Pastoral Counseling
Brief Explanation of Pastoral Counseling
The discipline called “Pastoral Counseling” has been practiced for over seventy-five years and is now a specialized ministry throughout the world. Pastoral Counselors are usually ordained ministers or rabbis extensively educated and clinically trained in the art of psychotherapy.
Pastoral counseling is theologically grounded on the conviction that God’s intent for humanity is for us to be able to accept ourselves and relate meaningfully and respectfully with one another. It is our belief that the ability to be attuned empathically to ourselves and others is the gift that enables us to realize God’s intent.
When Counseling Might Be Indicated
Most people seek counseling at those times when they are experiencing life in a much different way than they ever expected. These are often transition times when people reach a crossroads that is confusing, frustrating, and even frightening. Some may see things about themselves and others that they do not understand and find quite disconcerting. Counseling provides a safe place, a type of sanctuary, where people can begin to talk openly and understand themselves and their unrealized inner resources to meet their personal challenges. It is a place and a relationship to find the emotional and cognitive clarity required for healing and change.
Dealing with Removing Barriers of Isolation
Pastoral Counseling is committed to help deal with and even remove the barriers that often leave us disconnected, alone and broken. As counselors, we realize that change and/or healing can be very difficult and is best accomplished in a safe and confidential atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and compassion.
As Pastoral Counselors, we do not impose our personal theological beliefs on those who use our services. Rather, the purpose of Pastoral Counseling is to serve all people who seek our help.