Privacy Policy

I understand that people sometimes seek counseling for very personal and sensitive issues. I am committed to the greatest extent possible to preserve your privacy and confidentiality.

However, there are some situations where the Bible may require me to share information with others. For instance:

• If I am uncertain how to best address a problem, I may need to seek advice from another pastor or counselor (Proverbs 11:14, 24:6). In this situation, as few details as possible will be shared to preserve the privacy of the counselee.

• If there is an immediate possibility of abuse or harm to another, I must take reasonable precautions to prevent harm, which may include alerting the authorities, or alerting the person in danger (Romans 13:1-5).

• When counseling about ongoing sin which has consequences to close family relations (e.g. counseling a teenager who repeatedly steals from their parents, or a spouse who is continuing to commit adultery), I will encourage the counselee to inform the affected family member, and may inform them if the counselee refuses (Ephesians 5:22, Ephesians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 7:4).

• If the counselee is a church member who becomes hardened in a particular sin, and does not repent when called to do so, I will have to inform others of the sin to begin the process of church discipline (Matthew 18:16). This is done with the goal of encouraging the counselee toward repentance.

Even when required to share information, I will use my discretion and only share what is required to ensure the best outcome for your counseling case.

You can find a copy of the full consent document here.