Use peers, consultants and supervisors to help you stay honest with yourself. Excellent clinical and pastoral supervision is available from Diplomates and Fellows of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. When there are serious threats or risks to the health, safety or welfare of the hurting person, others, or yourself. Examples of such risk include the threat of suicide, homicide, violence or neglect. You no doubt will be called on to help someone in your ministry, perhaps save a life.
Domestic violence requires caution and back up.
Hopefully, these guidelines will help you as pastor to know when to refer to a professional counselor. Staff at the Professional Pastoral-Counseling Institute are always willing to help you. Inc. To be notified when PPImprints is published, please register.