Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral counseling is the practice of talking with individuals, couples, and families to increase their understanding of emotional and religious conflicts and to help resolve problems using religious and other resources.
Pastor is a biblical word for shepherd, one who cares for the health and salvation of believers, as in the sentence, “The pastor is a shepherd of the congregation.” Pastoral counselors are called and entrusted by religious communities to help people strengthen their faith in God. They are trained to listen, respond empathetically, make assessments, and provide resources for people who seek their help. “Christian modes of healing have always distinguished themselves by achieving a spiritual advance in connection with the healing process” (Hunter 1990, p. 497).
History of Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral counseling has been one of the tasks of religious leaders since the early Christian Church elected deacons and elders to organize visitation and distribution of food for widows and orphans (Acts 7). Pastors and other leaders have talked with people about their concerns, illnesses, and fears for many centuries, and guidelines for pastoral care and counseling have been available since Tertullian wrote about repentance and confession in the second century b.c.e.
Dr. Wisecup’s professional services include the following: