our philosophy

For the most part, there are three main counseling philosophies. First, there is the purely psychological model, which involves little or no biblical worldview; the therapist's counseling theory guides how the counselor approaches counseling. Secondly, there is the "integration model", which is a mixture of secular psychological theory (the first model) and some use of Scripture. This is the approach taken by Christians counselors who believe secular psychological theory and Scripture can come together without compromising Scripture. And lastly, there is the Biblical counseling model, which approaches counseling from a strictly biblical worldview, with the Scriptures as the sole and ultimate authority. It is from this third model of counseling that CCM approaches all counseling. We believe that every life experience  is a factor in contributing to who he/she has become, but thankfully, not determinative of who he/she has become. It is a person's responses to life experiences that makes the difference. We believe a proper view of God, Scripture, self, and circumstances can make a big difference in one's quality of life.

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The  Scriptures were given to teach us how to be properly related to God, to each other, and to have a proper view of ourselves. They help us see where our thinking is flawed, challenge us to renew our mind (thoughts, wills, desires), and help us make changes that need to be made based on what we know to be true. Change can be very difficult, but it is never impossible, especially when we become aware of our need to live differently.

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We believe this approach serves as a wonderful lens for the counseling process.  However, this model has received much criticism through the years. Many believe this model is simplistic and shallow, and that has sometimes been a valid point to be made. Some counselors have been too quick to offer solutions without fully understanding what the real issues are. Asking heart-probing questions and listening intently to a person's responses is a big part of the process, and Biblical counselors have not always taken the time necessary to do this. People are complex, and the counselor needs to take the time required to adequately understand what the person is experiencing, and what has been done privately to resolve the situation. Only after seeking to truly understand the person should the counselor begin to offer direction. At CCM, it is our desire to offer compassion, kindness, and true help from a Biblical worldview through the lens of Scripture.