Biblical Counseling in Chattanooga, TN

Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.

By the time someone types “biblical counseling” into a search box, they’re usually not okay, and if that’s you right now, I’m really glad you landed here.

You might be:

Fighting anxiety you can’t turn off.
Walking through grief, loss, or depression.
Struggling in your marriage or family.
Carrying Shame from past sins or past abuse.
A pastor or ministry leader who is quietly exhausted.

Wherever you are, I’m truly glad you’re here.

This page is meant to answer your biggest questions in a clear, honest, and hopeful way:

And most importantly: Are you beyond help?

The answer in Christ is no. You are not beyond the reach of His help, and you’re not meant to walk alone.

What Is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical counseling is personal, Christ-centered care that uses God’s Word to help real people with real problems, in the context of the local church.

A fuller way to say it:

Biblical counseling is a ministry of loving, one-on-one discipleship that listens carefully, takes your story seriously, and then brings the hope, wisdom, and comfort of Scripture to bear on your struggles—trusting the Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out.

In other words, it’s intentional help to follow Jesus in the hardest places of your life.

How Is Biblical Counseling Different from Christian Counseling or Therapy?

There’s overlap, and good Christian therapists can be a blessing. But there are key differences.

1. Foundation: God’s Word is the final authority

Biblical counseling starts with the conviction that God’s Word is our ultimate authority and that it speaks with wisdom and relevance to the deepest issues of the heart (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

Many forms of Christian counseling or therapy integrate Scripture with secular theories of psychology. The Bible is respected, but not always treated as the controlling lens for understanding people and problems.

2. Goal: Heart change, not just symptom relief

We care deeply about relief—no one wants you to stay in a state of panic or conflict.

But in biblical counseling, the ultimate goal is heart transformation: learning to trust, love, and obey Christ in the middle of your suffering and struggle, not just “manage” your symptoms.

3. Context: Connected to the local church

Biblical counseling is meant to function alongside and under the care of local churches—pastors, elders, and a community that “bear one another’s burdens.”

Much modern therapy is built on an individual, clinical model that may or may not connect you to a church family.

4. Focus: Christ is the hero, not the counselor

In biblical counseling, the counselor is not the hero of your story—Christ is.

The counselor is a fellow sinner and sufferer who walks beside you, pointing you to the One who never fails, never lies, and never leaves.

What Kinds of Struggles Can Biblical Counseling Help With?

Because biblical counseling looks at the whole person—body and soul, in relationship to God and others, it can address a wide range of struggles that are common right here in Chattanooga and beyond, including:

Anxiety & fear – racing thoughts, panic, dread about the future
Depression & discouragement – numbness, hopelessness, despair
Grief & loss – death of a loved one, miscarriage, shattered dreams
Marriage & family conflict – communication breakdown, trust issues, parenting tensions
Sexual sin & temptation – pornography, sexual brokenness, secret habits

Trauma & past abuse – living with the effects of what others have done to you
Shame & guilt – feeling dirty, unforgivable, disqualified
People-pleasing & fear of man – living controlled by others’ opinions
Ministry burnout & leadership weariness – pastors, elders, and ministry workers who feel alone

You don’t need a perfect label to get help. You just need to be honest about where you’re struggling and willing to consider what God says about it.

What Happens in a Biblical Counseling Session?

If you’ve never been to counseling before, it can feel intimidating. Here’s what you can expect in a typical session with Biblical Help and Hope Ministries.

A safe, unhurried place to be honest

We start with listening.

You’ll have time to share your story, your current struggles, and your questions at your own pace. There is no stopwatch on your tears and no pressure to say things a certain way.

You will not be shamed for what you’re walking through. We know life can be heavier than you ever imagined.

Thoughtful questions that honor your story

To truly understand you, we’ll ask wise, respectful questions about:

Your relationship with God
Key relationships (family, marriage, friendships, church)
Your history of suffering and sin
Your work, stress, sleep, and daily rhythms
Any diagnoses, medications, or past counseling experiences

This isn’t an interrogation; it’s an invitation to be known.

Connecting your story to God’s story

From there, we warmly and patiently bring Scripture to bear.

That might include:

Walking through Psalms that match your experience of fear, sorrow, or confusion
Looking at how God describes the heart—our desires, fears, beliefs, and worship
Seeing how the gospel meets you right where you are, not where you wish you were.

Our aim isn’t to throw Bible verses at you, but to help you hear the living God speak into your real life.

Concrete, hope-filled next steps

We’ll usually agree on some focused steps to take between sessions, such as:

Short passages to meditate on during the week
A few guided journaling questions
A specific conversation to have or boundary to set
A simple prayer pattern or lament to write

Think of this as walking with the Lord between sessions, not homework to impress your counselor.

Prayer together

Every session includes prayer.

We will bring your situation before the Lord, asking Him to comfort, strengthen, and change us in ways no human could ever accomplish alone.

Our Core Convictions at Biblical Help and Hope

At Biblical Help and Hope Ministries, our mission is:

To provide services and resources that encourage people to apply a biblical, Christ-centric worldview to their life’s circumstances.

That plays out in a few key convictions.

1. God’s Word is sufficient and relevant

We believe the Bible speaks with wisdom to all of life, and with depth to the inner life—our thoughts, desires, fears, and hopes. It doesn’t give a verse for every situation, but it gives a complete framework for understanding ourselves and our world.

2. Christ is at the center

Biblical counseling is not “Bible-flavored self-help.”

It is thoroughly Christ-centered:

We don’t just ask, “What should you do?”
We ask, “Who is Jesus for you in this? What has He done, what is He saying, and where is He leading?”

Real change is not just behavior modification; it is abiding in Christ.

3. The local church matters

Counseling is never meant to replace the church.

We see formal biblical counseling as an extension of normal discipleship—not a substitute for gathering with God’s people, hearing His Word preached, and receiving ordinary, loving care.

4. People are both sufferers and sinners

We live in a broken world.

People sin against us in ways that can be deeply traumatic and life-altering.
We also respond sinfully—turning to idols, self-protection, bitterness, and destructive coping.

Biblical counseling takes both seriously. We want to comfort you in your suffering and gently help you turn from sin that keeps you in bondage.

5. We are whole persons: body and soul

We pay attention to the body:

Sleep, medical conditions, chronic pain, hormones, brain injuries—all of these matter.
We may encourage you to seek wise medical care where appropriate.

At the same time, no diagnosis fully defines you. You are a person made in God’s image, with an eternal soul that Christ came to redeem.

Biblical Counseling with Biblical Help and Hope Ministries

Biblical Help and Hope Ministries offers biblical counseling to individuals, couples, and ministry leaders in the greater Chattanooga area and beyond. Whether you sit across from us in person or meet with us online, our desire is the same: to walk with you to the feet of Jesus with patience, honesty, and hope.

Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.

Who We Serve

Biblical counseling at Biblical Help and Hope is for ordinary people who are walking through honest struggles and want to see how God meets them there.

Session Format & Cost

We know that reaching out for help is already a big step, and talking about money can make it feel even heavier. Our heart is to keep biblical counseling accessible while also caring wisely for the counselors and families who serve you. We never want cost to be the reason you stay stuck in silence.

Session Format

Most sessions are about 50 minutes.
We offer in-person counseling in Chattanooga, TN and secure online sessions for those who can’t come in person.

Cost

Our standard session fees are:
- Individual sessions – $100
- Couples/marriage sessions – $120

We seek to keep our fees reasonable and offer limited financial assistance when needed.

If finances are a concern, please let us know. We’re glad to talk with you and explore options together.

What to Expect from a Biblical Counselor

Whether you meet with Ryan or another counselor on our team in the future, you can expect a certain kind of care from biblical counseling at Biblical Help and Hope.

Gospel-centered care – You will be pointed gently and clearly to Jesus, not to quick fixes or clichés.
Honest, compassionate listening – Your story will be taken seriously, without shock, gossip, or shame.
Respect for your pace – We won’t force you to share more than you’re ready to share.
Prayerful dependence – Sessions will include real prayer, asking God to do what we cannot.
Connection to the local church – We want your counseling to fit within the wider care of a healthy church family.
Collaboration when needed – With your permission, we may encourage wise medical care or communication with your pastor or doctor when appropriate.

Is Biblical Counseling Right for You?

You might still be unsure, and that’s understandable.

Biblical counseling might be a good next step if:

You want counseling that openly uses the Bible and points you to Christ.
You’re weary of quick fixes and want deeper, heart-level change.
You feel stuck in patterns of fear, anger, lust, bitterness, or despair.
You’re confused about how your faith connects to your mental and emotional struggles.
You’re in ministry and don’t know who it’s “safe” to talk to.

You do not need to have your life together to reach out.

If you can say, “I’m not okay and I need help,” that’s enough to start.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Counseling

Do I have to be a Christian to receive biblical counseling?

No. We welcome those who are unsure, skeptical, or just curious. We will always be clear that counseling is rooted in the Bible and points to Jesus, but we’re glad to walk with anyone who wants to hear what God says about life and hope.

How long does counseling usually last?

It varies from person to person. Some situations may require a handful of sessions; others may involve a longer journey. Our goal is not to keep you in counseling forever, but to equip you to walk with Christ and His people with growing stability and hope.

What if I’m already seeing a doctor or therapist?

We’re glad you’re seeking help. Biblical counseling can often complement medical care or previous therapy. With your permission, we’re happy to coordinate with your physician or therapist when that’s wise and appropriate.

Does biblical counseling reject psychology or medication?

No. We don’t dismiss helpful observations from research, and we don’t discourage appropriate medical treatment. But we do believe that only God’s Word can fully explain the human heart and offer ultimate hope, so Scripture and the gospel remain central in everything we do.

What’s my next step if I’m interested?

Pray honestly. It can be as simple as, “Lord, please guide my next step.”
Reach out. Use our secure Contact Form to share a bit about what you’re facing.
Show up as you are. You don’t need perfect words or a polished story. Just come as you are.