How to Train for Pastoral Counseling

A number of routes lead to becoming a pastoral counselor.

Pastoral counseling is also known as Christian counseling, spiritual counseling or ministerial counseling. Different educational paths allow you to become a pastoral counselor. One option is completion of a divinity degree, which includes counseling courses and ordination as a minister. You might take psychology or social work programs -- that include counseling courses -- and then provide Christian counseling without being ordained. Gain a thorough understanding of the Bible and its principles if you choose the latter path.

Things You'll Need

• Pastoral counseling training programs

Instructions

1. Volunteer as a counselor before investing several years in an educational program. Volunteer at a church, a distress center or a shelter. Take a counseling course at a community college. Ask your pastor for permission to sit in on some counseling sessions. The client being counseled must give consent, and you must agree to confidentiality.

2. Complete secular educational programs. A counseling professional often has a Masters degree in social work, or is a registered psychologist. Regulations vary from state to state in terms of the education and qualifications needed to use the title "counselor" or "therapist." Check with your local counseling, psychotherapy, psychology and social work associations. Take Bible courses, divinity courses and Christian counseling courses after qualifying as a licensed or registered therapist.

3. Contact the American Association of Pastoral Counselors; investigate which educational programs they recommend to become a pastoral counselor. The groups offers a list of educational facilities.

4. Research educational facilities in your state that offer training programs in pastoral counseling.

5. Complete an upper-level degree related to pastoral counseling. Relevant degree programs for pastoral counseling include theology in Christian counseling, religious education, ministry in Christian counseling and philosophy in Christian counseling.

References

• American Association Of Pastoral Counselors: Training Programs In Pastoral Counseling
• Care And Counseling Center Of Georgia: Pastoral Counseling Program
• Christian Bible College: Christian Counseling Programs

Resources

• National Christian Counselors Association: About The N.C.C.A