Pastoral counseling is a form of counseling in which a
pastoral counselor, as a representative of a religious tradition,
uses the insights and principles of psychology, religion, and
theology in working with individuals, couples, families, and groups
to achieve wholeness and health.
Unique to pastoral counseling is the conviction that
life's crises and transitions are best met by utilizing the knowledge
and skills of sciences such as psychiatry, psychology and
hypnotherapy and the wisdom of
religious and spiritual teachings.
A recent Gallup poll found that when confronted with a
personal problem needing counseling or psychotherapy, 66% of persons
would prefer a therapist who represented spiritual values and
beliefs, and 81% would prefer a therapist who enabled them to
integrate their values and belief system into the counseling process.
Pastoral counselors are mental health professionals who have been
especially trained in both religion and the behavioral sciences to
meet this need.
Blue
Ridge Pastoral Counseling Centers™
