What is a Spiritual Counselor?
Spiritual counseling is a form of psychotherapy known for its tactful integration of spirituality with psychotherapeutic guidance and care. A “pastoral counselor” usually refers to one who has pursued graduate-level education in counseling and been ordained as a minister. Often, this individual will have a doctoral degree. Several states are involved in proper licensing for the pastoral counseling profession. This special licensing is for ministers who receive payment for providing counseling services. Aspiring individuals who choose this path should be willing to provide a full range of counseling services to individuals at all stages of life.
Spiritual Counselors Offer an Important Service
Spiritual counselors guide individuals on their paths toward emotional healing and spiritual growth. Often, people are searching for a meaning or purpose in life or they might be dealing with challenges or obstacles in their way.
They might be learning how to manage issues of pain and grief. There are many different paths that people take with their spiritual lives, so counselors are as diverse in the forms of spirituality they integrate into their practice. The systems range from Judaism and Christianity to Islam and Buddhism. Some spiritual counselors are not so orthodox in their approaches; instead, they may approach therapy from a more universal, and non-denominational, perspective. Spiritual counselors that excel in their profession usually display the following traits: good listeners; compassionate; caring; insightful; “spiritually mindful.” Spiritual counselors also maintain the flexibility to integrate other counseling modalities into their practice.
“Spiritual counselor” is a term that is usually used to encompass a broad range of perspectives. It may include orthodox, religious perspectives, or be more steeped in mystical, New Age, or Native American beliefs. Spiritual counselors may or may not have a graduate degree. A spiritual counselor may come from a different background than traditional counseling training.
How to Become a Spiritual Counselor
Voluntary certifications are a substantial way for spiritual counselors to convey through official documentation that they have achieved a substantial level of training and qualifications. Spiritual counselors may seek certification through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals. This adds a level of prestige. The following are probable solid prerequisites:- Certification as an addiction counselor, or stress management consultant
- Having a Bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Having worked in a chaplain ministry under professional direction and guidance
- RN status
- The MA in Spirituality: Contemporary Spirituality concentration
- The MA in Spirituality: Spiritual Direction concentration offers two options:
- Spiritual Accompaniment track
- Ignatian Exercises track