FAQ

Your Questions, Our Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals who contact Abundant Grace International for counseling have common questions. In order to serve you better, we have compiled the following information, which we trust will answer many of your questions.

Who Is Abundant Grace International?

We are a non-profit, non-denominational Grace-based Christian counseling ministry. We offer counseling, training and teaching based on the truths and teaching of the New Covenant.

What type of counseling will I receive?

Abundant Grace International employs a method of counseling utilizing spiritual, Biblical principles. In this kind of counseling, the Holy Spirit is the Counselor, and God becomes the agent of change, provided the client cooperates with Him. Our goal is to convey a way of freedom from mental and emotional symptoms, family and marital conflict, as well as other difficulties.

What are the qualifications of the staff?

Abundant Grace International trains and licenses its own staff according to the guidelines of Network 220. The counseling team has over 120 years of combined marriage experience, and 45 years of pastoral and missionary work, and most have ministry associated graduate degrees.

Abundant Grace International does have one staff member that is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of South Carolina. As a LPC on staff with AGI, she follows the Code of Ethics with the SC Board of Examiners for the Licensure of Professional Counselors. As an LPC, she also follows the policy of the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

What is the role of finances in the discipleship process?

Abundant Grace Intl. is a non-profit Christian ministry and is not underwritten by any denomination or organization. The amount that is paid for counseling meets the needs and operating expenses in order that we may exist to care for the people in need.

The financial aspect of your counseling is part of the spiritual process on your journey while you are here. When people invest in their counseling time at AGI, they tend to receive more as they along with their counselor trust God to meet their needs. The initial session is provided at a charge of $95 and the rest of the counseling sessions are offered on a suggested sliding monetary scale based on your income. We do not bill insurance companies.

What about confidentiality?

The information shared in your counseling is considered protected and confidential information. However, there are limits to confidentiality and your file can be subpoenaed in South Carolina through a court order (signed by a judge) but is considered privileged in the federal court system. AGI counselors are mandated by standards – through Duties to Warn – to breach confidentiality if he/she discovers: 1.) you are threatening self-harm or suicide, 2.) you are threatening to harm another or homicide, 3.) a child has been or is being abused or neglected, and/or 4.) a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused or neglected. Finally, if you wish your protected information to be released to a third party, you must sign a specific Release of Information.

How long do the sessions last?

Regular counseling sessions are fifty minutes in length and normally begin on the hour. This constitutes one counseling hour. You may expect at least 4-6 months of sessions; however, timing does vary per client.

Will I experience discomfort? What are some of the feelings I can expect?

We seek to deal with your problems as gently as possible; however, we cannot guarantee a series of counseling sessions free of emotional discomfort. This is due to the work of the Holy Spirit in confronting problem areas in your life. There may be “spiritual tension” when the root problem is confronted. It is best to come with an attitude that says, “Lord, teach me what You want me to learn about You and myself…and I will not hide from what You reveal to me.”

What about assignments to be done outside of my session?

Since Christ is the resource for all of life, we have no desire to lead you to become dependent upon your counselor. For this reason, a variety of assignments that are to be done outside of your counseling hours will be given to lead you to God’s truth about your life in Christ. In order for you to get the most out of your counseling, it is best for you to complete your assignments before your next session, and come prepared to discuss them.

The Grace Life Conference may be part of the counseling process. Schedules of dates and times will be given to you in order for you to sign up for one of the monthly Conferences. Attending the Conference before your counseling begins can give you a better overview of the ministry and what we teach and counsel. Attendance also expedites the counseling process.

Why are there two counselors in some of my sessions?

Abundant Grace International not only does Christ-centered Counseling, but it is also known for its training of Counselors. Throughout the year, individuals from around the world are involved in Advanced Discipleship Training programs that require trainees to participate in counseling sessions. We find that their participation enriches the sessions and their input is valuable.

Emergency/crisis care

Abundant Grace International is not equipped for emergency crisis care. We, at AGI recommend outsourcing for the following: suicidal clients, clients who are victims of Satanic Ritual Abuse, clients who are in need of demonic deliverance, clients who are experiencing severe grief or severe psychological distress that are in need of psychiatric/psychological care and/or inpatient help. We are a counseling ministry and our counseling process can take time; people needing emergency care may not be able to wait. We are equipped to refer you to appropriate care.

Cancelling appointments

Please give notice of cancellation at least 24 hours in advance, so your Counselor can make adjustments to his or her calendar. For less than 24-hour notice, except for sickness developed the same day or other emergencies, we ask that you give $25.00 for the missed session. When necessary, please call to cancel your appointment. Please note: After 3 no shows or late cancellations with no emergency and no notification to our office, we reserve the right to remove you from the counselor’s schedule and place you on a will call back list until you are ready to commit with us.

Leaving children unattended during sessions

Please do not bring children with you unless they are being counseled or supervised by another adult. If there are any problems, your counselor can be notified while you are in session.

What if I have an emergency or need crisis care?

Abundant Grace International is not equipped for emergency crisis care. Our discipleship counseling process can take time, and people who need emergency care may not be able to wait.

If you are in need of crisis care for any reason:

  • Emergency situations: Dial 911
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to discuss them with your counselor at any time.

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Abundant Grace International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Christ centered discipleship counseling ministry founded in 2012

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