How to Become a Pastoral Counselor
Determine that you are called to this demanding work., Research educational opportunities., There are many online as well as brick and mortar institutions that will provide training., Decide to what level you want to educate yourself. , Decide if...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine that you are called to this demanding work.
Pastoral counselors know in their heart they are called.
If you have doubt, be sure to resolve it.
Speak with a counselor yourself. -
Step 2: Research educational opportunities.
There are several institutions devoted to the education of pastoral counselors.
The National Christian Counselors Association , Pastoral Counseling Center and the American Association of Christian Counselorsare three useful sources of further information. , Communicate with those that you feel attracted to.
Remember, learning to become a counselor requires interaction with others.
Becoming a useful counselor does not come simply from reading materials, but also from human interaction and practice.
Be sure your educators are reachable and involved.
An education can be done online and through the mail as well as by attendance in person. ,,, If necessary, you could start your own church, but there are several already dedicated to serving pastoral counselors. , Progressive counselors are using video telephony when geographical restraints preclude face to face interaction. , If you are properly trained and certified, there are several agencies that will provide insurance coverage. , Get business cards, tell your friends and acquaintances what you are doing.
Advertise.
Volunteer to gain a reputation , As you build a satisfied clientele, you will create word of mouth advertising that will augment your other efforts. , -
Step 3: There are many online as well as brick and mortar institutions that will provide training.
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Step 4: Decide to what level you want to educate yourself.
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Step 5: Decide if you also need to receive training to learn to evaluate your subjects using personality or other inventories.
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Step 6: Become certified by a body that is recognized as a church or the equivalent.
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Step 7: Establish a place or medium to conduct your counseling practice.
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Step 8: Secure insurance.
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Step 9: Market your services.
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Step 10: Build your practice.
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Step 11: Remember that Word of Mouth advertising is rarely sufficient marketing
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Step 12: be sure to keep up other methods that prove to produce results.
Detailed Guide
Pastoral counselors know in their heart they are called.
If you have doubt, be sure to resolve it.
Speak with a counselor yourself.
There are several institutions devoted to the education of pastoral counselors.
The National Christian Counselors Association , Pastoral Counseling Center and the American Association of Christian Counselorsare three useful sources of further information. , Communicate with those that you feel attracted to.
Remember, learning to become a counselor requires interaction with others.
Becoming a useful counselor does not come simply from reading materials, but also from human interaction and practice.
Be sure your educators are reachable and involved.
An education can be done online and through the mail as well as by attendance in person. ,,, If necessary, you could start your own church, but there are several already dedicated to serving pastoral counselors. , Progressive counselors are using video telephony when geographical restraints preclude face to face interaction. , If you are properly trained and certified, there are several agencies that will provide insurance coverage. , Get business cards, tell your friends and acquaintances what you are doing.
Advertise.
Volunteer to gain a reputation , As you build a satisfied clientele, you will create word of mouth advertising that will augment your other efforts. ,
About the Author
Evelyn Evans
A passionate writer with expertise in practical skills topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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