Christ-Centered Counseling for Lasting Heart Change

About Jeanine Johnson

Personal Background

As a wife, mother of three adult children, and grandmother, I understand the joys and challenges that come with each stage of family life. These experiences shape how I listen and care for others, and help me relate to a wide range of situations.

A Personal Note

My own walk with God has included both seasons of joy and times of difficulty. Through those experiences, I have come to see more clearly the faithfulness of God and the sufficiency of His Word.

It is a privilege to walk alongside others as they seek hope, clarity, and lasting change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Taking the first step toward counseling can feel difficult. The questions below address some of the most common questions people have before getting started.

What is biblical counseling?

Biblical counseling is a Christ-centered approach to care that uses the wisdom and truth of Scripture to address the struggles of life. Rather than focusing only on symptoms or behaviors, biblical counseling seeks heart transformation through the gospel and the application of God’s Word.

Scripture reminds us that God’s Word is sufficient for guiding and equipping us for life:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
— 2 Timothy 3:16

Biblical counseling aims to help individuals grow in faith, wisdom, and obedience to Christ in the midst of life’s challenges.

What types of issues do you help with?

Biblical counseling can help individuals navigate a wide range of struggles, including:

  • Anxiety and fear

  • Marriage and relationship conflict

  • Family challenges

  • Grief and suffering

  • Anger or bitterness

  • Spiritual struggles and questions of faith

  • Life transitions and decision-making

No struggle is outside the care and wisdom of God’s Word. The goal of counseling is to help people find hope, clarity, and transformation through Christ.

What happens in a counseling session?

Counseling sessions involve listening carefully to your situation, exploring the heart issues involved, and applying Scripture to bring clarity, encouragement, and direction.

Sessions may include:

  • Biblical teaching and encouragement

  • Prayer

  • Discussion of practical steps for spiritual growth

  • Reflection or assignments between sessions to help apply biblical truth

The goal is not merely to talk about problems but to pursue lasting change through the truth of God’s Word.

How is biblical counseling different from traditional therapy?

Biblical counseling approaches life’s struggles through the lens of Scripture and the gospel rather than psychological theory. The focus is on understanding the heart, applying God’s Word, and pursuing lasting transformation through Christ.

Rather than simply managing symptoms, biblical counseling seeks to help people grow in wisdom, faith, and obedience to God.

His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him.
2 Peter 1:3

The goal is not merely feeling better but growing deeper in faith and learning to walk faithfully with the Lord in every area of life.

Who do you counsel?

Counseling is available for individuals, couples, and families seeking Christ-centered guidance grounded in Scripture. Many people who come are believers who desire biblical wisdom, but counseling is also open to anyone who is willing to consider what the Bible teaches about life, relationships, and the heart.

Will everything I share remain confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is taken very seriously. Counseling conversations are handled with care and discretion.

There are limited circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, such as situations involving immediate harm to yourself or others, or where required by law. Outside of those rare situations, what you share in counseling remains private.

The goal is to create a safe place where you can speak honestly about your struggles and receive biblical guidance.

Do you accept insurance?

No. Counseling at The Word Biblical Counseling is offered as a private-pay ministry and is not billed through insurance. Biblical counseling is rooted in Scripture and focused on spiritual care and heart transformation rather than clinical diagnosis or treatment models required by insurance providers.

This allows sessions to remain Christ-centered, confidential, and free from insurance limitations such as mandated diagnoses, treatment restrictions, or reporting requirements.

If cost is a concern, you are welcome to reach out with any questions. I am glad to have a conversation and consider individual situations as the Lord provides and as there is genuine need.

How long does counseling usually last?

The length of counseling varies depending on the situation and the goals being addressed. Some individuals benefit from a few sessions focused on a specific issue, while others continue for a longer season as they work through deeper challenges.

The goal is not long-term dependency but meaningful growth and greater maturity in Christ.

What if I feel nervous or unsure about starting counseling?

It is very common to feel hesitant before reaching out for counseling. Many people come to their first session feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.

You do not need to have everything figured out before starting. Counseling simply begins with a conversation. Together, we will explore what is going on in your life and seek wisdom from God’s Word for the path forward.

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
Proverbs 15:22

Taking the first step is often the hardest, but it can also be the beginning of meaningful growth and encouragement.

How do I know if you are the right counselor for me?

Finding the right counselor is important. The best way to determine if biblical counseling at The Word Biblical Counseling is a good fit is to reach out and begin a conversation.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video so you can briefly share what you are looking for, ask questions, and learn more about the counseling process before scheduling a full session. This short conversation helps ensure that biblical counseling is the right fit for your needs.

How do I get started?

If you are interested in biblical counseling, the first step is to reach out through the contact form on the website or send an email to begin the conversation.

To help expedite the process, you may also click the link to complete the intake forms. Once the forms are submitted and reviewed, we can move forward with scheduling your first counseling session.

If you would prefer to talk first, you are also welcome to request a free 15-minute consultation, where we can briefly discuss your situation, answer any questions you may have, and determine the next steps.

It would be a privilege to walk alongside you and help you find hope and direction through the truth of Scripture.

How do I pay for sessions?

Payments can be made by Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, Cash App, check, or cash.

My Approach

Biblical counseling is centered on the belief that God’s Word is sufficient for understanding the struggles we face and for guiding meaningful, lasting change.

Rather than focusing only on outward behavior, I seek to help uncover the deeper patterns of the heart—thoughts, desires, and beliefs—and apply Scripture in a way that leads to growth.

Counseling is not about quick fixes, but about steady, intentional change that reflects your identity in Christ.

At the heart of this work is the conviction that:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

2 Timothy 3:16-17

What I Offer

In addition to our counseling sessions, I provide personalized Spiritual Growth Plans for each counselee. These are designed to be practical and easy to apply in everyday life—helping you take what we discuss in session and continue growing throughout the week. This allows counseling to move beyond conversation and into meaningful, lasting change.

Education & Training

  • Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) – Biblical Counseling

  • Certified Biblical Counselor (Association of Biblical Counselors, Level 2)

  • Ongoing research and focused training in spiritual abuse and complex relational dynamics

ABC certification reflects training in applying God’s Word thoughtfully and carefully to the challenges people face in everyday life.

Invitation to Connect

Drawing from years of experience, I strive to create a space where you are heard, valued, and met with both grace and truth. Whether you are wrestling with a specific challenge or simply seeking guidance for daily living, my goal is to help you see your story within the larger story of God’s redeeming love. If you are ready to take the next step or want to learn more, I invite you to reach out. It would be my privilege to walk with you on this journey of faith and growth.

I also offer a free 15-minute consultation—please email me if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation.

I am the founder of The Word Biblical Counseling, where I provide Christ-centered counseling for individuals, couples, and families seeking to apply God’s Word to life’s challenges.

My approach is rooted in Scripture and focused on the heart—helping people understand not only what they are facing, but how God’s truth speaks to it with clarity, hope, and direction.

Conveniently located for in-person sessions, with a warm, welcoming space designed for healing and growth.

In Person Location

Westtown Church

13521 Racetrack Road

Tampa, FL 33626

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