How to Become a Pastoral
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in a behavioral, social science, or psychology field
- Earn a master’s degree in counseling or marriage and family therapy
- Complete graduate and postgraduate internship experience for certification/licensure requirements
- Pass any required counseling exams and apply for licensure
- Apply for and earn additional counseling certifications
- Continue your education and stay up to date on pastoral counseling trends and changes
Counselor
Pastoral counseling combines counseling with theological training to offer clients a unique and integrated approach to therapeutic treatment. A pastoral counselor is a licensed mental health professional who has also had religious training and/or theological education. Clinical services are non-sectarian and respect the spiritual commitments, religious beliefs and traditions of clients, including couples, families, mental health clients and substance abusers. Pastoral counseling may incorporate collaborative community based services, training and education to improve the well-being of people in need.
Pastoral counselors provide therapeutic support and spiritual guidance to people in need of all ages and circumstances. The unique orientation and listening perspective that pastoral counselors provide helps those in need find peace, forgiveness and acceptance
