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.

 

 

 
 
 
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