The Pastoral Care and Counseling Course starts with a definition of counseling, specifically person-centered counseling, which is the theoretical basis for the counseling approach. The role of the counselor and the important qualities of counselors are emphasized at the beginning of this module. The general assumption of counseling is that it involves giving advice, telling people what to do or solving clients’ problems for them. Stress the importance of the counselor’s role in support and exploration; emphasize the client as the expert in and about his or her life who must make his or her own decision.

After counseling and the role of the counselor have been clarified, the focus is on introducing counseling skills. Each skill is presented through a brief explanation with examples, followed by practical activities designed to enable participants to understand the concepts and practice these new skills.

Empathy* Listening Skills* Reflecting Skills *Communicating barriers:
Asking Questions (Clarifying)* Interpretation or Making Statements Confrontation

Spiritual and pastoral support entails basic and general support through compassionate presence, conversation and acts of care.

Objectives:

• Defining Counseling
• Define the Qualities to be an effective Counselor
• Define the Characteristics of a Counselor
• Explaining Listening Skills
• Defining and Understanding Empathy
• Analyze Counseling Skills
• Spiritual and Pastoral Counseling
• Pastoral Care and Support
• Termination of a Pastoral Counseling Session