Prerequisites:
(1) A High School Diploma or G.E.D.
(2) A reference letter or endorsement by the Church, Parish Pastor, congregation, ministerial association, supervisor
Requirements:
The student must write one (1) Paper for each of the following Courses:
V-501-INT INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL COUNSELING
An Exposé of the basics of pastoral care, with an emphasis on foundations, covering both theory and practice. A discussion on the effective use of Holy Scripture in counseling. An overview of the issues, dynamics, and disorders that the pastoral counselor may face with an emphasis on the responsibilities, ministerial methods, the rational limits of pastoral care and the appropriateness of treatment or referral.
V-502-TCH ETHICS IN MINISTRY AND COUNSELING TECHNIQUES
Themes and theological issues that are relevant to pastoral care: Legal and ethical issues in the ministry, defining the legal responsibility of ministry within the context of local and state laws. The development of a counseling policy as a means of prevention as well as recognition of one's own competence in specific areas. Outlining of legal obligations, boundaries in ministry, litigation prevention, client confidence, support policy and referral resources within pastoral counseling, social work, the psychiatric and clinical-psychological professions. A short summary and definition of basic, essential counseling skills such as goal setting, attentiveness, reflection and mirroring, probing, focusing, and closure.
V-503-FAM FAMILY COUNSELING AND LIFE ISSUES
A presentation of the dynamics and issues common to today's families and appropriate counseling strategies. Identification and exploration of the key issues associated with pre- marital and marital counseling, such as questions of compatibility, needs assessment, communication skills and conflict resolution. A discussion of typical daily stress and effective coping techniques from an Orthodox spiritual perspective. Pastoral Counseling strategies for adults and children traumatized by divorce. How to deal with disruptive or intrusive people without alienating them.
V-504a-SPM SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES I
A discourse on assessing the precipitating and contributing factors of depression, appropriate counseling techniques, and determination of further psychological or psychiatric intervention. Identification of various crisis situations facing individuals, families and communities today and orthodox spiritually based responses for addressing them. An overview of the ethical, moral and legal issues concerning sexual, physical, mental abuse and the responsibilities and limitations of the pastoral counselor.
V-504b-SPM SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES II
An identification of the changing psychological, social and spiritual needs associated with aging and methods for pastoral care. An overview of the social and spiritual dynamics affecting the terminally ill with a discussion on compassionate and responsive care. An examination of the different facets of loss experienced by the survivors and how spiritual care can help ease the pain.
V-505-ALC SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING
An examination of commonly abused substances and their physical, psychological and social effects, discussing the various treatment modalities and the necessity of developing and empowering a support framework.
V-506-ADS CARING FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS
A recognition of the physical and cultural aspects of the disease and the need for emotional and spiritual care.
V-507-PRS CARING FOR PERSONS WITH DIFFERENT PERSUASIONS
A treatise of the physical, psychological and social aspects of homosexuality (and other problems). An outline of possible treatment modalities and the necessity of pastoral direction and support based on the moral demands by Holy Scriptures, the Church Fathers and natural law.
V-510-LEG LEGAL-ETHICAL ISSUES IN MINISTRY
A definition of the legal responsibility of ministry within the context of local and state laws. The development of a counseling policy as a means of prevention as well as recognition of one's own competence in specific areas: Legal obligations, boundaries in the ministry, litigation prevention, client confidence, support policy and referral resources within the counseling, social work, psychiatric and clinical-psychological professions.
Each Paper should contain a minimum of five (5) pages, be divided into chapters and contain a table of contents. A title page should also be included. Here is a sample of a proper title page outline:
A Research Paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Certificate of Pastoral Counseling
Submitted to St. Elias School of Orthodox Theology
By
(Your legal name)
(Date submitted)
Only the following binding will be accepted:
· Three-ring binders
· Booklet ("saddle stitch")
· Velo
· Coil
· Spiral
It is recommended that the student begin his or her courses in sequence starting with the lowest number. Attendance and successful completion of a residential class, as offered, may substitute for writing a Paper.
How to start and other details:
(a) Select the Bibliography.
(b) After you have completed a Paper, please send one (1) copy to the school office. Your work that you have submitted will be evaluated and then stored in the school archives.
(3) An Evaluation Report will be sent to you as to give you feed-back you whether your work has been accepted. Please check our Correction Agenda (separate sheet) to ensure that you meet minimum standards for your work to receive credits.
(4) After you have submitted your work, please allow two to three weeks for processing and for receiving an Evaluation Report.
(5) Should your work not be accepted, instructions will be given as to how you can make corrections for resubmission.
How to enroll (non St. Elias Alumni):
1. Fill our a St. Elias Student Application
2. Attach a copy of your Photo ID
3. Attach a letter of endorsement
4. Attach a $50 Application fee (non-refundable)
Tuition:
Once accepted as a student, you will receive your Tuition Statement. You may pay your Tuition in full at the beginning, i.e. within 30 days from the letter of Acceptance; or via a Tuition Payment Plan.
There is a $25 fee to be submitted upon completion of the Program, in order to receive the Certificate.
Privileges:
1. Students who have been enrolled in the PC Program, may at any time switch to a different Program offered at the School provided the minimum academic entry requirements are met. In such case the student may apply the credits earned at PC towards another St. Elias Program.
2. Upon completion of the CPC Program, the student may enter any Program offered at the School provided the minimum academic entry requirements are met. Again, the student may apply all credits earned at CPC.