Staff pastoral counselors are ordained clergypersons, maintaining good standing with their respective denominations. Having been trained first as ministers, they have completed a theological degree prior to being trained as pastoral counselors. In light of this training, pastoral counselors have the unique advantage of being able to address spiritual or religious issues in the therapeutic process when the client wants to deal with these concerns. Finally, Covenant Counseling is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, whose mission is to promote healing and wholeness in the community by extending the outreach and ministry of the Church through pastoral counseling, psychotherapy, education, training and consultation. Public awareness of pastoral counseling is quite limited.
Most people think of pastoral counseling as counseling provided by or for pastors.
However, few pastors have been trained in the rigorous discipline of pastoral counseling or psychotherapy. A certified pastoral counselor has been through years of training, including extensive supervision and personal therapy. Pastoral counselors certified by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors are dedicated to the healing of the mind, spirit and human relationships through the use of therapeutic methods that integrate solid theological principles with current understandings of personal and family dynamics gleaned from the human sciences. Pastoral counselors are respectful of the religious beliefs of their clients and view the spiritual dimension of life as an integral part of one s emotional, mental and relational health. While providing competent counseling, Pastoral counselors are committed to the goal of serving all people, regardless of their financial condition.