WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT LICENSED PASTORAL PSYCHOTHERAPISTS? 

Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapists possess a depth of training that is unique among mental health care professionals.  Theirs is a discipline which respects and affirms the natural connection between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.  It is now recognized across the mental health field that understanding and supporting this connection fosters a sound and lasting foundation for treatment of the whole person.  The Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist is well equipped to work with the total person by integrating the spiritual dimension when the client wishes to do so (NHPPA).  

The Emmaus Institute offers the services of individuals trained in mental health counseling, and social work services as well as pastoral psychotherapists.  Therapists who work at the Emmaus Institute have expressed knowledge, interest, and additional training in working with individuals when the topic of spirituality presents itself. 

DO LICENSED PASTORAL PSYCHOTHERAPISTS USE A RELIGIOUS APPROACH AS PART OF THE PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENT THEY OFFER?  

Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapists and Emmaus Institute clinicians provide clinically competent as well as spiritually sensitive care to those who seek their assistance. They are specially trained to help clients utilize their spiritual resources, but they do not impose their values on the client.  The spiritual commitments and religious traditions of those who seek assistance are fully respected.  Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapists work with the classified mental and emotional disorders and utilize a variety of approaches to psychotherapy.

HOW IS THIS TYPE OF COUNSELING DIFFERENT FROM TALKING TO A PRIEST OR MINISTER?  

Counseling often begins in the office of a clergy person.  It is a place where people experience 2 important components of the counseling process:  safety and confidentiality.  Studies about the counseling process indicate that it is the counseling relationship that provides the safety and confidentiality that can lead to healing.  Clergy persons while often willing to counsel individuals often lack the time resources to continue to treat someone on a weekly basis.  Clergy persons usually receive training in counseling but are not covered by insurance companies nor can they provide mental health diagnoses.  Licensed Pastoral Therapists are covered by insurance companies and are trained to diagnose and in treatment planning.  They often work with psychiatrists should the need arise for medication referral. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFRENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHIATRIST AND A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL?

A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor who has specialized in Psychiatry.   What typically happens nowadays is Psychiatrists typically do not offer the talk therapy component of mental health services.  Their focus of specialization is expertise in managing medication for serious mental illnesses.  They have first-hand experience and knowledge about how medications affect the brain and are often called in for chronic and life threatening mental illnesses.  Many counselors often work with Psychiatrists.  

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