Church and mail it to the address at the bottom of this page, or use the button to donate online. Thank you!
Location
7920 Santa Rosa Road, Atascadero
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Biblical Counseling?
Our goal in providing biblical counseling is to help you meet the challenges of life in a way that will please and honor the Lord Jesus Christ and allow you to enjoy fully His love for you and His plans for your life.
We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life. (2 Peter 1:3 and Romans 15:4) Therefore, our counseling is based only on scriptural principles rather than those of secular psychology or psychiatry.
We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life. (2 Peter 1:3 and Romans 15:4) Therefore, our counseling is based only on scriptural principles rather than those of secular psychology or psychiatry.
Do you counsel minors?
Counseling minors depends on the age of the child and the situation. In almost all cases, the parent is the one to initiate the counseling for a minor. Therefore, we will meet first with the parent(s) to assess the situation and need for counseling the child. We may ask for the child to be present at the first session with the parent(s) but will discern if and when we will meet with the child for further counseling or if it would be wiser to meet with the parent(s) instead.
How long does counseling last?
Counseling sessions range from one to two hours. The overall counseling process can range from one session to as many as 20. However, the normal number of sessions would be around 10-12 sessions.
What does the counselor expect from me?
Counselees are expected to be on time with homework completed. If homework has not been completed, the counselor may ask you to reschedule your appointment. Counselees are also to bring their Bible and a pen to each session.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Please notify your counselor at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel an appointment. If you need to reschedule an appointment, the counselor or secretary will be happy to assist you. The counselor has the right to terminate counseling if there are repeated cancellations, repeated failures to complete homework assignments, or a general lack of initiative or willingness to make progress.
Is childcare available?
We are not able to provide childcare to counselees with children.
Is counseling completely confidential?
Confidentiality is an important aspect of the counseling process, and we will carefully guard the information you entrust to us. However, because we are continually training others to be effective counselors, we ask that you agree to allow counselors in training to be present during your sessions.
There are four other situations when it may be necessary for us to share certain information with others:
Please be assured that our counselors strongly prefer not to disclose personal information to others, and they will make every effort to help you find ways to resolve a problem as privately as possible.
There are four other situations when it may be necessary for us to share certain information with others:
- When a counselor is uncertain of how to address a particular problem and needs to seek advice from another pastor or elder in this church.
- When a counselee attends another church and it is necessary to talk with his or her pastor or elders.
- When there is a clear indication that someone may be harmed unless we otherwise intervene.
- When a person persistently refuses to renounce a particular sin and it becomes necessary to seek the assistance of others in the church to encourage repentance and reconciliation (see Proverbs 15:22; 24:11; Matthew 18:15-20).
Please be assured that our counselors strongly prefer not to disclose personal information to others, and they will make every effort to help you find ways to resolve a problem as privately as possible.