Psychologist or Theologian? Pastoral Counseling, Supervision, and Professional Identity

Abstract

Raises professional identity issues of pastoral counselors and notes implications of these for supervision, theological education, and relationships with other mental health professions. Responses to the articles are provided

Examples of collaboration between psychologists and clergy.

“…These examples are useful, but they have tended to be unidirectional with mental health professionals providing services to enhance religious communities or religious individuals. These and additional unidirectional examples are important as religious leaders often lack concrete knowledge about psychopathology (Domino, 1990), access to mental health resources (Kae-Je, 1993), and dealing with severe mental illness (Dale & Crawford, 1996). However, bidirectional examples are also needed if collaboration is to be viewed as a joint venture involving two or more individuals with particular resources and areas of expertise (Gorsuch & Meylink, 1988; Tyler et al, 1983).…”