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Have a question about psychotherapy and spirituality? Ask the Directors! Alan Chisholm, Gary Hellman, Kimball Jones, or Mary Ragan, Area Directors of PSI, will answer your questions about spiritual and emotional health, Pastoral Counseling, and psychotherapy. Click here to ask a question. Previously Answered Questions:
Question: In times of trouble, people often turn first to their clergy. Are all clergy able to cope with the needs of people facing suffering, emotional distress, illness or even death? To an extent, they are; some more capably than others. Some clergy have a natural talent for listening empathetically, while others need training; and clergy who lack these skills can usually provide very effective referrals to professionals who can help. Perhaps, “clergy” are best thought of as organizers of “pastoral care.” They provide care according to their ability; or help the troubled person make a connection to others who can help. Members of congregations learn to care for each other, and then reach out to the larger community in the context of their religious perspective. I think it important to remember that “clergy” includes a very large group of people representing widely diverse religious traditions. It is difficult to generalize about “clergy” because they are so diverse. Question: What do you mean by “Pastoral Care?” How is that different from “Pastoral Counseling?” “Pastoral Care” at its best refers to the response of the whole religious community through prayer and acts of service and charity. Such pastoral care addresses itself most immediately to the suffering persons in our immediate world, those in emotional distress, as well as the bereaved and the dying. Beyond that it implies care for the world at large. (Alexander Schmemann wrote a wonderful book entitled “For the Life of the World” that I recommend.) “Pastoral Counselors” are professionals who have had graduate training and certification in both religion and mental health. They are generally ordained clergy, who are also trained as psychotherapists. People who seek help for emotional issues have come to regard Pastoral Counselors who are certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors as especially effective in bringing psychological understanding and spiritual growth into dynamic interaction and integration. Generally, Certified Pastoral Counselors work in Pastoral Counseling centers affiliated with a local congregation. National standards of care apply to all certified Pastoral Counseling centers. Question: Do Pastoral Counselors only work with Christians or other “religious” people? Pastoral Counselors work with everyone in the community. There are no restrictions except when a specific form of treatment falls outside the scope of the Pastoral Counselors competence. Pastoral Counselors provide help to members of congregations and non-members, people from every walk of life regardless of their past or current spiritual or religious orientation. All are welcome. It is an important part of the Pastoral Counselor's ethic to welcome every client's own belief system, whatever that is. Pastoral Counselors do not "push" any religious beliefs. They are comfortable supporting Jewish, Buddhist, New Age and many other faiths as well as Christians. Question: Is Pastoral Counseling expensive? How are fees determined? Most Pastoral Counseling centers arrange fees on a sliding scale to provide a wide network of care for as many people as possible. Fees in the New York City area range on average from $75 to $125 per session. In some cases special programs and subsidies are possible. Fees are usually determined in the initial consultation. Sometimes the initial consultation has a flat rate. Pastoral Counseling centers seek to place the person's financial circumstances into the context of an overall assessment and treatment plan that will work. Question: How are Pastoral Counselors trained? Pastoral Counseling is a specialty in ministry, that includes training in both religion and mental health. To achieve this certification, religious professionals begin with a graduate degree in theology from a seminary. After several years of active congregational ministry they pursue an advanced training program in psychotherapy, which is extensive, rigorous and expensive. The requirements of these programs are listed on the AAPC website: www.aapc.org. After completing their training and supervised experience, they are Certified by the AAPC. Certified Pastoral Counselors are bona fide mental health practitioners, providing services under their certification by the AAPC. In New York State, Certified Pastoral Counselors are eligible to be licensed by the state. Some work in clinics, hospitals or other social service agencies. Others work in Pastoral Counseling centers or in private practice. All PSI staff therapists are state licensed. Question: Do Certified Pastoral Counselors leave the active ministry in their religious communities? Many Pastoral Counselors continue to preach and teach in congregational settings, working in tandem with other care-giving professionals. Although the focus of their ministry is a specialization, and bridges to the health care professions, the main purpose of Pastoral Counseling is to provide a setting for the integration of body, mind and spiritual aspects of living fully. As Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is the human being fully alive.” Question: Is Pastoral Counseling found in every religious tradition? Traditions of healing, of prayer and meditation, of touch and anointing are practiced in many religious cultures, in diverse forms. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Native American religion among others have such traditions, as well as Judaism and Christianity. It is important for Pastoral Counselors to respect all such healing traditions of faith. Many Protestant clergy are members of AAPC. But it is open to all who seek and accomplish the specific training. Click here for a special series of questions and answers about dying and grieving. Do you have a general question about psychotherapy and spirituality? Click here to submit a question. You will be notified by e-mail when your question is answered. (Please note that only general questions can be answered; we cannot provide personal counseling by e-mail.) Would you like to speak confidentially to a psychotherapist or counselor, to ask your question in person? If you live or work in or near the New York City metropolitan area, click here to make an appointment.
Psychotherapy & Spirituality Institute is accredited by the Administrative offices located at: Click here to contact a counselor now.
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