This paper offers guidance for a pastoral counselor, and gives the counselor direction about creating a balance between the need to tolerate diversity while still affirming Christian principles. It attempts to outline the basic guidelines of modern Christian counseling organizations regarding controversial issues, like sexual orientation. Christian counseling strikes a balance between the individualism of psychology and the communal spirit of faith.
Pastoral Counseling
Issues in the helping profession
Pastoral counseling: An overview
Multicultural sensitivities
Pastoral counselors today will inevitably come into contact with persons of widely varying cultural traditions. For example, when counseling someone regarding how to care for an elderly parent with whom the family is now residing, the counselor must be aware that different cultures view the elderly in different ways. For some people, taking care of older parents is considered to be a necessary obligation -- the extended family rather than the nuclear family is prioritized. The counselor will not necessarily alter his advice, but it should be nuanced and informed with cultural awareness.
In other matters, such as dealing with diverse religious groups and matters of sexual orientation, personal desire may seem to come into conflict with scripture. The counselor may state the position of his faith, but still approaches the client with a loving and open mind, rather than reacting in a judgmental fashion. The first ethical principle of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors is that counselors are "respectful of the various theologies, traditions, and values of our faith communities and committed to the dignity and worth of each individual" (Code of Ethics, 2011, AAPC) The first ethical precept of the American Council of Christian Counselors is that: "regardless of how we respond to and challenge harmful attitudes and actions, Christian counselors will express a loving care to any client, service-inquiring person, or anyone encountered in the course of practice or ministry, without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual behavior or orientation, socio-economic status, education, denomination, belief system, values, or political affiliation" (Code of Ethics, 2011, AACC). Even if Christian counselors do not condone all sexual behaviors, they still affirm the worth of the human person.
A theory of pastoral care
Pastoral counselors, much like any other counselors, are bound to ethics of confidentiality and sensitivity regarding their patients. They must be sensitive to the fact that there is a power imbalance between themselves and the patient, and listen with an open mind and heart, when someone who is vulnerable solicits aid (Code of Ethics, 2011, AAPC). However, in additional to their responsibilities as counselors, they also have a responsibility to the doctrine they advance. "Christian counseling, at its best, is a Spirit-led process of change and growth, geared to help others mature in Christ by the skillful synthesis of counselor-assisted spiritual, psycho-social, familial, bio-medical, and environmental interventions" (Code of Ethics, 2011, AACC).). Christian counseling by definition holds that Christian teachings and the guidance provided by modern psychology are not mutually incompatible, buy can be reconciled.
Sources of pastoral theology
Pastoral counselors draw from both scriptural and secular sources to offer guidance. Most have training in both "religion and behavioral science for a clinical practice that integrates psychological and theological disciplines" (What is pastoral counseling, 1997, Harvard Mental Health Letter). Pastoral counselors may also make therapeutic use of scriptural passages, such as prayer and encouraging the client to take comfort in the structure provide by religious communities, as well as conventional talk therapy. Using scripture can be a springboard of discussion about the client's specific issue.
Balancing proper sensitivity to diverse populations and a theological perspective
Christian counseling is not incompatible with sensitivity to diversity. Christian counselors can learn from diverse spiritual traditions. Even if Christian teachings are used as the ultimate guide, a counselor can still acknowledge that "spirituality has much to do with the healing of the world's suffering and that incorporation of the sacred traditions of wisdom, equanimity, compassion and loving kindness are the threats that need to be repaired in our community web" of all religions (Nedumaruthumchalil 2009).
Differentiated core values from peripheral values in ethical decision making
The counselor must understand which values have priority. 'Pick your battles.' Rather than fighting for spiritual minutiae, such as different interpretations of particular Biblical passages or life events, the counselor must have a focus on a wider, broader perspective, to enable the client to find 'his or her way,' spiritually. The pastor retains a focus on core values, rather than becomes obsessed with dogma.
A balanced counseling practice
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