Why start Word & Story?

Word & Story was founded to meet the growing desire for Christ-centered, theologically robust counseling within a professional framework. Our approach follows a distinct methodology that develops personalized care plans for each client, rooted in a rich theological understanding of both the individual and the Scriptures.

Word & Story also exists to provide a professional home for biblical counselors as they serve local churches through counseling. High-quality, Christ-centered care should be undergirded with proper training, oversight, and infrastructure—resources many counselors lack, especially when serving in a lay or volunteer capacity. To address this need, Word & Story raises financial support to help subsidize the work of biblical counselors, ensuring they can offer excellent care without bearing the full financial burden.

What’s in the name?

‘Word’ primarily refers to God’s word. Secondarily, ‘Word’ hints at the many words used in counseling by counselors and counselees to communicate about both God’s word and individual stories. In that, ‘Story’ refers to both the counselee’s unique story and God’s grand story into which we all fit. 

How does W&S support local churches?

Word & Story exists to equip and support biblical counselors within their local church context. We believe counseling belongs in the local church, and our counselors are deeply committed to strengthening the ministry of the church rather than replacing it. Our role is to come alongside pastors and counselors, offering training, resources, and financial support so they can serve effectively. Until every church is equipped to provide its own counseling ministry, Word & Story will continue to both serve church members directly and partner with local leaders to build sustainable, church-based counseling.

Are you clinically-informed and trauma-informed?

It depends on how you define those terms. While you won’t find those terms in our byline, Word & Story counselors remain attentive to developments in clinical research, diagnostic frameworks, and counseling methodologies. We also engage with both Christian and secular trauma literature, staying up to date on current research in trauma care. We believe this knowledge can be beneficial, though it does not govern our practice. Our counseling is ultimately rooted in and guided by Scripture, carried out in partnership with the local church, and responsive to the particular circumstances of each counselee.

Is Word & Story right for me?

Word & Story may be a good fit if you’re seeking counseling from a biblical perspective. Word & Story provides counseling from a distinctly Christian perspective. Our non-licensed counselors walk with people through many struggles, including stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, depression, addictions, eating disorders, trauma, anger, family conflict, grief, faith, self-esteem, and more.

Word & Story may not be the right option for you if any of the following apply:

• You are having thoughts of harming yourself or others. Please call 911 or 988 for help.

• You are in an urgent crisis or emergency situation. Please call 911 or 988 for Immediate help. Word and Story may be a good fit for followup care but cannot provide emergency or immediate intervention.

• You have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, or have been advised to remain under psychiatric care or clinical supervision. Word and Story is not a substitute for psychiatric care but can provide insight from a biblical perspective alongside a medical professional.

• You are required by a court or other authority to attend counseling. Our counselors are not licensed by the State, which may not satisfy the requirements of the court.

• You do not have access to a reliable internet connection or a device that can connect to the internet. (Only if virtual counseling is required. In person counseling does not require internet access).

How can I get counseling?

Click the “Counseling” link at the top of the page or simply click HERE.

What does counseling at W&S cost?

Cost should never prevent you from receiving biblical counseling. At Word & Story, we are committed to making counseling accessible and affordable. The standard cost is $120 per session; however, if this is beyond your means, we partner with you and your church to help cover the cost. When additional assistance is needed, we also offer a sliding scale based on federal poverty guidelines. In every case, our priority is ensuring you receive the care you need.

Do you take insurance?

No. However, we help each counselee access resources that make counseling affordable.

How can I become a W&S counselor?

Fill out the contact form on contact page and indicate your interest. We will follow up shortly. Word & Story counselors are highly trained, biblically faithful counselors, typically holding advanced degrees and/or Biblical Counseling certifications. All Word and Story counselors are thoroughly vetted for theological acuity and biblically faithful counseling methodology.

How can I support W&S?

Thanks for your interest! Simply reach out via the contact form or click the donate button.

Can I support an individual who uses W&S for counseling?

Yes! We love when friends and family come alongside those who need counseling. Simple fill out the contact form, check that you want to support a specific person, and we will get in touch.

Do you have merch?

Soon!