|
WHAT IS
PASTORAL COUNSELING?
Pastoral counseling is an approach to therapy in which the insights of
theology and spirituality are integrated with the principles of modern
behavioral science to help individuals, couples, families, groups and
institutions achieve wholeness and health. Different from other forms
of counseling, pastoral psychotherapy is guided by the conviction that
emotional illnesses are best healed by taking into consideration both
the wisdom of spiritual teachings and the knowledge of human psychology.
WHY DO
PEOPLE TURN TO PASTORAL COUNSELORS?
For a myriad of reasons. They may suffer from a medical illness, such
as clinical depression, or they may be experiencing marital difficulties,
work-related problems, or issues with a family member. Whatever the cause,
these problems can be overwhelming, causing anxiety, dysfunction and pain
and harming relationships. For those looking for a mental health professional
who also is attuned to the faith traditions and spiritual dimensions of
life, a pastoral counselor may be the answer.
WHAT TYPES
OF SERVICES DO PASTORAL COUNSELORS PROVIDE?
Pastoral counselors use a variety ways to address emotional problems which
stand as barriers to moving through life's crises and transitions. Based
on psychosocial assessments, theological principles and cultural understandings,
the pastoral counselor may recommend one or more of the following ways
of helping - individual psychotherapy, group therapy, couples counseling,
marriage and family therapy, spiritual guidance and short-term counseling.
When the
pastoral counselor feels that medical treatment is needed in addition
to psychotherapy, the assistance of a psychiatric practitioner may be
recommended as well. Whether the pastoral counselor provides the complete
treatment, or makes a referral to a psychiatric colleague, decisions regarding
client care are always made in consultation with the client and in their
best interest.
ARE THE
FEES FOR PASTORAL COUNSELING COMPARABLE TO THOSE CHARGED BY OTHER HEALTH
CARE PROVIDERS?
In general, the fees of pastoral counselors are lower than those of other
health care professionals. This is due to the not-for-profit status of
most pastoral counseling centers and the willingness of the counselors
themselves to work for modest salaries.
At the Samaritan
Counseling Centers of the Mid-South, our commitment is to meeting
the emotional, spiritual and relational needs of all those seeking our
help, regardless of the financial limitations which impact a client's
ability to pay.
|
