ORANGE PARK – Foundations Christian Counseling opened its new branch recently. FCC helps those struggling with the challenges of everyday life, providing a safe space in which each client is supported on their journey toward wholeness.

The office is located at the First Baptist Church of Orange Park on 1140 Kingsley Ave. and offers counseling and other vital resources to our community from a Christ-centered perspective.

“We are what you would consider biblical counseling,” said Russell Franklin, the Regional Director and one of two counselors. “First and foremost, we are going to come to it with scripture, but also we look at each and individual issue. We want to get to know that person and their unique situation.”

Franklin said it’s not a “one shoe fits all” approach to therapy. How the Bible is used directly in the counseling room depends on the client’s unique needs.

“People come in with various issues and we want to listen. The first session or two is getting to know that person and letting them know we care and they have a place to share in a non-judgemental environment to help them navigate that program,” he said.

Clients may participate in journaling, in-depth readings of the Bible and memorization of passages to help them navigate their own lives.

“The thing about the Bible is, whatever you are going through, the folks in the Bible went through them too,” Franklin explained. “We see throughout scripture so many examples of shame, depression, grief, sorrow, and how that affects people emotionally. And then we can point them to what the word says when someone goes through a particular issue.”

FCC partnered with Orange Park and Middleburg First Baptist Churches. They are also reaching out to churches and ministries to get involved.

“The goal is to come alongside churches. Our office is inside Orange Park First Baptist Church on Kingsley, but we are not a part of the church. And you don’t have to be a part of one of the partnered churches to receive counseling.”

However, partnering with FCC will help lower the costs for your church members, attendees or staff.

Partners will also have access to exclusive audio, videos, links and content, as well as a biblical presentation at your facility on various topics. Resources provide numerous insights for ministry and personal counsel.

FCC raises funds from the community to help low-income families in need of Christ-centered counseling to receive counseling services at a reduced rate. To fill out an application, visit wwefoundchristcounsel.org and click “Karen Hoffner Memorial Fund Scholarship.”

To talk to intake specialists and counselors, contact their main line at (877) 414-4673 or schedule an appointment online. If your church wants to partner with Foundations Christian Counseling, you can contact Franklin directly at (904) 326-0596 or by email at rfranklin@foundchristcounsel.org.

“We’re available. We’re accessible. We want to be available to the community, especially if they feel overwhelmed or that they are stuck in a situation. We want them to know that there is hope, and we will walk with them through whatever challenge they are facing,” Franklin said.

“There’s a lot of work involved. It’s not something that happens. You have to retrain how you think to look at things differently and work through bitterness to forgiveness, to learn how to trust people again or move on. But to see that change of heart and see relationships restored is an amazing thing to see it happen.”