Who should apply?
	Admission Criteria
	Application and Selection Process

For more information, see the Pastoral Counselor Training Program informational packet.  

Who should apply?

The  Pastoral Counselor Training Program is an extension of the ministry of the church and is intended to provide quality clinical-pastoral and theological training for people who:

• Wish to enter full-time clinical training in an AAPC approved program to prepare for more specialized ministry in pastoral counseling.
• Need full-time post graduate clinical training and supervision to meet requirements for certification in AAPC, AAMFT or state licensure as LPC or LMFT.
• Desire a learning environment where the personal and professional integration of psychotherapeutic skill, religious faith and contemplative presence are central to the training experience.
• Are presently licensed or certified but want advanced training in pastoral counseling.
• Need access to a training program for the above goals, but cannot participate in a full-time program. We offer part-time internships, practicums and externships.
• May not desire professional certification or ministry specialization, but want training for integrating psychotherapeutic disciplines, contemplative spirituality and theology.
• Desire individual or group supervision or consultation for existing practice or ministry setting.

We encourage international students with excellent English skills to apply.

The training program offers the I-20 document used to obtain F-1 visas for non-immigrant international students who are accepted into the full-time residency program.

If you have questions, please contact us at training@pilink.org.

Admission Criteria

The program is a post-graduate training program. Admission to residency, internship and externship in pastoral counseling requires:

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• A master's degree from a graduate school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (or equivalent) and for those seeking licensure, a second master's degree or doctorate in the counseling field.
• Membership in good standing with a local faith group or church.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement or ordination attained or in progress (for pastoral counselors).
• Enough experience as a client in personal psychotherapy to understand one's own personal processes, growth issues and a beginning experiential understanding of psycho-therapeutic change.
• Demonstration of a clear religious identity and commitment to family therapy or pastoral counseling through letters of recommendation and Statement of Purpose (contained in application materials).
• Completion of application forms for residency, including submission of the application fee.

Admission to training fellowship in pastoral counseling requires:

• Completion of a two-year residency in family or pastoral counseling or its equivalent.
• AAMFT or AAPC certification or current preparation for licensure in another track.
• A clear Statement of Purpose for a fellowship program.
• A clear pastoral identity and proven ability to work with the integrative method.
• Completion of application forms for fellowship in pastoral counseling, including submission of the application fee.

Admission as an intern or practicum student requires:

• Applicant to be associated with immediate work and enrollment in master’s, Ph.D. or D.Min program in an institution of higher learning.
• Good academic standing
• A commitment to the program for one year.
• A commitment to integration of faith and mental health.
• The ability to arrange schedules to include training, learning and case review activities with other trainees.
• Proof of current professional liability through an academic institution.
• Academic supervisors willing to work cooperatively with the director of training.

If you have questions, please contact us at training@pilink.org.

Application and Selection Process

The Pastoral Counselor Training Program accepts applications throughout the year and interviews as openings become available.

Application and Reference Form

Applications for training at the Pastoral Institute should be submitted to the director of the training program. Each applicant is to provide: three letters of reference on the forms provided (at least one from a former supervisor), CPE final evaluations and transcripts from college and seminary work. Applications for residency should be accompanied by a non-refundable $50 processing fee. The admissions committee of the training program will review applications and make selections for personal interviews. Applicants selected for an interview must submit graphic and interpretative results of a recent MMPI-II prior to their interview. Other testing may be required as deemed necessary by the director of training or training faculty. A $120 fee is required for testing at the Pastoral Institute.

Stipends plus benefits are available only for full-time post-graduate pastoral counseling residencies. Our next anticipated opening for a residency position is January 2009. Applications will be accepted during the summer of 2008. The next anticipated opening for an internship position is August 2008. Applications will be accepted during the spring of 2008.

Non-stipend part-time residencies, internships and externships are sometimes available by request.

If you have questions, please contact us at training@pilink.org.