Pastoral counselling acknowledges that religion plays a vital role in the lives of many people. Of the many different types of psychotherapy and counselling, all approaches have one major component in common…an established relationship between the clients and the counsellor based on trust, empathy and understanding.
This same type or similar kind of relationship often already exist between the counsellor and clients based on their belief in God and his presence amongst them.
Pastoral counselling uses many of the tools of traditional psychotherapy, but supports those counselling methods with theology, faith, traditional knowledge and the additional resources available within faith-based communities.
Pastoral counselling works to provide support by meeting the goals of enlivening the mind, revitalising the body, deepening of the individuals relationship with nature and surroundings, personal growth within the chosen social systems, including family and career and deepening relationship with God
Pastoral counselling often is ideal for people who are coping with grief resulting from the loss of a loved one, or some one who is facing a serious illness or for some one who may be having a crises of faith.
I am an active member of the catholic church, a member of the Australian Counselling Association and a member of the College of Christian counsellors.