Biblical Counseling in Barrow County · Statham, GA

Real help for life's hardest seasons.

Compassionate counseling for individuals, couples, and families — grounded in 35+ years of experience and a heart for the people we serve.

All are welcome — whatever you believe, wherever you've been.

No insurance hoops. A real person responds within 24 hours.

Serving Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett, Oconee, Walton & Clarke counties · In-person, Zoom & group sessions

Our name comes from the apostle James

“Count it all joy when you fall.”

— James 1:2

Why Encounters in Joy

Counseling that's actually different.

Experienced counselors walking alongside the people of Barrow County and beyond — bringing decades of pastoral, clinical, and trauma-informed care to the work.

35+ years of experience

Reverend Jeff Langley brings decades of pastoral counseling, plus board certification in mental health and trauma coaching. This isn't lay advice — it's seasoned, trained care.

Faith-grounded, never forced

Our work is rooted in Scripture, but we meet you where you are. You don't need to belong to a church — or believe what we believe — to be welcomed and helped here.

Made accessible, on purpose

We charge a set fee per session and don't bill insurance — but we never want cost to be the reason you don't get help. Ask about our sliding scale and counseling scholarship fund, based on family size and income.

What We Offer

Our Services

Biblical guidance for individuals, couples, and families — available in-person, via Zoom, or in groups.

Individual & Couples

One-on-one or couples sessions for personal growth, marital issues, trauma, and grief.

Support Groups

Encounters in Grief (2nd Sunday monthly at 3:30PM) and Encounters in Families (forming now — contact to join).

Youth Counseling

Faith-based support for children and teens navigating life's challenges with age-appropriate care.

Trauma & Grief

Specialized care for loss, traumatic events, and the long road of healing. Rev. Jeff is credentialed in trauma and grief coaching through Light University. Learn about our grief support →

Meet Your Counselors

Our Team

Reverend Jeff Langley

Reverend Jeff Langley

35 Years in Ministry

  • Certified Trauma Informed Coach & Specialist
  • International Board of Christian Care (IBCC)
  • Master's in Human Services — Liberty University
  • Bachelor's in Christian Counseling — Luther Rice
  • Associate's in Divinity — Mid America Seminary
Stephanie Langley

Stephanie Langley

Certified Christian Counselor

  • Certified Pre-K Teacher
  • Certified Christian Counselor
  • Master's in Clinical Counseling — Brenau University
  • Bachelor's — Piedmont University

Common Questions

Honest answers

No. Our work is faith-grounded, but we don't require any religious background, denomination, or church involvement. Many of our clients come from no church at all. You'll be received with the same care either way.

Counseling sessions have a set fee per session, due at time of service. We don't accept insurance — here's why. If cost is a barrier, ask about our sliding scale (based on family size and income) or our counseling scholarship fund. Verification of income (e.g. most recent tax return) may be requested for the scale or scholarship. We never want money to be the reason someone goes without help.

Our office is at 2064 Highway 82, Statham, GA 30666, in Barrow County. We see clients in person, by Zoom, or in groups — and we serve people across Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett, Oconee, Walton, and Clarke counties, including Winder, Jefferson, Auburn, Athens, Bethlehem, Loganville, and Monroe.

Send us a quick message using the form below or leave a voicemail at 770-807-1227. We'll respond within 24 hours, get a sense of what you're walking through, and schedule a first session. The longer intake paperwork comes after we've talked — no need to fill anything lengthy out yet.

Our counselors are not licensed by the State of Georgia as LPCs or LMFTs. We are board-certified Christian Counselors providing care from a faith-grounded, ministry framework. For severe psychiatric conditions or court-ordered treatment, a licensed clinician may be a better fit — and we'll tell you so honestly. For most people walking through grief, anxiety, marriage strain, or life transitions, we may be exactly right.

If you're in immediate danger, call 911. For 24/7 crisis support, dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Our office is by appointment and we don't provide emergency response — but once you're safe, we'd be honored to walk with you through what comes next.

Get in touch

Tell us what's on your heart.

A short message — that's it. We'll respond within 24 hours and figure out the next step together. The longer paperwork can wait.

We respond within 24 hours. Your information is treated with care and never shared.

Call & leave a voicemail

770-807-1227

Visit our office

2064 Highway 82
Statham, GA 30666

By appointment only

Already scheduled? Download the Counseling Intake Forms and bring them completed to your first session.

In a crisis right now? Call 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988