Essentially, pastoral counselling is a specialised type of pastoral care. It combines theology and psychology to help people with emotional and behavioural challenges. It can include discipleship and growth in understanding ourselves in God’s kingdom and the world.
Although a pastoral counsellor will use psychological skills and knowledge, the science of psychology is always subject to scripture. The Word of God is always in authority over science. The science of psychology is ever-changing as discoveries and new evidence emerge.
However, the Bible is unchanging and fixed, as Christian’s we consider it the authority in all matters. For example, there may be a psychological reason why someone struggles with anger, but it doesn’t change the biblical instruction to not sin in our anger. The Bible has much to say about anger and how we should process anger healthily. Ephesians 4:31 instructs us to put away anger, bitterness, and wrath.
At the same time, understanding defence mechanisms as a psychological concept can help us understand why we get angry. Psychology can help us to process and understand our anger.
What can I expect from a pastoral counsellor?
The need to be heard is one of human nature's most powerful motivating forces. As we speak, we are able to define and understand ourselves and our situation. We feel recognised and verified as we explain our feelings, actions, and intentions to others.
So, in a counselling session, you can expect to tell your story and highlight the challenges you face.
You can expect the counsellor to listen intently and ask a few leading questions to clarify. You can expect to gain wisdom and understanding of your issues, in accordance with scripture and informed by psychology.
The counsellor will discuss the truth about your feelings and behaviours as well as to help you to make decisions.
The counsellor should highlight destructive patterns and habits and ways to move forward. Most important, the counsellor will point you in the direction of Jesus.
What are some important points you should know about pastoral counselling?
- Counselling helps to connect the dots between various aspects of a person's experience.
- Counselling is problem-initiated, and solutions are driven.
- Pastoral Counselling is not just problem-focused but Christ-focused.
- Pastoral counselling is Holy Spirit lead.
- Counselling is for everyone.
- Counselling is for a time, not indefinite.
- There is hope in all situations, no matter how bad or traumatic.
- You will be heard.
If you need help with understanding your thoughts, behaviours and emotions, or to process challenges you might have faced in the past, or be facing today, check the resources available on my website.