Pastoral Counseling

What is Pastoral Counseling?

Pastoral Counselors are dedicated to the healing of the mind, spirit and human relationships through the integration of spiritual values and behavioral sciences. Regardless of the particular orientation that one’s belief system may have, there is a spiritual dimension to everyone’s life, and that dimension is intrinsically associated with one’s mental, emotional and relational health.
In pastoral counseling at Trinity we have respect for where you are on your spiritual journey and together we will explore what healing means for you. We believe that mental and emotional illness are best met by both the wisdom of religious teachings and the knowledge and skills of the human behavioral sciences.
The Rev. Karla Norton is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and is a candidate in the Doctorate of Ministry Program in pastoral care and counseling at San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, CA.

Why Do We need Pastoral Counseling?

Wounded hearts and anxiety are spiritual, mental and emotional conditions. Pastoral Counseling addresses these very personal wounds that are a result of living life in this stressful day and age.
Wounds like grief and depression, sexism and racism in the workplace, family strife, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, caregiver anxiety and terminal illness all are within the purview of pastoral counseling. In our journey through life, at times we may face challenges and circumstances that are difficult to comprehend. These situations may cause us to become paralyzed until we can make some sense of the situation. These circumstances may continually occupy our thoughts as deep wounds are carved inside our hearts and minds. This is when we need professional pastoral counseling to help us align our beliefs with our reality.
Many professionals may understand mental health, but we may need a spiritual perspective for guidance in our situations. Religious communities are major gateways for those seeking relief from human suffering and from the mental and emotional illnesses which is often its by-product.
Spiritual counseling is an important ministry of the faith community, has given rise to a recognized and certified discipline in the mental health field which integrates theology with the behavioral sciences. This discipline is know as Pastoral Counseling.

Who is eligible for counseling ?

Pastoral Counseling is available to the Trinity family free of charge. There may be a nominal charge for those who are not members of the Trinity community. To make arrangements, call Rev. Karla Norton and she will return your call promptly. All counseling is held in the strictest of confidence. Counseling will take place in a mutually agreed upon private location. Most sessions will be 45-55 minutes, usually over a period of weeks, depending on the issue.

Types of counseling available:

Mission:  To Create a Safe and Confidential Environment within Trinity where Concerns are Shared and Wounded Hearts are Healed

Pastoral Counseling is caring for the soul through spiritual healing. It allows one to explore life’s concerns through the lens of one’s own belief system and relationship to deity. It is a holistic approach to coping with everyday life stresses,& trauma and allows one to integrate one’s life experiences.
Pastoral Counseling addresses the various needs of the whole person, recognizing that as humans we have physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs. We believe that the real healing and liberation from that which binds us takes place in the individuals’ relationship to the deity. The role of the pastoral counselor is as a facilitator and witness to the individual’s growing in wholeness.

Pastoral Counseling
420 Melrose Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Phone: 831-423-8995
E-mail: trinityscpastor@sbcglobal.net
Trinity Presbyterian Church does not assume financial liability as a result of any counseling.