When Should Christians Seek Counseling ...And Other Frequently Asked Questions

When should a Christian seek clinical pastoral counseling?

You should consider meeting with a clinical pastoral counselor
if you:
- are feeling overwhelmed by your emotions
- having difficulty making decisions
- struggling with an addiction
- recently lossed a loved one through death, divorce or separation.
- have been feeling depressed for more than 3 days.
- are having difficulty communicating with a loved one.
- are involved in an unhealthy relationship
- have been feeling fatigue and unmotivated.
- are feeling socially isolated
- are having difficulty sleeping
- have been feeling irritable and angry
- are struggling with low self esteem
- have been thinking about suicide.
- have been acting on negative impulses.

These are only a few symptoms that cause people to seek counseling.
If you want to include your faith and spirituality in the healing process, you should seek pastoral counseling.  A professional clinical pastoral counselor will help you to integrate your beliefs into how you resolve your current problem.

What is clinical pastoral counseling?

Clinical Pastoral counseling is a form of counseling that integrates spirituality into the healing process of psychotherapy. Because we are made up of body, soul and spirit, it is important to include spiritual care in the healing process in order to achieve true and lasting change.

What kind of training does a clinical pastoral counselor have?

Clinical pastoral counselors differ from other mental health professionals because they are trained in both psychology and theology (or religious studies). Many of them are ordained ministers.

In The state of Maryland, clinical pastoral counselors must meet the same
requirements as a licensed psychotherapist. They must have a masters degree in behavioral science, be certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and licensed by the Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapist.   They must also complete a three year internship.

Clinical pastoral counselors are registered as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).

What services do they provide?

Since clinical pastoral counselors are trained in both psychology and theology, they are able to provide psychological as well as spiritual guidance for those who are searching for a peace of mind.

Clinical pastoral counselors provide a variety of services including treatment for persons with mental disorders, counseling for individuals, couples and fnd families; substance abuse treatment, wellness programs, community outreach, empowerment workshops and retreats, clinical supervision, leadership training, consultations for churches and other orginizations.   Clinical pastoral counselors who are ordained also conduct religious services and ordinances.

How does clinical pastoral counseling work?

Clinical pastoral counselors use their psychological training to diagnose their clients’ symptoms and, most importantly, they rely on the Holy Spirit to guide the session. Clinical pastoral counselors use their understanding of psychological disorders to help their clients. They also use spiritual resources (scriptural prayer, fasting and meditation) to facilitate healing and wholeness.  Pastoral counselors believe that GOD is our healer and by His grace we are made whole. By incorporating biblical principles and spiritual care together with human behavioral science, pastoral counselors create a safe, accepting and caring environment where clients can express their concerns. Their goal is to help their clients achieve their highest potential of well being.

Do clinical pastoral counselors work with people with religious beliefs that are different from theirs?

Pastoral counselors are found in every major religion and they are trained to work with people of different cultural, racial and relgious backgrounds.
The subject of faith and religious beliefs should be discussed during the initial meeting, in order to assure that the client and pastoral counselor are comfortable working together.

When should a pastor refer a congregant to a clinical pastoral counselor?

Counseling and support are considered an integral part of any pastor's ministry. However, there are times when the needs of a congregant require clinical counseling and psychotherapy.

Although many pastors are trained in crisis counseling, they may not have the necessary skills to deal with more complex, long-term psychological problems. In these cases, the pastor may find that his/her time is being consumed by one or two individuals, which is not healthy for the congregation as a whole. When a pastor suspects that the problem may require clinical diagnosis and/or long term care, the pastor should refer the congregant to a clinical pastoral counselor for an evaluation.

How do clinical pastoral counselors work with other health care professionals?

Pastoral counselors may refer clients to other health care professionals, such as a psychiatrist, for evaluation and medication. In turn, health care professionals may refer clients, who prefer to receive therapy that integrates psychology with theology, to pastoral counselors. In many cases, pastoral counselors work as a team with other health care providers. For example, research demonstrates that most people who suffer from clinical depression respond best to a treatment regime combining psychotherapy and medication. In these cases, a pastoral counselor will work with a psychiatrist to assure that medications are being monitored and discuss the client's progress and their needs.