Rory Friesen | Biblical Counsellor
I am an ABC Certified Biblical Counsellor and a pastor who serves individuals and families facing difficult seasons of life. Many come seeking help with struggles such as addiction, overwhelming worry, exhausted hearts, strained marriages, or the weight of personal loss.
My desire in counselling is to walk alongside people in a pastoral and relational way, helping them seek God’s perspective in their circumstances. Together we look to Scripture for truth, grace, and hope as we learn to trust the Lord in the midst of life’s challenges.
Areas of Focus
My counselling commonly includes:
- Anxiety and depression
- Shame and guilt
- Marriage and relational conflict
- Pornography and sexual struggles
- Addiction
- Grief and long term suffering
Calling and Journey
Looking back, I believe the Lord had been preparing me for biblical counselling long before I formally stepped into it. Many years of difficult conversations with hurting individuals and families slowly shaped my understanding of how deeply people need wise, compassionate care.
Serving in a Christian addiction recovery program taught me the importance of patient mentoring and consistent relational support. My years working as a truant officer also deepened my dependence on God for wisdom as I encountered families in crisis. Pastoral ministry in the church further confirmed that genuine love for those we care for is both required and graciously provided by God.
These experiences have formed the way I approach counselling today—with humility, patience, and trust that the Lord is at work even in the most difficult circumstances.
Training and Formation
My counselling work has been shaped through both formal training and many years of pastoral ministry with people facing complex life situations. I am certified through the Association of Biblical Counselors (ABC) and received a Recognition of Prior Learning from Providence University College & Theological Seminary.
Over the past several decades, I have served in a variety of roles working closely with individuals and families in difficult circumstances. These include serving as a pastor and phase manager in a Christian men’s addiction recovery centre, working as a truant officer within several Winnipeg school divisions, and serving in pastoral ministry within the local church in areas such as children’s and worship ministries.
These experiences have given me many opportunities to walk closely with people in seasons of crisis, addiction recovery, family strain, and personal struggle. Through them, the Lord has continually deepened my dependence on His wisdom and strengthened my conviction that His Word speaks with clarity, grace, and hope into the realities people face.
My Approach to Counselling
As a biblical counsellor, I never tire of Scripture’s unique ability to bring life where there was once despair, understanding where there was confusion, and comfort to those who are suffering.
In counselling, I seek to journey with people as we look together for God’s perspective in their story. Through prayer, careful listening, and reflection on Scripture, I aim to help individuals hear God’s voice more clearly in the midst of their circumstances.
As we walk together through this process, I seek to offer encouragement, comfort, and, when needed, correction with grace and care. It is always remarkable to witness the patient and transformative work of God as people bear one another’s burdens and apply His Word to the realities of life.
Life Beyond Counselling
In my spare time I enjoy writing and recording music, going for walks and gardening with my wife, and spending time laughing with and listening to the hearts of my adult children.
In every area of life, I continue learning what it means to trust in the sovereignty of God. He is never surprised by the circumstances of this world, and He remains near to those who seek Him. As Psalm 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
An Invitation
If you are considering counselling, you may already be carrying burdens that feel heavy or confusing. Reaching out for help can sometimes feel uncertain, but it can also be a meaningful step toward clarity and hope.
It would be a privilege to walk alongside you as we seek the Lord together in your circumstances. My desire is that our time would help you discover the grace, wisdom, and comfort that God offers to those who turn to Him in the midst of life’s struggles. I do offer a 30 minute Initial Consultation, you can select this option when requesting an appointment.
Please “Click Here” to contact Rory to inquire about counselling, services, and availability.