Renew Counseling is a private practice counseling office housed in the Island City Baptist Church.
Renew offers counseling to adults seeking to improve their mental health.

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Denise Wilburn, MS, LCPC

Founder & Operator of Renew Counseling Services


Denise Wilburn received a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. Denise has 25+ years experience as a Licensed Counselor and has served families, children, and adults in a variety of settings including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, and churches. She currently specializes in counseling adult women and is trained to provide Christian Counseling to those who choose to include their faith in their counseling journey.
Denise is a member of the Illinois Counseling Association, the Illinois Mental Health Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor’s Network. Denise is a member of the Island City Baptist Church where she teaches women’s Bible study. She is married and has 2 children. In her spare time, she homeschools, teaches a variety of classes and workshops, runs a non-profit supporting families affected by the rare genetic disorder, Galactosemia, and volunteers on a team serving first responders involved in critical incidents. She professes a commitment to Jesus Christ, Lord of Lords, and believes the Bible is THE Word of God and THE handbook for life.

WHAT EXACTLY IS CHRISTIAN COUNSELING?

Christian counseling is clinical counseling approached from a Biblical worldview. Christian counselors evaluate and use not only biological, chemical, and psychological factors, but also faith based principles to help clients address concerns. Christian counselors use the same therapy methods (cognitive-behavioral, solution focused, EMDR, etc.) as secular counselors, but add Biblically based foundations and scripture.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS & BIBLICAL COUNSELORS?

Yes. Christian counselors are clinically trained in a certified university program, pass a clinical test, and are licensed through a state governing board. They offer clinical counseling while incorporating faith based values and scripture for clients who desire it. Renew’s counselor is clinically trained and licensed putting Renew in the “Christian counseling” category. Biblical counselors are not generally clinically trained, but rather trained in theology. They offer counsel based solely on Biblical principles and do not include psychological or counseling theories. Many pastors and other church leaders are considered Biblical counselors.

HOW DO YOU HELP PEOPLE?

At Renew Counseling we use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help clients meet their goals. We believe education is key to success. We teach relaxation and grounding skills and share information about the connection between the brain, body, thoughts, and feelings. The counselor at Renew uses a variety of techniques including those from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy and is trained in EMDR and critical incident response. At Renew we hope to help the client see she has what she needs to heal and make changes in her life.

DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE A CHRISTIAN TO SEEK COUNSELING AT RENEW?

No. The client chooses whether she wants to include her faith as part of the counseling process. At Renew we serve a variety of clients, both Christian and non-Christian. In line with scripture, our goal is to aid hurting people regardless of their current beliefs.

DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN APPOINTMENT?

Generally, yes. Please call 815-290-9711 for more information.