Pastoral Christian Counseling

What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral Counseling is a unique form of psychotherapy which uses spiritual resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth. It is provided by certified and licensed pastoral counselors, who are not only mental health professionals but who have also had in-depth religious and/or theological training. Pastoral Counselors approach treatment with their clients from a biblical worldview, involving God in the healing and counseling process. They include prayer and scripture in their session times as needed.

As an NCCA board-certified Pastoral Counselor, I am educated in Psychology from a Biblical worldview and trained to use spiritual principles from Scripture in my counseling practice. I use an integrated approach with my clients utilizing several therapy techniques including: CBT, Talk Therapy, and Temperament analysis along with Inner Healing Prayer, the Word of God and Prophetic Counsel all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to foster my client’s healing, growth and self-confidence.

Pastoral Counselors licensed with the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA):

·       Typically have a Master’s Degree in either Pastoral Counseling or Theology/divinity and are ordained ministers.

·       Are educated in Psychology and various Counseling Methods like CBT from a Biblical worldview.

·       Are educated in the Bible and trained to Counsel with Biblical Principles. They believe that the Bible is essential to their ministry, holding truth, freedom and

healing for their clients.     

·       Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their counseling sessions.

·      Focus their counseling efforts on helping the counselee find emotional and spiritual balance.

·       Are trained to identify various temperament needs to help the counselee effectively change behavior by targeting problems at the source.

·       Are trained and experienced in understanding and dealing with spiritual influences and forces.

·       Use an integrated approach of both psychology and biblical understanding.

·       Are required to have yearly continuing education in order to keep their license and are strictly regulated by the NCCA.

Pastoral Counselors in the State of Texas are exempt from State certification and the Licensed Professional Counselor Act under Section 503.056 of the Texas Occupation Code.  However, they do have to be board-certified and licensed by a professional counseling organization, be an Ordained Minister and have a Masters degree in their field. NCCA board-certified Pastoral Counselors are also required to uphold the NCCA Code of Ethical Standards.

In Addition:

Mignon Murrell is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor (License #24455) and a Certified Temperament Counselor with the NCCA and is a member of the the American Association for Christian Counselors (AACC). Mignon is an Ordained Minister, has a Masters Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and has extensive experience in CBT, Talk Therapy, Various Inner Healing Prayer models and deliverance.

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions you may have at: mignon@w2wc.org