Pastoral Counseling

Pastoral Counselors are certified mental health professionals who also have had in-depth
religious and/or theological training.




Christian Counseling Service is proud to be listed with AAPC as a Certified Pastoral
Counseling Center.  We have certified therapists who are working to integrate
psychotherapy and spirituality in order to help people in all dimensions of their lives.  
Pastoral Counselors are also tuned into issues that may require attending to the spiritual
dimension of the person as well as the psychological.

The American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) represents and sets
professional standards for over 3,000 Pastoral Counselors and 100 pastoral counseling
centers in North America and around the world. AAPC was founded in 1963 as an
organization which certifies Pastoral Counselors, accredits pastoral counseling centers,
and approves training programs. It is non-sectarian and respects the spiritual
commitments and religious traditions of those who seek assistance without imposing
counselor beliefs onto the client.

Persons become members of AAPC through a process of consultation and review of
academic and clinical education which leads to competent professional ministry. For
members, AAPC offers vital continuing education opportunities; encourages networks of
members for professional support and enrichment; facilitates growth and innovation in the
ministry of pastoral counseling; and provides both specialized in-service training and
supervision in pastoral counseling.




Introduction to pastoral counseling

What is pastoral counseling?

Pastoral counseling is a unique form of counseling which uses spiritual resources as well
as psychological understanding for healing and growth. It is provided by certified pastoral
counselors, who are not only mental health professionals but who have also had in-depth
religious and/or theological training.

Across the nation, more than 3,000 pastoral counselors provide a variety of services,
including treatment for persons with mental disorders; counseling for adults, adolescents,
children, families and couples; substance abuse treatment; wellness programs; religious
retreats; spiritual direction; clinical training; consultation to corporations; outreach
preventive services in prisons, military settings and schools; and community education.

At any time, individuals, couples or families can be confronted by uncertainties and life
experiences which threaten to exhaust emotional and spiritual resources. The loss of a
loved one, parent-teen conflict, loss of job or the care of an elderly parent are just a few
of life’s transitions and crises that can be depleting.

While some individuals turn to a psychologist, social worker or psychiatrist, others want
support and the opportunity to discuss their problems or illness in a spiritual context.

A national survey was conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Research, Inc. of Washington, D.
C., to explore attitudes toward the role of spiritual values and beliefs in the treatment of
mental and emotional problems. The report stated "that an overwhelming number of
Americans [69 percent] recognize the close link between spiritual faith, religious values,
and mental health, and would prefer to seek assistance from a mental health professional
who recognizes and can integrate spiritual values into the course of treatment."

Religious communities are one of the principal gateways for individuals seeking
assistance with depression, grief, marital conflict, substance abuse, family violence,
juvenile delinquency and AIDS, among other issues and societal problems. However, most
religious leaders have neither the time nor the training in psychotherapy to do extensive,
in-depth work. If a situation or crisis requires more than a few informal sessions, it’s time
to see a certified pastoral counselor.
Pastoral Counseling is a unique form
of psychotherapy which uses
spiritual resources as well as
psychological understanding for
healing and growth.
NEW!!  Proud Parenting -- Parenting,
Mentoring and support for at risk
young adults and their families.  
Contact John Bowers at
proudparenting@ccs-cares.org for
more information.