What Is Pastoral Counseling?
Pastoral counseling blends timeless truths of scripture with modern psychological understandings to provide holistic healing. Pastoral counselors act as intermediaries between spiritual guidance and therapeutic discussion, emphasizing faith’s centrality to personal growth and wellbeing. Psalm 119:105 says it all: Your Word is a lamp to my feet, shining its light upon my path.” Through pastoral counseling sessions this light provides illumination through life’s dark valleys to show individuals pathways toward healing and spiritual connection.
Matthew 18:20 summarizes Jesus’s teaching about pastoral counseling quite succinctly: Whenever two or more gather in my name, there am I among them.” This affirmation underscores what makes pastoral counseling sacred.It’s an intimate gathering where God’s presence can be felt strongly through dialogue and healing processes.
How Does Online Pastoral Counseling Work?
Pastoral counseling has quickly found its niche online as the world moves ever-more towards digital platforms. Just as Paul wrote letters to early churches, modern counselors now utilize modern media such as video calls, chat messaging, or email to reach those seeking their counsel. This makes for intimate yet profound discussions without needing to leave home!
Paul’s letters serve as testimony that spiritual guidance doesn’t depend on physical proximity alone. Online pastoral counseling follows suit by cultivating heart connections instead. Romans 8:38-39 guarantees this reality by saying: ‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, angels nor demons, present nor future power or any other factor of creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.”
Prepping for Your First Virtual Session
Starting an online pastoral counseling session may feel intimidating at first, but with proper preparation can become a rewarding experience. First and foremost, find a quiet space without interruptions where you can conduct sessions undisturbed. Jesus often retreating into solitude when praying (Luke 5:16 is an example), so finding your own space wherein to hold these discussions would serve you well.
Additionally, make sure your internet is working reliably and become familiar with the digital platform you will be using for this session. Take some time before the session begins to pray or meditate. Psalm 46:10 reminds us “Be still and know that I am God”, providing clarity and an opening up of mind to make your session all the more effective.
Establish a Sacred Digital Space
Environment can have a tremendous effect on counseling experiences. Even though you’re engaging remotely from digital platforms, create sacred space by finding a quite and relaxing space. Designate a space for healing. As Exodus 25:8 urges us, make this space into God’s abode that His presence may be felt more profoundly!
With each session, this space becomes an increasingly spiritual retreat. Just entering it can bring peace and preparedness. Open your heart and mind up to divine guidance offered through online pastoral counseling.
Navigating the Path to Recovery
Online pastoral counseling can be like a pilgrimage, traversing layers of emotions, memories and spiritual awakening. As the scripture Isaiah 41:10 assures us, do not fear for I am with you and will strengthen and uphold you – this journey should never be taken alone!
Let yourself surrender to the process, trusting that divine wisdom combines with that of your counselor to produce results. Remember Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make straight your paths”. By practicing trust online pastoral counseling can bring profound healing.
NuWell Pastoral Counseling
At NuWell we have several pastoral counselors waiting to help you navigate life’s challenges. A member of our care team will walk you though finding the right counseling relationship for you. They will then guide you right through the first appointment and beyond. This ongoing support of our care team if any issues arise is what makes NuWell stand out.
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Clinical Christian Counseling available in Pennsylvania
