Discrete varieties of care in the clinical pastoral tradition: continuing the dialogue

J Pastoral Care Counsel. 2003 Summer;57(2):111-6. doi: 10.1177/154230500305700202.

Abstract

In the current cultural context, clinically trained ministers, lay and ordained, offer themselves to troubled souls through at least three distinct varieties of assistance: pastoral care, pastoral counseling, and pastoral psychotherapy. This essay delineates three accepted disciplines, emphasizing the importance of ascertaining, and perhaps re-evaluating, the particular needs and desires of persons who are in physical, mental, or spiritual distress. "Pastoral care," "pastoral counseling," and "pastoral psychotherapy" each play an important role in fulfilling the traditional mandate for "the cure of souls."

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Behavioral Medicine
  • Clergy
  • Holistic Health
  • Humans
  • Needs Assessment
  • Pastoral Care / methods*
  • Pastoral Care / standards
  • Professional Competence
  • Psychotherapy
  • United States