Author Note
DISCUSSION THREAD:
SELF CARE IN PASTORAL CRISIS CARE
Discussion Thread:
Self-Care in Pastoral Crisis Care
Ed Price
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Ed
Price Email: eprice10@liberty.edu
Ed Price
School of Behavioral Sciences
Department of Community Care & Counseling
Liberty University
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DISCUSSION THREAD:
SELF CARE IN PASTORAL CRISIS CARE
Self-Care in Pastoral Crisis Care
Summary
As pastoral counselors, we are subjected to a significant amount of emotional, physical,
and spiritual pressure. It is so very important that we take great care to protect and invest in
ourselves. Self-care is not selfish; it is an act of preservation as well as an investment in our
overall well-being. Counselors devote substantial amounts of time and energy helping
counselees and may lose sight of their own personal health and the needs of their families
(Sosin & Thomas, 2017, p.78). This discussion post is to highlight the challenges we as pastoral
counselors can face and to propose self-care approaches to provide strength to endure.
Self-Care for the Crisis Counselor
Self-care can take the form of increased sleep, good nutrition, exercise, massage, haircut,
working less, saying no, getting help with chores (Ripley & Worthington, 2014, p.56). As
pastoral counselors it is our duty to ensure we can serve those we are blessed to minister to.
The adage goes that just like the flight attendant tells passengers; ‘put your oxygen mask on
first then proceed to help those near you’. We are of no earthly use to others if we are defeated
or depleted coming into a counseling session. Having no empathy to share can also be identified
as compassion fatigue. As pastoral counselors we need to chase or pursue our health, rather
than react to life and hope for a good result.
Crisis Challenge
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DISCUSSION THREAD:
SELF CARE IN PASTORAL CRISIS CARE
For me personally the greatest challenge I might face as a pastoral counselor would be
suicide, particularly the suicide of a teen or younger adult. Suicide is one of the most difficult
deaths to deal with (Wright, 2014, p.242). Assessment of suicide risk is one of the most vexing
and difficult tasks we face in counseling (Johnson & Johnson, 2014, p.17). As a father to teens
and post teens, my greatest fear is that one of my children would choose to end their own life. In
recent years we have had our youngest go through a season of depression and anxiety. This
season had weeks and months of suicidal tendencies and overtones. Praise God for His
faithfulness and healing as we are moving away from that season. That season was especially
hard on my wife and I as we had to let go and trust God that all things work together for the good
(Romans 8:28, NIV, 1985).
Self-Care Strategies
To be conscious of my own personal self-care I would admit that my current practices are
protected and precious related to my mental, physical, and spiritual health. I take great care to
find time every day to deliberately engage in things that will strengthen and protect me in the
work I do. I start my day at 0400 each morning. After settling in with my own coffee I go to the
Word of God in devotionals and reading plans. After my reading I spend time in reflection
which typically can include journaling.
For my emotional health, the first part of my day involves making coffee for my wife and
sharing time with her before we both head off into our day. Six days a week I either head to my
hot yoga studio for a class, workout with a group of friends in a bootcamp style workout,
(outdoors rain or shine), or put time in on our Peloton stationary bicycle at home. My inner
References
Johnson, W. B., & Johnson, W. L. (2014). The minister's guide to psychological disorders and
treatments. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.
Ripley, J. S., & Worthington, E. L. (2014). Couple therapy: A new hope-focused approach.
InterVarsity Press.
Sosin, L., & Thomas, J. C. (2017). Therapeutic expedition: Equipping the Christian counselor for
the journey. Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning, Alternate Formats Library.
Wright, H. N. (2014). The Complete Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling: What to do and say
when it matters most! Bethany House Publishers.
Zondervan Bible Publishers. (1984). The holy bible, New International Version.
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DISCUSSION THREAD:
SELF CARE IN PASTORAL CRISIS CARE
peace and mental health depend on physical exertion to maintain balance. My work is also a
form of self-care even if by osmosis. As the COO of a Rescue Mission, I am around addicts and
alcoholics all day, every day. My own personal recovery is influenced by the power of the
stories I witness in the people we get to serve.
