Biblical Counseling Services
Gretchen J. Smith
WA 020701 RC00033649

Counseling Type: Christian/Biblical
Areas of Expertise: Eating Disorders, Health & Nutrition
Education & Experience:

Methodology: Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP) Biblical counseling, by it’s very definition and implication, is based upon the Holy Bible, God’s Life Instruction Manual given to us by inspiration of His Holy Spirit. God’s Word is the final authority on all matters pertaining to the body, soul, and spirit of man. It stands to reason, then, that all troubles and need for change faced by human beings will find their solution in God’s Word. My method of counseling is to facilitate change and recovery through ministry of the Word of God and to encourage counselees to look to the Scriptures themselves as their source for answers, instruction, hope, and strength—not as a temporary or quick-fix measure, but as an ongoing process and lifestyle.

Course of Treatment: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2) According to scripture, transformation occurs by the renewing ( renovation) of the mind with God’s Word. To transform, according to Webster, is to "change the condition, character, or form" of something—a thought process, a belief, a behavior. Clearly in scripture we find that what we do is a product of what we think. If we want to change what we do, we MUST change what goes on in our mind. In order for the mind of the inner man (the reborn spirit) to operate correctly, we need to "renovate" it from error with spiritual revelation from the Word. At the same time we must harness the carnal mind and put it into subjection. By the agency of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of the New Birth, and the Word, this is possible. Feed the inner man to make him strong, starve the carnal man to put him down and keep him down.

Fees: For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." (1 Timothy 5:18 )  Email / Instant Message/ Phone Counseling: The suggested payment for services rendered is $45 per session. In Person Counseling: $55 per hour and a half session. However, I never want money to stop a person from asking for and receiving help. If you cannot pay the suggested fee, then I will accept less--your payment for service is between you and God. All I ask for is that you pray about it and make an effort based upon an honest search of your resources. Any amount is then gratefully accepted from a willing heart. There is no such thing as an unacceptable payment, either small or great. Everyone can afford something, if they don't allow pride to stop them from giving what they fear is a too little. Before you rule out possibilities, make sure you contact me to discuss arrangements. I can be very flexible.

"Counselors practicing counseling for a fee must be registered or certified with the Department of Health for the protection of the public health and safety. Registration of an individual with the department does not include a recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily implies the effectiveness of any treatment."

The purpose of the Counselor Credentialing Act (Chapter 18.19 RCW) is: (A) To provide for public health and safety; and (B) To empower the citizens of the State of Washington by providing a complaint process against those counselors who would commit acts of unprofessional conduct.

Every client has the right to choose a counselor to best suit their needs and purposes.

Counseling sessions are completely confidential.