Our Pastoral Counseling Services

Pastoral Psychotherapy/Counseling

Pastoral counseling provides psychologically sound therapy that weaves in the spiritual dimension. “It is interesting to note that not only is this a time of increased emphasis on therapy, but also a time of increased interest in spirituality,” said Gerald DeSobe, PhD, past president of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, “Combining these two areas in a person’s life in helpful and healing ways is what pastoral counselors do.”

Typical education for the AAPC-certified pastoral counselor consists of study that leads to:

• a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• a three-year professional degree from a seminary; usually a masters

• a specialized masters or doctoral degree in the mental health field

A significant portion of this education is spent in clinical training. Post-graduate training involves completion of at least 1,375 hours of supervised clinical experience (that is, the counselor provides individual, group, marital and family therapy) and 250 hours of direct approved supervision of the therapist’s work in both crisis and long-term situations.

“As a result of this extensive study, pastoral counselors are among the most educated of mental health professionals, notes another commentator. “Pastoral counselors also possess a depth of training that is significantly more intense than that of many other mental health professionals of the core disciplines.”

Beyond education and training, certification is also key in ensuring excellence in pastoral counseling and psychotherapy. Candidates seeking certification as pastoral counselors by AAPC are thoroughly tested and evaluated to assure that AAPC certifies only the most competent individuals who possess the highest personal standards Pastoral Counselors are especially trained and at home in the new awareness of spirituality. Fellows of the AAPC are recognized and especially accredited by  federal mental health programs like Tricare.

An important ingredient in pastoral counseling different from other forms of counseling and psychotherapy is the conviction that mental and emotional issues are best met by both the skills of the human behavioral sciences and the knowledge and wisdom of spiritual teachings. While each pastoral psychotherapist has her or his own faith community, each is committed to helping people maintain and strengthen their own spiritual journey in their own choice of tradition.

Pastoral counselors offer a variety of ways to alleviate mental and emotional problems and to move through life's crises and transitions. Based on the best psychological research, faith principles, and cultural understandings, the pastoral counselor, after a careful assessment of the problem, recommends one or more particular ways of helping--for example, individual counseling, group counseling, couples groups, marriage and family therapy, spiritual guidance. 

In some instances the pastoral counselor may feel that the help needed can best be provided by some other mental health professional or some other pastoral counselor. If that is the case, the pastoral counselor will assist the client in finding a more appropriate professional. Whether the pastoral counselor provides the needed help or makes a referral, the decision is always made in consultation and in what seems to be the client's best interest.

Cost

Fees are based on the amount of time involved and the type of help required. Fees will be discussed at some point in the initial session and a mutual agreement is reached before any costs are incurred.