As a seasoned pastoral counselor and the Coordinator at the Turner Ministry Resource Center, part of the Pastoral Institute in Columbus, Georgia, I’ve dedicated my 36-year career to the field of spiritually integrated therapy. My journey, recognized with a Diplomate in AAPC, has continually emphasized the vital role of faith in the healing process.
In 2018, the Pastoral Institute’s Board of Directors spearheaded an initiative to deepen the spiritually integrated psychotherapy skills of our clinical team. Despite the deep personal faith of our clinicians, many lacked formal training in effectively incorporating their own faith, or that of their clients, into therapeutic practices. The board recognized a critical gap: a faith-based institution needed practitioners adept at utilizing faith as a therapeutic resource. This realization was pivotal in our commitment to developing robust clinical training programs, essential for those aiming to become an Aapc Pastoral Care Specialist Through Our Clinical Training Program enhancements.
Responding to this need, I underwent specialized training to lead a SERT group for therapists at the Pastoral Institute. SERT, an acronym for Spiritual-Experiential-Religious-Theological, defines our group’s dual function: training and reflective practice. For three years, this group has served as a cornerstone for professional development in spiritually integrated approaches.
Concurrently, I followed the progress of colleagues within AAPC and now ACPE in developing Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP) programs. Believing strongly in “docetic learning”—learning best through teaching—I sought to refine my SIP skills. This led me to apply and become an ACPE SIP Trainer in 2020.
From late 2020 into early 2021, I led my inaugural SIP training program at the Pastoral Institute via Zoom. I invited eight experienced counselors, including five current Pastoral Institute clinicians, two former clinicians I had supervised, and a long-term friend and colleague. It was a deeply enriching experience to reconnect and connect with each participant through the SIP curriculum. Observing the development of a shared understanding and community around these critical issues was particularly rewarding. This program was a significant growth opportunity for every one of us involved.
My personal challenge during this period was navigating the technological aspects. Admittedly, I consider myself “IT-Ignorant Technologically.” The technical support from ACPE and our own Graphics and Media Specialist was invaluable. We encountered typical online meeting hurdles—login issues, audio and video glitches, and the occasional slide presentation hiccup. However, these challenges fostered a collaborative learning environment and contributed to the overall positive experience.
Just this past Monday, the five Pastoral Institute therapists who completed the SIP training participated in our SERT group alongside other clinicians. We delved into a case I presented, which highlighted the complexities of healthy versus harmful faith and spirituality—a key area within the ten core competencies of SIP Training. The contributions from the SIP-trained therapists significantly enriched the discussion. Their insights were deeper, more focused, more thoughtful, and ultimately more productive. We observed a clear elevation in the “faith competency” among those with SIP training, which in turn elevated the entire group’s conversation, benefiting even those without prior SIP training. Indeed, as the saying goes, “a rising tide lifts all boats!”
For anyone contemplating becoming either a SIP trainer or participant, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take that step. Consider it an invaluable investment in your professional growth and a profound gift to those you serve.
Earl Nichols is an ACPE Psychotherapist and SIP trainer. He can be reached at [email protected]
