I read that a Court held that Pastoral Counseling is more important than Therapy, how can that be?
A. That decision was about confidentiality, not importance. Under certain circumstances, Courts can “pierce” patient/therapist confidentiality. This is much more difficult with Pastoral Counselors, as they also have confessor confidentiality for spiritual guidance, which is much more difficult for the State to open. In practical terms, this gives your clients more confidence in you, and protects your commitment to their privacy even more, which is a great reason to come to you. If a patient is suicidal, contemplating violence, etc. it is your duty to refer them for additional help immediately, including to Emergency if necessary.
