Counseling Policy & Agreement

API is a Christian organization providing pastoral care services to the individual(s) participating in API’s counseling services (each, a “Counselee,” and collectively, the “Counselees”). API provides holistic pastoral care services in an innovative and individualized manner, designed to foster goodness, knowledge, and spiritual maturity in alignment with the proclamation of Christ, as set forth in Colossians 1:28. Prior to commencing any counseling engagement, all Counselees must carefully review, fully understand, and expressly acknowledge and accept the terms of this Agreement. Any inquiries regarding this Agreement must be directed to the assigned API Counselor (“Counselor”).

1. Core Philosophy and Approach

1. 1.1. Each Counselee is affirmed as created in the image of God and redeemed through Christ, possessing inherent spiritual, intellectual, and emotional dimensions.
2. 1.2. Personal development occurs at varying rates under the ministry of the Holy Spirit, contingent upon the Counselee’s response thereto. Scripture constitutes the exclusive authority for transformative change.
3. 1.3. Effective counseling presupposes the Counselee’s full commitment. Counselors possess no independent capacity to effect change in the Counselee.

2. Counseling Method

1. 2.1. API Counselors adhere exclusively to Christian principles, employing the Holy Bible as the foundational text, the Holy Spirit as the guiding authority, and Jesus Christ as the exemplary model.
2. 2.2. Conflicts are presumptively addressed as rooted in spiritual matters, subject to evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

3. Scope and Limitations

1. 3.1. This constitutes pastoral counseling exclusively, without fiduciary duty, professional licensure, or third-party billing (including insurance). API Counselors shall not be liable for any claims of professional malpractice.
2. 3.2. Guidance derives solely from scriptural principles; compatible secular theories may be incorporated subordinately thereto. API does not provide medical advice and reserves the right to refer Counselees to qualified medical or licensed professionals as deemed necessary.

4. Financial Terms

1. 4.1. Pastoral counseling sessions incur no fees.
2. 4.2. Incidental costs may arise for assessments, required reading materials, or distributed resources. API will not deny services due to financial constraints and commits to accommodating such needs.
3. 4.3. Voluntary donations to support the counseling ministry and API missions are welcome but not required.

5. Duration and Referral Protocol

1. 5.1. API does not engage in prolonged counseling. Upon identification of such need, Counselees will be referred to licensed psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, or counselors.
2. 5.2. API may maintain contact with the Counselee and their licensed provider, subject to the Counselee’s express written consent.

6. Gender and Participant Policies

1. 6.1. Male Counselors shall conduct no more than one individual video-conferenced session with female Counselees. Subsequent sessions require referral to a female Counselor or joint sessions involving the female Counselee, a female Counselor, and the male Counselor. Spousal involvement is strongly encouraged where feasible. Case-by-case exceptions require prior written approval from the API Team.
2. 6.2. Counseling of minors shall occur only with parental presence, potentially incorporating private discussions and joint parental-counselor segments.

7. Homework and Compliance Requirements

1. 7.1. Counselors may assign homework following sessions. Subsequent appointments are contingent upon verified completion thereof.
2. 7.2. Upon scheduling, Counselees must confirm compliance; non-completion may result in denial of rescheduling. Adherence is essential to the Counselee’s spiritual and emotional well-being.

8. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By proceeding with API counseling, initiating any session, or otherwise engaging with API services, the Counselee represents and warrants that they have read, fully understand, and unconditionally agree to be bound by this Agreement in its entirety. This Agreement constitutes the full and complete understanding between API and the Counselee, superseding any prior or contemporaneous representations, understandings, or agreements, whether oral or written. API reserves the right to amend this Agreement upon reasonable notice to Counselees.

9. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Massachusetts, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be resolved exclusively through biblically-based mediation, and the parties waive any right to litigate in court.