ASAP - NEED Done

This report is a culmination of resources designed to promote the development of a set of ethical guidelines and ministerial identity standards that should be upheld to ensure that appropriate counseling care is provided in this student’s soul-care context. The study provides a research based paradigm and important considerations are delineated for the practice of pastoral counseling. The paper includes resources and potential ministerial associations that may provide licensing, certification, and accreditation for this ministerial/ pastoral counselor. Sufficient information is provided for the student to formulate a rudimentary policy for the helping relationship.

PASTORAL COUNSELOR'S IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER 2

CONTENTS

Abstract 2

Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries…………………………………………………….4

Potential for Professional Partnerships ...…………………………………………………………6

An Organization's Ethical Guidelines …………………………………………………………….7

Pre-Counseling Package…………………………………………………………………………. 8

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………...……………. 10

References 10

Appendix…………………………………………………………………………………………11

Rubric…………………………………………………………………………………………….22

PASTORAL COUNSELOR'S IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER 3

This paper introduces expectations delineated in the instructions for this experimental learning activity (i.e., the development of professional identity within a vocationally responsible ethical framework). The reader should not assume this paper to be exhaustive or authoritative in nature, but rather one with a future application to a soul-care context.

I. Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries

Paramount in any vocational ministry is the need to adhere to a biblical code of ethics; that is, a minimal standard that identifies oneself as a competent and trustworthy Christian vocational worker. While this is not a goal that may be achieved quickly, a pastor should work towards developing a set of standards to ensure competency and professional awareness in all his/her counseling endeavors. The creation of the standard does not make the pastor an expert in any area, yet ensures he will make every effort to do the right thing for all careseekers. Trull and Carter (1993/​2004) present the following items as essential boundaries for the establishment of this student-counselor’s biblical professional paradigm: Comment by Dwight Rice: PACO Student, if you're not citing from the original work, then see APA Manual for citing an author in a secondary source

1. Education – The pastor will prepare for service by obtaining an education in liberal arts while specializing in theology and ministry. This will reflect a lifelong devotion to study and growth for continuing service. (Inspiration: 2 Timothy 2:15)

2. Competency – The pastor will continually develop his pastoral gifts and vocational skills to ensure competency in all situations that require his services. (Inspiration: Ephesians 4:11-12)

3. Autonomy – The pastor must be prepared to make decisions that will affect the lives of others, in that light he will make decisions and follow the servant – leader model of Christ. (Inspiration: John 13:1-16)

4. Service- The pastor’s primary motivation will be to serve others by demonstrating the considerate love of Christ. (Inspiration: 1 Corinthians 10:24)

5. Dedication – The pastor will be obedient to his Master’s instruction (Inspiration: Romans 12:1-2) and provide a service of good value, the good news of Christ, and the demonstration of fairness and consideration to all.

6. Ethics – The pastor will maintain the highest level of Christian standards for himself, the congregation, and the community. (Inspiration: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; pp. 39-40) Issues to be addressed within this writer’s ethical framework:

a. Dual Relationship – The pastor should make every effort to ensure the relationship between church counselor and counselee remains professional. There should be no other dimension to the relationship; if the relational lines become blurred, the vocational minister should take steps to engage a referral (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p. 206-209; Kollar, 1997/​2011, p. 270).

b. Avoid Romantic or Sexual Intimacy – It is wrong to become involved sexually or intimately with a counselee. Any attempt at intimacy is an abuse of power and authority (Kollar, pp. 271-272).

c. Confidentiality – Just as with mental health professionals, any information shared by a counselee should be kept private (Johnson & Johnson, pp. 211-213).

d. The rights of the counselee – The pastor should consistently model spiritual and emotional health. The pastor should not use the counseling session as an opportunity to meet his own needs; the sessions are for the benefit of the counselee (Kollar, p. 269).

I. Potential Professional Partnerships

This student-counselor will likely seek membership with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). “The AAPC is a membership and certification organization whose mission is to provide spiritually informed and integrated counseling, collaborative community based services, training and education in order to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities” (American Association of Pastoral Counselors, 2013). The group emphasizes pastoral counseling as a unique form of counseling which uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. Membership is open to those who are of like mind and spirit. All certified members are required to participate in 8 predetermined continuing credit hours which may include retreats, and workshops. Other requirements include prompt payment of the appropriate fees and dues commensurate with the level of certification and membership.

Certifications are available. The AAPC offers over 10 types of licensing for Pastoral Counselors, ranging from Certified Clinical Pastoral Therapist (CCPT) to Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCHMHC). AAPC oversees the pursuit of educational standards for certification (e.g. Masters of Divinity, Doctoral level degrees). The requirements extend to activity in one’s local church body, 3 years minimum ministry related work, and supervised self-reflective pastoral experience (American Association of Pastoral Counselors, 2013). While the association is national in scope, two service centers are in the state of Florida where this minister is located: Samaritan Center of South Florida, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and, Lutheran Counseling Services, Inc., Winter Park, FL.

In consideration of a referral network, this student would initially contact his home church, Buffalo Shoals Baptist Church (BSBC). It has been established in the community for a number of years and has a trained, seasoned staff with varying levels of counseling experience. Hopefully, this referral network will be able to service his counseling limitations. The American Counseling Association (ACA) code of ethics states, ”If the counselor determines an inability to be of professional assistance to the [counselee], the counselor must either avoid initiating the counseling relationship or immediately terminate the relationship” (1988). Secondly, as a Senior Pastor, responsible for the overall care of the body, a brief, time-limited counseling strategy is critical to being effective and efficient with pastoral ministry; therefore, a referral network is necessary for counseling relationships that may need to exceed 4 sessions.

II. An Organization’s Ethical Guidelines

Kollar (1997/2011) delineates ethical concerns to be addressed by every people helper: 1) Know your limitations; 2) Counseling must be informed by a theoretical framework of identity formation and therapeutic assumptions; 3) The rights of the counselee are primary; 4) Refrain from dual relationships; 5) The counselee should be informed of responsibilities and limitations of the counseling relationship; 6) The counselor must not become romantically or sexually intimate with a counselee; and 7) The counselor should not use any treatment procedures in which he/she has not been professionally trained (p. 267). Johnson & Johnson (2000) suggest that these concerns are best managed by the following attitudes: 1) autonomy─the freedom of careseekers to choose their own direction; 2) beneficence─promoting the good of the careseeker; 3) nonmaleficence─doing no harm; and justice─fairness/equal treatment to all careseekers (p. 205). These two sources provide a timely primer for any helping organization.

For example, the American Counseling Association (ACA) states in its code of ethics: “If the counselor determines an inability to be of professional assistance to the counselee, the counselor must avoid or terminate the relationship.”(1988) In other words, the church counselor needs to be aware of his own limitations, so as not to cause injury to the care-seeker. This notion highlights the need for a readily available helping network. Also, the counselor should have a clear methodology to follow when a referral is necessary; understanding one’s role during referral, seeking wisdom from the Spirit and mentorship, and connecting the careseeker to a responsible member and/or a small group will strengthen network engagement.

III. Pre-Counseling Package

An effective and efficient counseling experience requires timely preparation. This writer prepared the following forms to support helping efforts: Pastoral Counseling Intake Form; Note Taking Strategy: Interview Worksheet; Ethical Guidelines; Informed Consent with Confidential Covenant; and an explanation of Referral Process. All forms, but the Note Taking form, will be reviewed by the careseeker before the first session (See Appendix).

CONCLUSION

Finally, to provide a counseling ministry that reflects and encourages God’s interaction in the healing process, it is absolutely necessary to develop and maintain professional boundaries within all aspects of vocational ministry, especially the helping relationship. Developing partnerships with local professionals is essential to the building of an effective helping network. No one person is expert in everything, however, the pastoral staff may encounter a wide variety of mental and emotional health issues and, as such, should have a program in place to deal with each incident. While this student is not in the new MA PACO program and thus not required to complete the background check for PACO 699 Internship, he affirms its importance in providing churches with trustworthy and capable people helpers. In fact, this study has emphasized this student’s need for preparation before, during, and after any potential counseling opportunity. He anticipates the continued development of a biblical professional paradigm.

PASTORAL COUNSELOR'S IDENTITY AND ETHICS PAPER 9

Johnson, W. B., & Johnson, W. L. (2000). The pastor's guide to psychological disorders and treatments: A quick and easy reference source to understanding mental health disorders! New York: The Haworth Press.

Kollar, C. A. (2011). Solution-focused pastoral counseling: An effective short-term approach for getting people back on track (Updated & Expanded ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. (Original work published 1997)

Trull, J. E., & Carter, J. E. (2004). Ministerial ethics: Moral formation for church leaders (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. (Original work published 1993)

Woodstock First Baptist Church. (2013). Counseling. Retrieved October 6, 2013, from Woodstock First Baptist Church Web site: http:/​/​www.fbcw.org/​community/​counseling/​

APPENDIX

Pastoral Counseling Intake Form

Personal Information:

Name: Age: Date:

Full Address:

Home Phone: Work: Cell Phone:

Email:

Family member to notify in case of emergency:

Emergency contact number: Relationship:

Sex: Highest level of education:

Occupation: Employer:

Marital Status: Single Engaged Married Separated Divorced Widowed

Name of Spouse: Age of spouse: Years Married:

This is your Marriage This is your spouse’s Marriage

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

Who referred you to our ministry? Relationship:

Religious Background:

Do you regularly attend church? If so which church?

Are you a member?

Describe your life spiritually?

Legal Issues:

Are you currently involved in, or anticipate being involved in any litigation or legal action? If yes, please explain:

Has counseling been recommended or ordered for you by an attorney, police, court, probation, or parole system? If so, please explain:

Current Health Care:

Doctor/clinic’s name: Phone:

Doctor/clinic’s name: Phone:

Prescribed medications or over-the-counter medications:

Any medications you have ever taken for any emotional or psychiatric problem(s)?

Which medication? When? From whom? For what reason? With what results?

Do you smoke? Do you drink? Do you take drugs?

If yes what kind and how much?

Current/Prior Counseling Care:

Are you currently receiving or have you ever received any type of counseling, psychotherapy, or addiction recovery help? If yes, please indicate:

From whom? When? For what reason? With what results?

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?

 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

 Difficulty making decision  Physical problems  Alcohol use/abuse

 Financial problems  Substance use/abuse  Other (specify)

Present Situation(s):

Please describe the reasons for seeking counseling (also see list above):

Please state what you have done so far to solve the problems you mentioned above:

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

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

How long has this present situation lasted?

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

Is there anything else important for the placement coordinator or your counselor to know about, and that you have not written about on this form? If so, please explain here or on another sheet of paper:

I declare that this information is accurate and complete.

Signature: Date:

Identity and Ethics Grading Rubric

Student:

Instructor’s Comments: