What is Pastoral Counseling?
When it comes to counseling these days, there are lots of options to choose from. There are Christian counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, life coaches, and more. So, when we say that we take a pastoral approach to counseling, here at Unbound Grace, what does that mean?
Pastoral counseling is an approach to helping people that relies on scripture, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the counselor themselves. Pastoral counselors are not necessarily experts in modern counseling theories (although a particular pastoral counselor might be). While being psychologically informed, they lean on the ministry of physical presence, the Bible, the Spirit, and Christian disciplines as they seek to come alongside and support people who are stuck, hurting, or struggling with particular issues.
The training of pastoral counselors is one major area that distinguishes this approach. Most pastoral counselors are trained to be pastors, not therapists. Many might have degrees in counseling or have some kind of psychotherapy training, but most probably hold a master’s of divinity or similar degree from a seminary. As such, in the legal and professional schema of therapy, pastoral counselors generally do not hold a state license as a professional therapist. Therefore, they are somewhat limited in the therapeutic exercises they are able to conduct with their clients.
To sum it up, pastoral counseling is different from professional therapeutic counselors like LPCs or MFTs. Their training is different, their focus is different, and their priorities are different. Yet, pastoral counseling is also not a hyper-spiritualized type of thing where the counselor only wants to pray with you and lob Bible verses at you. While a pastoral counselor relies primarily on the tools of Scripture, prayer, and attuned and active listening, they also glean wisdom from scientific approaches, as long as the tool or perspective is compatible with the realities of God and the Bible.
What should I talk about in a pastoral counseling session?
You can really talk about whatever you want. Counselors are happy to discuss all kinds of difficulties you’re experiencing. You can talk about the coping strategies that have gotten you to where you are now, or what your expectations are for how life should be. Talk about your hopes and dreams, relationships, job, addictions, sexuality, identity, diet, depression, or anxiety. You should also expect to talk about your faith, prayer, character, and how the truths of the gospel affect you.
What is unique about Unbound Grace?
The pastoral counselors at Unbound Grace are aware of the dynamics and effects of addiction in the life of a person and their family. They have a heart to come alongside those who seek freedom from addiction. Each counselor is going to rely on their own experience, training, and calling from God. Consider your own goals and who might be the best fit for you. Unbound Grace is not a replacement for traditional rehab programs. It exists to come alongside individuals and families in the context of real life recovery.
God desires more for all of us than simple sobriety or abstinence from addictive substances and behaviors. He created us for an abundant life lived with Him in His world. We are simply instruments of Jesus to display His grace and glory that heals and restores the world. Whether you are struggling through life, experiencing relational difficulty, seeking freedom from substance abuse or simply wanting to be free of more ordinary addictions, our counselors would love to support you in your journey out of the wilderness.
