Introduction to 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. In this course, we will explore the opportunities and limits of Pastoral Counseling, what it is, and what it is not. We will trace the history of pastoral counseling as distinguished from psychotherapy, pastoral care, chaplaincy, and spiritual guidance. We will address professional issues and develop a Pagan perspective to pastoral counseling, in addition to other points-of-view.

This is an asynchronous course, with written lectures and frequent use of videos and links to online resources. It is an intermediate course intended for MDiv students, and with doctoral upgrade possible. Meets Thresholds: 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul, 2. Prophetic Witness Meets MFC Competencies: 2. Pastoral Care and Presence, 4. Social Justice in the Public Square

Meets Thresholds: 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul, 2. Prophetic Witness Meets MFC Competencies: 2. Pastoral Care and Presence, 4. Social Justice in the Public Square
Enrollment max: 20. Auditors excluded.

Faculty Consent required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.
1. Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. 2. Complete the required faculty consent questionnaire. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FC23-24

For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.