Pastoral Counseling  (pas’ter el  koun’s`l ing)  v.  The use of psychotherapeutic techniques by trained members of the clergy to assist parishioners who seek help for personal or emotional problems.    (www.factmonster.com)

A recent survey of Americans’ attitudes toward the role of spiritual values and beliefs in the psychological treatment of mental and emotional problems clearly indicated the vast majority of respondents preferred such integration.  (American Association of Pastoral Counselors, 2000)

Many people question what are the differences between a typical mental health practitioner and a pastoral counselor.  There are a couple distinctions between the two. 

1. Pastoral counselors are trained in two disciplines—psychology and theology.  In comparison, licensed clinical psychologists are trained in only one discipline—psychology. 

2. Pastoral counselors typically have considerably more education.  Many pastoral counselors have a three-year Master of Divinity degree specializing in theology plus a three-year Doctorate of Ministry degree specializing in counseling.  In comparison, licensed clinical social workers, for example, are only required to have a two-year Master of Social Work degree for their graduate studies.