Pastoral Care Specialist Program (PCS)To view our PCS Brochure, please click the following link: PCS Brochure
It has opened my eyes to the subterranean mazes of emotions that influence relationships in the church. Clergy and other religious professionals are often the first called when individuals and families suffer trauma or are in crisis. The purpose of this program is to "minister to the minister" by providing information, support, fellowship, and skill building through an ongoing small group experience led by pastoral psychotherapists. This 50 hour program is for clergy and religious professionals in active ministry. It fulfills the "Small Group and Individual Consultation Experience" requirement for the Pastoral Care Specialist Certification by American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). Students must meet certain other prerequisites to qualify for the certification. Upon completion of our program, interested students must apply directly to AAPC, which alone has the authority to grant the certification. Visit the AAPC website, http://www.aapc.org/. Requirements:
Fee: $1,250 plus cost of Reading Materials. The PCS program is an asset for any parish pastor. I was amazed to learn about the number of complex layers that comprise not only our families of origin, but also our spiritual families. These classroom hours are a plus for any caregiver wishing to grow in assessing self and lending support and dialogue to those with whom they serve. Instructors
Steve Heitkamp For further information or an application form call Steve Heitkamp or Aline Russell at: (314) 878-4340 or (800) 677-3609. St. Louis Pastoral Care Specialist ProgramWednesdays for 31 weeks between September 2008 to May 2009.
5 weeks September 3 - October 1, 2008 An Exploration of the dynamics and history of family and faith patterns will help the professional helper respond more effectively to clients, congregants and others seeking our help. Theorists Bowen and Friedman used in readings and discussion. PCS and PEP participants will be together during this part of the program. Sessions explore family of origin themes and impact on self and other perceptions and impact on professional work.
13 weeks October 8, 2008 - January 21, 2009 Through readings and group consultation, students will be introduced to key concepts for working with individuals and groups as a religious professional. Topics will be Functional and Dysfunctional Families, the Congregation as a System, Leadership, Assessment, the Integration of Psychological and Theological Understandings of the Person, the Origins of Psychological Pain, and Personality Styles in Ministry.
10 weeks January 28 - April 15, 2009 Individual and Family Assessment, Referral Strategies and Resources: Use of Self in Pastoral Counseling, Ongoing Supervision and Consultation with Susan Mielke.
4 weeks April 22 - May 13, 2009 Finding meaning in life leads to hope which leads to healing in the psychotherapeutic process. Attention will be placed on how one's spiritual life is integral to the healing process. PCS and PEP participants will be together during this part of the program.
For further information or an application form call Susan Mielke at: (314) 878-4340 or (800) 677-3609. |
