Program Summary
This Pastoral Counseling program integrates theology and other faith-based principles with the knowledge, and understanding of common behavioral health issues, to help individuals that struggle with mental and emotional challenges. As a shepherd, the pastor’s responsibility is to protect feed and care for the people and their congregation allowing them to gain spiritual wholeness and ethical growth. Using the truths of scripture help pastoral counselors deliver the understanding in the application of God’s word to those suffering from their afflictions. The student gains a psychological and theological understanding of how to nurture an individual’s mind and spirit using the word of God. For students that take mental health issues seriously and have the desire to protect, guide, and heal their minds, the program gives them the provisions they need to accomplish their goals.
Program Overview
The Pastoral Counseling program has been developed to provide the training, knowledge, and understanding of mental health services offered to individuals in need of behavioral health support that stretches far beyond psychotherapy. Pastoral counseling utilizes resources such as Biblical concepts with the reliance on the power of prayer to help guide people through the issues they struggle with on a daily basis. This clinical practice integrates psychological and theological concepts to create the perfect prescription for healing. The program focuses on the use of the Holy Spirit, God, the work of Christ, faith, and theology to foster an understanding of wholeness in those who are seeking to find help. Upon completion of this program, students will understand how to approach mental health issues from a faith-based perspective. Students will learn how to edify their clients in the midst of their life-altering situations through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and information rooted in theological fundamentals.
Career Field
This program is for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher and hope to pursue or advance their career in psychology, drug counseling, or as a therapist. For those who are looking for a career as a school counselor, or substance abuse counselor, work in hospitals, hospices, or a religious-based counseling center, the program facilitates those career choices. Students will leave the program with a profound understanding of how faith and mental health are an important part of everyday life.