Counseling Ideology

The Lord changes lives and accomplishes His purposes directly through reading, applying the Scriptures and trusting the moving and power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the transformation. We believe the Lord uses counselors/disciplers to give direction and encouragement to all hurting individuals. It is our belief that the "helper" should use the Word of God as their primary tool to encourage, exhort, admonish, edify, implore, reprove, rebuke and counsel.

IOM will not use "vain philosophies" (Colossians 2:8) to guide and direct. It is our belief that God does not need clever or "unique" insight and/or techniques created by man to do His work of service. We endeavor to restrict the temptation of integrating the Word of God with psychological ideas and techniques in ministering to others. We believe the Word of God is active and alive (Hebrews 4:2) and it is through His spoken Word that the mind, will and emotions are redeemed.

IOM will avoid using labels such as "addictions", "bi-polar" and other related terms used to describe the condition of man. We not only believe these labels give opportunities of excuse but it places the individual in a position of requiring solutions from the "science" that came up with them. Labels "box" people in and often times restrict them from being set free, as well as offer "identity statements" for the individual to live by. In 2 Peter 1:3, the Word tells us that God has given us all the answers to life and how to live a life of Godliness. This is why we are committed to assisting others in becoming freed from the labels of mankind - not laboring to add more!

Our purpose in each session is to practically show the individual how put away the "self life" and allow Christ do the living through them.

Counseling Guidelines:

IOM AMERICA exists to glorify God in and through the lives of its staff and those that come for help. Our mission is to provide a unique, dynamic, bible-based outpatient counseling service that God can use to transform lives. Though the approach is not new, the unique methods used have been proven repeatedly to be effective. Our team presses on toward showing people how to be set free from enslaving mental and emotional conflicts through scriptural teachings and consultations.

People come to IOM America primarily through word-of-mouth. God working through this ministry accomplishes the significant changes in the lives of those that come for help. Our biblical discipler/counselors are trained in the application of scriptural truth to daily living and do not necessarily hold degrees in secular psychology or are licensed professionals. We do not take the position that all problems are "spiritual" but do believe that most "presenting problems" have a basic spiritual factor.

People come to IOM America for Biblical counseling/discipleship and professional consultation. We do not consider that we have the "right" to assist those that come for help unless they give us that right. The following statements are what clients accept as the condition of counsel:

AREAS OF LIFE We see biblical counseling affecting seven areas of life: SPIRITUAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, FINANCIAL, MARITAL and PARENTAL. Personal problems often overlap several of these areas. Therefore, we ask your permission to go into any or all of these areas to the degree necessary to come to a solution of the problem.

DIRECTIVE COUNSELING While careful listening and empathy are a definite part of the IOM America ministry process, our Biblical counsel is direct in nature. The style and approach to assisting needy people is straightforward and direct. Our goal is not to offend but to use the strength of the Word to address the "issues" at large. This means that definite direction and assignments are given and are based on the teachings and principles of the Scriptures.

CREDENTIALS The word "counseling" is often associated with the ideas of "licensed" counselors. IOM America takes the stand that "ministers of the gospel" do not have to be certified with a state agency to be qualified to administer counsel to the hurting. It should be understood that our ministry may or may not use "certified" counselors to assist you.

NO DECISIONS No decisions will be made for you. You are the one(s) who will decide what you will do with the teaching given to you. However, if there is persistence in ignoring the instruction given or a refusal to complete assignments, the question may be raised as to the advisability to continuing the IOM America Biblical counseling process.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IOM believes it is important for you to financially commit to the counseling process. There are expenses involved in running this ministry, such as staff support and office overhead. We will gladly assist you in finding solutions in contributing to your counseling process. Please know that we will not turn anyone away due to financial hardship. IOM America is a tax-deductible, 501c3, non-profit. Thus, we gladly receive gifts and donations to assist us in accomplishing our mission.

TIME FACTOR Each session lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. We do not have a definite minimum or maximum number of sessions required, but we will not keep you coming beyond a reasonable time. If outside help is needed in areas where other services have special expertise, referrals will be made.

APPARENT REGRESSION It frequently happens (though not always) that as a person begins to follow Biblical principles, the life experience may actually get worse. This is no reason to quit or think that you are not making progress. On the contrary, it may be an indication that you ARE making progress. When a person's life situation is unmanageable, there usually is the need for unlearning and undoing certain things, so that progress can be made in a new direction. We mention this so that you will not be surprised and disheartened.

CONFIDENTIALITY We are committed to a rule of confidentiality regarding what is discussed. Certain qualifications, however, apply. Where further insight or guidance is needed, your counselor may consult with other IOM team members. Secondly, where a crime has been or is being committed, particularly against a minor, it is required by law to report such activity. Further, knowledge of a threatened act of violence against someone also may be reported. Finally, when a counselor is counseling multiple family members, there typically is an "overlapping" of counseling data that is exchanged.

Rules of confidentiality are for both client and counselor. That means that clients need to hold to the guidelines along with their counselor, although, it needs to be noted that most clients break this agreement. Due to this, IOM cannot manage the outcome of such breaches.

When conducting "group counseling," it is difficult to manage the personal data exchange. IOM is committed to encourage all group participants to keep the spoken data within the confines of the group. It needs to be understood that IOM cannot be responsible for "gossip" within family or group members.

MUTUAL TERMINATION We ask that you seriously consider the teaching given, and that if you decide not to continue your counseling, that you follow the guidelines contained within the scriptures and share your concerns with your counselor. First, share your concerns one-on-one before terminating or bringing a third party into the process. These guidelines are set in place in order to resolve conflicts according to Biblical principles. It is IOM America's desire for you to receive help even if you choose not to use our services.

If you have any questions regarding the "Counseling & Ministry" approach to assisting our clients, please contact us at: 602-292-2985.

Schedule a counseling session: counseling@iomamerica.org