Counseling in Barrow County · Statham, GA
Compassionate counseling for individuals, couples, and families — grounded in 35+ years of experience and a heart for the people we serve.
Faith-informed, but never forced. All are welcome.
Serving Barrow, Jackson, Gwinnett, Oconee, Walton & Clarke counties · In-person, Zoom & group sessions
Why Encounters in Joy
Experienced counselors walking alongside the people of Barrow County and beyond — bringing decades of pastoral, clinical, and trauma-informed care to the work.
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.
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.
As a 501(c)(3) ministry, we're funded by community giving — not by billing you or your insurance. That means fewer hoops, no copays, and care that answers to you, not paperwork.
What We Offer
Biblical guidance for individuals, couples, and families — available in-person, via Zoom, or in groups.
One-on-one or couples sessions for personal growth, marital issues, trauma, and grief.
Encounters in Grief (1st Sunday monthly) and Encounters in Families (forming now — contact to join).
Faith-based support for children and teens navigating life's challenges with age-appropriate care.
Pay what you can. As a 501(c)(3) ministry, everyone receives the same compassionate care.
Meet Your Counselors
35 Years in Ministry
Certified Christian Counselor
Common Questions
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.
Fair question. Reverend Jeff has 35+ years of pastoral counseling experience, board certification with the International Board of Christian Care, plus credentialing in trauma and grief coaching. Stephanie holds a Master's in Clinical Counseling from Brenau. We're free because community giving funds the work — not because we cut corners.
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
A short message — that's it. We'll respond within 24 hours and figure out the next step together. The longer paperwork can wait.
Call & leave a voicemail
770-807-1227
Visit our office
2064 Highway 82
Statham, GA 30666
By appointment only
Already scheduled with us? Complete your intake form before your first session (about 45 minutes).