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1. How does “pastoral counseling” differ from “counseling”?
Pastoral counseling is very much like the counseling that you would receive from any other counseling professional (psychotherapist, licensed social worker, psychologist), except that pastoral counselors also have been trained in issues of spirituality and faith. When a counselee seeks to integrate their faith and religious understanding into how they address their problems, a pastoral counselor can competently facilitate this process.
2. How is a pastoral counselor trained differently than a social worker or psychotherapist?
Pastoral counselors, clinical social workers and psychotherapists receive the same type of education and clinical training in psychology and behavioral health. Pastoral counselors receive additional education and training in spirituality, theology, biblical studies, and faith development.
3. What is the difference between a pastoral counselor and a biblical counselor? Spiritual director? Christian counselor?
Biblical Counselors base their entire counseling practice on the authority of scripture as sufficient for all human concerns and, therefore, do not make use of behavioral science theory and method in counseling. The website of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors defines this further: www.nanc.org/About_Us/Standards_of_Conduct.aspx. Pastoral counselors believe that integration of behavioral science methods in practice is essential for treatment of the whole person.
Christian Counselors, while subscribing to an evangelical theology and belief in the authority of scripture as the inspired, inerrant word of God, will also make use of behavioral science insights in treating the whole person. This is further defined in the website of the American Association of Christian Counselors: www.aacc.net. Pastoral counselors generally employ a more moderate theological position and study the Bible from a literary, historical-critical, and contextual point of view.
Spiritual direction is primarily focused on the spiritual journey of persons and their relationship with God. It is intentionally not counseling or psychotherapy, as defined by Spiritual Directors International: www.sdiworld.org. Pastoral counselors may include spiritual direction as part of their method when appropriate.
4. Can pastoral counselors become Licensed Professional Counselors?
Yes. In the state of Pennsylvania the term “Licensed Professional Counselor” refers to an individual whose academic and clinical experience meets the rigorous criteria set forth by the state licensing body. Licensed Professional Counselors can receive insurance reimbursement for their services.
5. What type of person becomes a pastoral counselor?
Just like in other counseling professions, there isn’t a stereotype of a pastoral counselor. All pastoral counselors do believe that by integrating psychology and spirituality into the counseling experience you offer a more holistic approach to healing.
6. Is pastoral counseling a form of ministry?
Most of the students who enroll in the MAPC program at Moravian consider pastoral counseling a form of ministry. Some denominations recognize pastoral counselors as specialized ministers and may ordain or endorse them. (Check with your denomination as to the status of pastoral counselors.) The academic and clinical background that pastoral counselors receive prepares them for counseling ministries, not for preaching and teaching ministries.
7. Do pastoral counselors preach to their clients?
No. Pastoral counselors respect the religious beliefs of their counselees and do not impart their religious convictions to them. Pastoral counselors help counselees utilize the resources of personal faith to respond to their presenting situation.
8. Do pastoral counselors see clients from faith traditions other than their own?
Yes. Pastoral counselors see clients from all faith traditions as well as persons who espouse no faith tradition.
9. Do pastoral counselors work with families or only with individuals?
Pastoral counselors work with families, groups, and individuals.
10. Where do pastoral counselors work?
Pastoral counselors serve as counselors in behavioral health agencies, in private practice, at pastoral counseling centers, and as chaplains. Congregations have included pastoral counselors on their ministry teams.
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