PACO 500 IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING.pdf

Running head: IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 1

Identity and Ethics in Pastoral Counseling

Crystal Renaud

Liberty University

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 2

Abstract

Just as secular counselors require certain ethical boundaries, it is imperative that pastoral

counselors require the same. This paper serves as a starting point for a pastoral counselor as they

come to understand their identity in their role and the ethical boundaries they should adhere to in

their position of authority. As part of this project is a paradigm for identity and ethical boundaries

in a counseling relationship, potential professional partnership opportunities, and an outline of

issues that should be addressed by organizations. Additionally, a pre-counseling package is

provided that includes intake, informed consent, note-taking strategy, referral process,

confidentiality covenant, and ethical guidelines.

Keywords: ethical guidelines, counseling, ministerial, ethics, identity, pastors

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 3

Table of Contents

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………2

Introduction……………………………...…...……………………………………………………4

I. Pastoral Counseling Identity and Ethical Boundaries Paradigm ………………………...……..4

II. Potential Professional Partnerships…….………..……...…………………...…………………6

III. Ethical Guideline Issues to be Addressed in Organizations…………………………………. 7

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..…………………….9

References………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Appendix: Pre-Counseling Package……………………………………………………………..12

Grading Rubric…………………………………………………………………………………...23

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 4

Identity and Ethics in Pastoral Counseling

Just as secular counselors require certain ethical boundaries, it is imperative that pastoral

counselors require the same. In fact, it may be more important that pastoral counselors and those

in ministerial care adhere to even stricter ethical boundaries. The standard to which those in

pastoral care serve is not the same as those who are not. The importance of this is found in 1

Timothy 3:2-3 which says, “the overseer is to be above reproach… temperate, self-controlled,

respectable, hospitable, able to teach… not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome” (New

International Version). All of these attributes require that a pastoral counselor use their position

of authority in such a way that they protect both themselves from accusation and their counselee

from potential harm. In this paper, the student will provide a biblical paradigm for ethical

boundaries, potential partnerships, and address issues organizations may face in the pastoral

counseling context.

I. Pastoral Counseling Identity and Ethical Boundaries Paradigm

A. Pastoral Identity: The identity of a pastoral counselor begins in his or her own

personhood and their relationship with Jesus Christ. Their identity is first and foremost in

being an imitator of Jesus Christ and being an imitator of Jesus Christ requires personal

integrity. According to Trull and Carter (2004), “integrity does not just happen because of

an individual's commitment to ministry. A minister must work at being a person of

integrity in his or her personal life" (p. 66). When a minister or pastoral counselor has

integrity in his or her personal life, that integrity carries over into the vocational life of

pastoral counselor as well. Having personal integrity requires ethics, appropriate

boundaries, an understanding one’s own limitations (and when a need for referral is

apparent), and a reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 5

B. Pastoral Boundaries: Establishing ethical boundaries in the pastoral counselor role are

vital. Without them a pastoral counselor will “risk his or her effectiveness, mental health,

family life, and leadership of the congregation” (Blackburn, n.d., p. 6). The student will

explore the various areas where a pastoral counselor will need to establish ethical

boundaries according to Trull and Cater (2004, as cited in PACO 500, 2017):

a. Education. A pastoral counselor will prepare for their service in church and

ministry by seeking education from liberal arts universities and colleges. They

should then seek training in the areas in which they will be serving: in theology,

ministry, and areas of specialization. A commitment to lifelong learning and

training must be made (see Romans 12:2; Proverbs 18:15; 2 Timothy 3:16).

b. Competency. A pastoral counselor must be competent in many areas as one may

never know what issues may arise from a counselee. Specialization training as

mentioned above will aid in their ability to be competent in areas outside of their

purview (see 2 Timothy 3:17; Ecclesiastes 12:9-10).

c. Autonomy. As a pastoral counselor, one will be called to make tough decisions

but it is their responsibility to make them in light of wisdom and servant

leadership. As an imitator of Christ, the pastoral counselor will make decisions

and exhibit authority in their role to see that those decisions are executed (see

John 13:1–16; Hebrews 13:17).

d. Service. As an imitator of Christ, the pastoral counselor’s first motivation is not to

rise in position or status or for financial compensation. As servant of Christ first

and foremost, the motivation is to love and then to serve, not to be served (see

Luke 22:27; Philippians 2:7).

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 6

e. Dedication. A pastoral counselor should be dedicated to providing great value to

their flock, profess the good news of Jesus Christ to all who will listen, and show

God’s love through their Christian service (see Romans 12:1–2; Revelation

14:12).

f. Ethics. Without exception, a pastoral counselor should abide by a set of biblical

ethics in their congregation, among their colleagues, and in the community.

Additionally, these ethics should be abided by in their personal life. The highest

standard of Christian morality is the only standard to which a pastoral counselor

should live up to. Ethical considerations as outlined by Kollar (2011) consist of:

i. Alertness to his or her own limitations as a pastoral counselor.

ii. Keeping to a theoretical framework of identity and assumptions (p. 63).

iii. Understanding the rights of the counselee is most important.

iv. Abstaining from dual relationships (i.e. counseling family and friends).

v. Clarify the responsibilities and limitations of the counseling relationship.

vi. Not becoming romantically or sexually involved with a counselee.

vii. Refrain from diagnosing or treating in areas with no professional training.

II. Potential Professional Partnerships

A. The student lives in the Kansas City area and sought resources available to her on a local

level. The following are examples of potential partnerships she may engage in as a

pastoral counselor in the future.

a. American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC): The AACC is committed

to assisting Christian counselors, the entire community of care, licensed

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 7

professionals, pastors, and lay church members with little or no formal training.

The most important benefit of membership and also the most intangible is

affiliation and fellowship with other Christian counselors and pastors around the

nation. The student received complimentary membership during her

undergraduate studies and has continued to renew her membership on an annual

basis.

b. American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) Heartland Region: The

AAPC Heartland Region exists to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to

individuals, families, and communities by expanding and equipping spiritually

grounded and psychologically informed care, counseling, and psychotherapy.

Membership in AAPC is open to all who support AAPC's mission. The primary

benefit of membership is to be a formal participant in the dialogue on the

integration of spirituality and one's professional practice. A membership on the

student level is $50 as part of an application process.

c. PastorServe (PS): Located in Overland Park, KS, PastorServe exists to create a

thriving network of relationships and resources that will allow every pastor in

America to have access to equipment and care for the challenges and crises they

face. Their slogan is “because every pastor needs a pastor.” They provide

assessments, pastoral care, pastoral coaching, training, and consulting.

III. Ethical Guideline Issues to be Addressed in Organizations

A. One should refer to I. B6 for ethical guideline issues of a pastoral counselor (Kollar,

2011). All of these should be considered as part of the issues to be addressed by

organizations to ensure a standard of Christian morality.

B. Johnson and Johnson (2014) outline four major moral principles of ethical decision-

making. These principles include “autonomy—the promotion of self-determination,

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 8

beneficence—promoting the good of others, nonmaleficence—avoiding doing harm and

justice—fairness, or providing equal treatment to all people” (para. 7). These issues

should serve as a guide, but they are not sufficient for every situation.

C. Justice and Garland (2010) outline five recommendations for ethical guidelines for

religious leaders and congregations. These recommendations include:

a. Establishing “ethical codes of conduct that give clear guidance to the roles that

religious leaders should and should not assume with those they lead” (p. 442).

b. Limiting their role to pastoring, even if they have professional credentials.

c. Congregations should provide clear accountability structures for their leaders.

d. “Remaining aware of their influence over congregants and of their personal

struggles” (p. 442).

e. Accepting their limitations by seeking local partnerships for physical and mental

health referrals.

D. Additional ethical issues in pastoral counseling should be considered. For example, the

student has set an ethical boundary to only counsel men in the presence of their spouse or

another witness in the room. The nature of her sexual addiction specialization requires

that she keep this boundary for her sake and the sake of the counselee. Also, an

appropriate checklist such as one adapted from the Brotherhood Mutual: Pastoral

Counseling Guidelines (n.d., Liberty University) should be established prior to the

start of pastoral counseling. It asks questions that one might not consider, but could

serve valuable for ensuring that ethical boundaries are established and adhered to.

Conclusion

As the student embarks on her career in Christian service, she must remain ever mindful

of the ethical and personal considerations of this practice. The biblical paradigm and ethical

guidelines addressed in this paper are an excellent starting place. However, each pastoral

counseling environment is unique and further research may be necessary for her own

professional ministry. The student also understands that prior to acceptance in PACO699 she will

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 9

be subject to a background check. She accepts this requirement as part of her continuing

education.

References

American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2017

from: http://www.aacc.net.

American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2017 from:

http://www.aapc.org.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 10

Blackburn, B. (n.d.). Lecture Note from Liberty University 2016: Ethical issues in pastoral

counseling. Retrieved February 25, 2017 from:

http://markbeaird.org/wmlib/pdf/articles/ethical_issues_in_pastoral_counseling.pdf

Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company. (n.d.). Pastoral counseling guidelines. Retrieved

February 24, 2017 from: https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-13844916-dt-content-

rid-115607853_1/xid-115607853_1.

First Baptist Church of Woodstock. (n.d.). Pastoral Counseling Ministry Intake Form. Retrieved

February 25, 2017 from

http://www.fbcw.org/am_cms_media/counselingintakeformpdf.pdf

Johnson, B. & Johnson, W. (2014). The minister’s guide to psychological disorders and

treatments. New York, NY: Routledge.

Justice, J. A., & Garland, D. R. (2010). Dual relationships in congregational practice: Ethical

guidelines for congregational social workers and pastors. Social Work & Christianity,

37(4), 437-445.

Kollar, C.K. (2011). Solution-focused pastoral counseling. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

PastorServe. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2017 from: http://www.pastorserve.net.

Turner, Ron. (n.d.). Referral: Safeguarding the integrity of the counseling relationship. Retrieved

February 26, 2017 from: http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/199803/048_referral.cfm

Trull & Carter. (2004). Ministerial ethics: Moral formation for church leaders. Retrieved

February 25, 2017 from https://books.google.com/books?id=yq1LqjgUxJ0C

Trull & Carter. (2004). Pastoral counselor’s identity and ethics. Retrieved February 25, 2017

from: https://learn.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-15896877-dt-content-rid-

137505184_1/xid-137505184_1.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 11

Appendix

Pre-Counseling Package

Pastoral Counseling Intake Form………………………………………………………………...13

Informed Consent………………………………………………………………………………...17

Confidentiality Covenant………………………………………………………………………...18

Interview Worksheet……………………………………………………………………………..19

Referral Process………………………………………………………………………….………20

Ethical Guidelines………………………………………………………………………………..22

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 12

Dirty Girls Ministries Pastoral Counseling Intake Form

Today’s Date: ________________________

Contact Information:

Name: ______________________________________

Address: ___________________________ City: ________________ State: ____ Zip: ________

Home Phone: ________________________ Work Phone: _________________________

Cell Phone: _________________________ Email Address: _____________________________

Best place to leave messages: Home Phone Cell Phone Email

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 13

Sex:  M  F Birth Date: _____ / ______ / ______ Age: ______

Highest level of education: High school College Graduate Post-Graduate

Occupation: _________________________________________

Employer: _________________________________________

Marital Status:  Single  Engaged  Married

 Separated  Divorced  Widowed

Name of Spouse: ________________________ Age of Spouse: _________ Years married: ____

Spouse’s Occupation: ____________________ Employer: ______________________________

Names and ages of children (indicate children from previous marriage with an “*”)

______________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contact: ____________________________________ Relationship: _____________

Emergency Contact Number: ( ) _____________________

Who referred you to me? _________________________ Relationship: ____________________

Health Background:

Primary Physician Name: __________________________________ Phone: ________________

Please list any prescribed medications or over-the-counter medications (herbs, supplements, etc.)

you are currently taking, the dosage, and the reason for taking: ___________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 14

Unless otherwise noted, list any medications you have ever taken for emotional or psychiatric

problems and specify when, how long, and what the results of use were.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Current or Prior Counseling/Psychological Care:

Are you currently receiving or have you ever received any type of counseling, psychotherapy,

psychiatric care or addiction recovery help? If yes, please indicate:

______________________________________________________________________________

Have you ever attempted suicide? If so, when? ________________________________________

Have you ever been hospitalized for a mental, emotional, or addiction issue? If so, list when,

where and why?

______________________________________________________________________________

Concerns Checklist: (Check all that currently or recently apply to you)

 Anger/Frustration  Intrusive thoughts  Employment problems

 Fearfulness  Unsure of salvation  Conflicts with co-workers

 Prolonged sadness  Spiritual concerns/confusion  Withdrawing from others

 Depression  Distance from God  Social/relational stress

 Confusion  Gambling problem  Explosive anger

 Loneliness  Pornography Use  Family tension

 Hopelessness  Past abuse: physical/sexual  Family/marital violence

 Anxiousness  Past abuse: emotional/neglect  Parenting struggles

 Guilt over the past  Sexual concerns  Marital difficulties

 Physical problems  Alcohol use/abuse  Financial problems

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 15

 Substance use/abuse  Difficulty making decisions Other (specify) _________

Legal Issues:

Are you currently involved in, or anticipate being involved in any litigation or legal action? If

yes, explain: ___________________________________________________________________

Has counseling been recommended or ordered for you by an attorney, police, court, probation, or

parole system? If so, please explain: ________________________________________________

Spiritual Life:

Are you currently a member of Dirty Girls Ministries?  Yes  No

Are you a Christian?  Yes  No

Please describe your current spiritual life: ____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Presenting Problem(s):

Please describe the reasons for seeking counseling: ____________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Please state what you have done so far to solve the problems you mentioned on previous page:

______________________________________________________________________________

On the scale below, please estimate the severity of your problem(s):

 Mildly upsetting  Moderately upsetting  Very upsetting  Extremely upsetting

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 16

Please state your goals for counseling (how you hope to benefit from counseling):

______________________________________________________________________________

Please indicate any recent loss/crisis:  Family  Relationship  Health  Financial/Job

 Other ___________________

Please explain: _________________________________________________________________

Is there anything else important for the pastoral counselor to know about, and that you have not

written about on this form? If so, please explain here or on the back of this paper:

______________________________________________________________________________

I declare that this information is accurate and complete.

_______________________________________

Printed Name

_______________________________________ _____________________________

Signature Date

(Adapted from www.fbcw.org).

Informed Content

I understand that pastoral counseling will include 4 to 6 individual sessions of no more

than 45-60 minutes in length. I understand that assignments or homework assigned may be to me

to work on outside of our counseling time. This homework may include reading, journaling, and

dissecting material and content presented during counseling.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 17

I understand that I am committing to entering into a counseling relationship with a

pastoral counselor and that this relationship is collaborative. I commit to the aforementioned

session count, even if the sessions become difficult.

I understand that my pastoral counselor may take notes during our sessions together, but

all information will be held in the strictest of confidence. This information will not be released

unless I give my unequivocal consent or if I have admitted harm to others or to myself.

I understand that the pastoral counseling relationship has limitations, and therefore there

come a time that I will need to be referred to a mental health professional or other specialized

counselor. I also understand that the current counseling relationship can be terminated at any

time if deemed necessary by the pastoral counselor without explanation.

_______________________________________

Printed Name of Counselee

_______________________________________ _____________________________

Signature of Counselee Date

Confidentiality Covenant

Thank you for taking this brave step of seeking pastoral counseling for your present

situation. I consider it an honor to come along side you as your pastoral counselor and I commit

to you that I will be an active listener as we meet together. If the need were to arise that I need to

reschedule an appointment, I will do my best to communicate that need in advance.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 18

Even though I am a pastoral counselor, I admit that I do have limitations. I promise not to

give counsel beyond what I am trained to do so. I also promise that everything we speak about in

our sessions together is kept in the strictest of confidence. The only exception to this confidence

is your explicit permission to share and/or if you disclose harm of others or to yourself or the

intent thereof.

What you can expect from our collaborative relationship:

While ultimately the goal set out in our pastoral counseling relationship is to achieve your

goals and preferred solution for your current situation, I also have a goal. I have a goal that our

time together will draw us both closer to the Lord through a dependence on the Holy Spirit to

guide our sessions together.

There will be a brief break and a time of feedback during our sessions in which I will

pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide me. I encourage you to use this time to do the same. After

the break, I will offer feedback and suggestions to help you as we work towards your goals

together.

___________________________________ ___________________________

Pastoral Counselor’s Signature Date

___________________________________ ___________________________

Counselee Signature Date

Interview Worksheet

Presenting Problem: _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 19

Exceptions to the Problem: _______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Supportive Compliments:

(Positive Actions, Reduce Fears, and Reveal Strengths)

______________________________________________________________________________

Educative Comments: ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

After-Session Suggestions:

(Goal Description and Task)

______________________________________________________________________________

(Kollar, 2011, p. 141)

Referral Process

Limitations of the Pastoral Counselor:

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 20

Pastoral Counselors are limited by their competency and training in specific areas. As a

result, there may come a time when a counselee is referred to an outside support group,

counselor, mental health professional.

When to Refer:

1. When a pastoral counselor reaches a point with the counselee’s present story when

their current expertise and training is unable to help.

2. When a dual relationship is present between the counselee and the counselor (i.e. the

counselee is a friend, family member, or the counselee is a colleague or in a position

of authority)

3. When the counseling relationship is no longer helpful to the counselee.

4. When a counselee presents suicidal thoughts or tendencies or is a threat to others.

5. When a counselee’s home or work life has become unmanageable.

6. When a counselee has an addiction issue outside of the expertise of the counselor.

7. When a counselee is showing signs of being confused, sluggish, or irrational.

8. When a counselee is experiencing a sexual dysfunction.

(Turner, n.d., as cited by Liberty University)

Referral Process:

1. A referral process begins by having an extensive list of referral options. These referral

options can include pastors, schools, administrators, and physicians. It is important

that pastoral counselors not only have this list, but also develops a rapport with these

referrals. Additionally, if a referral is a secular avenue, they should respect and honor

the Christian values of a counselee to refer to them.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 21

2. The informed content states that the pastoral counseling relationship has limitations.

As a result, the counselee understands there may come a time when they will be

referred to a mental health professional or other specialized counselor

3. Information that is released to a referral must be released with the explicit permission

of the counselee.

4. The counselee should understand that the pastoral counselor and the referral may

initially have a collaborative relationship or even a dual care relationship if the

referral feels the counselee should continue to see the pastoral counselor.

(Turner, n.d., as cited by Liberty University).

Ethical Guidelines

1. Alertness to his or her own limitations as a pastoral counselor. When something is not

working, then stop doing it, and try something else. Additionally, when a counselee can no

longer be helped due to the training and experience limitations of a counselor, a referral

should be made.

2. Keeping to a theoretical framework of identity and guiding assumptions. The counselor

should continue to grow in their skills and knowledge.

3. Understanding the rights of the counselee is most important.

4. Abstaining from dual relationships (i.e. counseling family, friends, and

coworkers/supervisors) and make a referral when a dual relationship is presented.

5. Clarify the responsibilities and limitations of the counseling relationship. This can be

achieved through an informed content document.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 22

6. Not becoming romantically or sexually involved with a counselee. Adhering to appropriate

boundaries with regard to emotional dependence will be vital.

7. Refrain from diagnosing or treating a counselee in areas where a pastoral counselor has no

professional training or expertise.

(Kollar, 2011, p. 267-272)

IDENTITY AND ETHICS GRADING RUBRIC

Student:

Criteria Points

Possible

Points

Earned

Paper Content & Organization

All key components of the paper are identified with

sufficient organizational clarity and logical flow

Major points were supported with evidence from the

readings and web-engagements with concise explanation

and citation

Professional Paradigm Content & Organization

Major elements of professional identity were clearly

identified with concise explanation.

Concise synthesis of issues to be addressed in ethical

guidelines.

Evidence of background check notification

Professional partnerships identified with sufficient detail

of type, location, and expectations.

Where appropriate, spiritual formation truths, insights,

and techniques were integrated into the paradigm.

IDENTIY AND ETHICS IN PASTORAL COUNSELING 23

Pre-Counseling Package Content & Organization

Package is contextually branded; all key components of

package are identified (i.e., intake; informed consent

including brief description of length/number of sessions,

note-taking strategy, homework, referral process, and

confidentiality covenant; ethical guidelines) with

organizational clarity and placed in Appendix

All forms fit a non-licensure and/or church counseling

context

Readability and Current APA Guidelines

Spelling and grammar are correct.

Sentences are complete, clear, concise, and contain

appropriately varied sentence structure.

Annotations contain appropriately varied sentence

structures.

Essential elements are supported appropriately with

correct citations and references.

Total 75

Instructor’s Comments:

Students also viewed