The Pastoral Counseling Program was developed in response to a recognized need by the clergy and religions of all denominations to enhance their counseling skills. Many people with emotional problems consult the clergy first. In turn, clergy often found themselves inadequately prepared to deal with the increasing demand for counseling that their parishioners placed on them.
Formulations of pastoral counseling are based on both depth psychology and other therapeutic modalities with the objective to prepare students to recognize the underlying dynamics of the problems their clients present to them and to enable them to focus on counseling goals and make appropriate dispositions based on the matrix of their understanding. The principal orientation of the program is geared towards greater self-awareness, practical clinical skills based on solid theoretical foundations which are adapted to counseling for the specialized training of clergy. The program is under constant reevaluation.
Our nation’s mental health problems can be most effectively resolved if specialized mental health workers and allied professionals join forces in a common effort. Clergy are in a position to make an unique contribution toward this objective. While carrying out their duties, clergy come into contact with many members of the community; they are called upon to advise and to counsel, as well as to act as a religious leaders. To meet these tasks, training in the recognition and handling of psychological difficulties are urgent. The Pastoral Counseling Program is a part-time course of study designed to fill such need. An interfaith training program, which leads to Certification in Pastoral Counseling extends part time over a two year period.
Optional specialization is offered in four areas: Child, Adolescent, Couple, Elderly Counseling. Two additional courses are required in each area of specialization.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION
Anyone currently engaged in work affiliated with a religious institution may apply to the program. It is understood that the Certificate in Pastoral Counseling is not intended for “private practice” but always under denominational regulation.
General information on International School for Mental Health Practitioners may be obtained by consulting the Psychoanalytic Catalog.
Individual personal therapy while not required is highly recommended.
Fees: Application is $50. Tuition is $300 per course which meets weekly for a 15 week semester. (Class time for the weekly meeting will be determined in consultation with students and faculty; the one time determined will remain the same throughout the semester)
Refund policy: See Psychoanalytic Catalogue.
PASTORAL COUNSELING COURSES (Wednesdays, 6-8:30 PM)
First Semester
Basic Techniques of Counseling 1A
The Field of Pastoral Counseling
Group Experience 1 (theoretical and group participation)
Case Supervision 1A
Second Semester
Basic Techniques of Counseling 1B
Mental Health and the Pastoral Counselor
Group Experience 2 (theoretical and group participation)
Case Supervision 1B
SECOND YEAR
First Semester
Advanced Techniques of Counseling 1A
Counseling Problems and Techniques
Advanced Group Dynamics 1 (theoretical and group participation
Case Supervision 2A
Second Semester
Advanced Techniques of Counseling 1B
Special Problems in Pastoral Counseling
Advanced Group Dynamics 2 (theoretical and group participation)
Case Supervision 2B