Purpose of the Pastoral Counseling Training Program

The purpose of the pastoral counseling training program is to provide both structured practicum for residents to learn the theory and practice of pastoral counseling and various teaching and supervision opportunities for pastors and interested lay persons to sharpen their skills in pastoral care and counseling.

The practicum offers opportunities to:

• Practice pastoral counseling with clients
• Reflect on that practice in individual supervision and small groups
• Study psychological theory
• Develop pastoral care and counseling skills for ministry

The practicum is designed to complement the academic program offered for students working toward the Th.D. and D.Min. degrees in pastoral counseling at:

• Columbia Theological Seminary
• Candler School of Theology at Emory University
• The Interdenominational Theological Center

The practicum prepares residents to:

• Meet membership requirements in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors
• Acquire course work and supervision hours that may be applied toward licensing in Georgia as a Professional Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist