Pastoral care, not therapy
As I mentioned I offer thirty minute reflection/rejuvenation sessions. This is not therapy. I am not a trained therapist. This is pastoral care. I listen to your thoughts and stories. As we progress I ask questions getting to know you better. We get to know each other. I try to meet you where you are and address your spiritual concerns.
I am a progressive Christian pastor. I haven't worked in a church in a few years, but I do attend a church. My boyfriend and I randomly started attending this church in December and it works for both of us. That's a small miracle. Church has not been an easy place for me for over a decade. My dividing point is generally how little time congregations devote to mental illness.
So I love God. I love Jesus. I feel like this is my calling. But I struggle with church. I want to serve others in their spiritual growth. I especially want to serve others who have not found a spiritual body who nurtures them.
It makes no sense to me to pretend to be someone other than who I am as a pastoral care provider. I am an open person. I am also an opinionated person. I won't be here to convert you to my faith. I will say what I believe. I'll make suggestions according to my best wisdom and ability.
I have a mood disorder. I've been in therapy to help me process my feelings and stay balanced. Although this is not therapy, this is spiritual development. You get to choose your topics. You get to choose your goals. You get to be heard about what matters most to you.
Artwork by Beth Cantrell