About PPI Staff
By Joan Groff, M.A.
Recently, the pastoral counseling staff at PPI has been sharing their spiritual journeys, rich in various faith traditions. As I listened to the many stories, I was awed by the myriad ways God works in each of our lives. Every person has had some spiritual struggle that has caused pain or suffering; each person told of how his or her life was graced in the struggle.
I believe more strongly in the uniqueness of our mission at PPI “the integration of pastoral counseling with spirituality to bring forth healing and wholeness.” I have heard the stories of our counseling staff, and trust more than ever their ability to hold sacred the various struggles of the men and women, couples and families who come to us with hurting hearts and souls. This is the stuff God uses to bring us into more loving relationship with ourselves, with our spouse, and others with whom we live and work. God may or may not be discussed directly in the session, but God is present and active in our lives even when we refuse to recognize God.
I write this article because I am convinced of the value of pastoral counseling here at PPI. I am aware many professionals are becoming more cognizant of the importance of the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Pastoral counselors are professionals who have studied and integrated theology, spirituality and personal counseling. Our varied stories of spiritual journeys spoke to me of this integration. The fact that we can speak freely to one another of this precious and grace-filled reality gives me confidence in the ability of our counselors to address any pain, suffering, or question brought to them. They have been and continue to be in the midst of the daily struggle to live lives that are faith-filled and hopeful for “healing and wholeness.”
Reprinted with permission from PPImprints, the Journal of The Professional Pastoral-Counseling Institute, Inc. To be notified when PPImprints is published, please register.
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