The student is a licensed clinical social worker. Currently, she works at a psychiatric hospital where she assess patients and refers them to the proper units or facilities in which they may receive treatment. This paper helps the student to understand the role she will play in the church community as a pastoral counselor. She will seek to identify ethical boundaries,
Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries, future partnerships, and pre-counseling paperwork.
Paradigm for Identity and Ethical Boundaries
Paramount in any ministry is the need to adhere to a biblical code of ethics and the standards set forth; that is, a minimal standard that identifies oneself as a competent and trustworthy Christian worker. These standards are largely found within the context and framework of the Bible. As a biblical counselor or pastoral counselor it is important that one adheres to the word of God and recognizes the importance to maintain ethics and boundaries. This is to ensure that the worker is not operating according to their own flesh, but by the will and purpose of God. However, this is not a goal one can obtain on their own. In order to successfully do this one has to be connected to the Vine, in good fellowship with God, and listening for His voice when working with counselees. Trull and Carter (1993/2004) present the following items as essential boundaries for the establishment of this student-counselor’s biblical professional paradigm:

1. Education – The pastor will prepare for service by obtaining an education in liberal arts while specializing in theology and ministry. This will reflect a lifelong devotion to study and growth for continuing service. (Inspiration: 2 Timothy 2:15)

2. Competency – The pastor will continually develop his pastoral gifts and vocational skills to ensure competency in all situations that require his services. (Inspiration: Ephesians 4:11-12)

3. Autonomy – The pastor must be prepared to make decisions that will affect the lives of others, in that light he will make decisions and follow the servant – leader model of Christ. (Inspiration: John 13:1-16)

4. Service- The pastor’s primary motivation will be to serve others by demonstrating the considerate love of Christ. (Inspiration: 1 Corinthians 10:24)

5. Dedication – The pastor will be obedient to his Master’s instruction (Inspiration: Romans 12:1-2) and provide a service of good value, the good news of Christ, and the demonstration of fairness and consideration to all.

6. Ethics – The pastor will maintain the highest level of Christian standards for himself, the congregation, and the community. (Inspiration: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; pp. 39-40) Issues to be addressed within this writer’s ethical framework:
a. Dual Relationship – The pastor should make every effort to ensure the relationship between church counselor and counselee remains professional. There should be no other dimension to the relationship; if the relational lines become blurred, the vocational minister should take steps to engage a referral (Johnson & Johnson, 2000, p. 206-209; Kollar, 1997/2011, p. 270).
b. Avoid Romantic or Sexual Intimacy – It is wrong to become involved sexually or intimately with a counselee. Any attempt at intimacy is an abuse of power and authority (Kollar, pp. 271-272).
c. Confidentiality – Just as with mental health professionals, any information shared by a counselee should be kept private (Johnson & Johnson, pp. 211-213).
d. The rights of the counselee – The pastor should consistently model spiritual and emotional health. The pastor should not use the counseling session as an opportunity to meet his own needs; the sessions are for the benefit of the counselee (Kollar, p. 269).

Potential Professional Partnerships This student is already connected with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist (CSWMFT) Board as she is a licensed clinical social worker. By this time next year she will be applying for her independent licensure and will have her LISW. This worker realizes that although the CSWMFT Board is not a faith-based organization it does have a set of standards and boundaries. Furthermore, it allows her to legally reach a population of people in counseling and the helping profession that she may not otherwise see at her church. The struggle is that in order to keep her job she cannot disregard the religious beliefs and life practices of those she encounters and works with. This is why it’s important to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The worker has to allow God to use her where she is at professionally in a way that still shows His light (ie. love, compassion, forgiveness, etc.) even if His voice or speaking about salvation and faith is hindered. In order to maintain her credentials this student must obtain 30 CEUs every two years, pay bi-annual fees, and uphold the standards and ethics set before her according to the CSWMFT board. An organization that the student intends to become connected with is American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). The AAPC mission is “to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to individuals, families, and communities by expanding and equipping spiritually grounded and psychologically informed care, counseling, and psychotherapy” (American Association of Pastoral Counselors, 2014).The AAPC focuses on using spiritual resources and psychological understanding to assist others. Therefore, they connect the spiritual with the emotional and mental to help people heal. The student intends to seek membership into the AAPC to maintain a spiritual standard to follow. Membership is open to all who support AAPC’s mission to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to individuals, families, and communities (American Association of Pastoral Counselors, 2014). All certified members are required to participate in predetermined CEUs and pay appropriate fees and dues for membership. In consideration of a referral network this student would seek out Faith Alliance Bible Church (FABC). FABC has a strong counseling ministry. As their pastor is a certified biblical counselor, maintains a Master’s in theology, and is completing his Master’s in counseling. The church has a strong foundation and framework for pastoral counseling and is also linked with many resources in the area which may assist the student with referrals.
An Organization’s Ethical Guidelines As a counselor it is important to understand the ethical concerns within the field in which one works. According to Kollar (2011) there are seven ethical concerns that all people in the helping profession must adhere to: : 1) Know your limitations; 2) Counseling must be informed by a theoretical framework of identity formation and therapeutic assumptions; 3) The rights of the counselee are primary; 4) Refrain from dual relationships; 5) The counselee should be informed of responsibilities and limitations of the counseling relationship; 6) The counselor must not become romantically or sexually intimate with a counselee; and 7) The counselor should not use any treatment procedures in which he/she has not been professionally trained (p. 267). These are basic standards a counselor should operate under. Many of these standards are similar to those addressed in each state by their licensing board for counselors, therapists and social workers. Johnson and Johnson (2000) explains the attitude one must have when adhering to these ethical standards. These principles include: 1) autonomy─the freedom of careseekers to choose their own direction; 2) beneficence─promoting the good of the careseeker; 3) nonmaleficence─doing no harm; and justice¬─fairness/equal treatment to all careseekers (Johnsons & Johnson, 2000, p. 205).
Pre-Counseling Package To be an effective counselor one must prepare. Therefore, one must have an adequate training and understanding of the spiritual and the psychological. That is why training and education are extremely important. Furthermore, one must understand that every counselee and situation is diverse. Therefore, they have to cater their approach and style to fit in within the framework of that individual or group they are working with. Most importantly one must operate under the guide of the Holy Spirit and allow God to initiate the change and transformation within the counselee and even the counselor. It is also important for a counselor to be prepared for each session. It is helpful to gather information about the counselee before one actually sits down with the counselee and the initial session begins. This is to help the counselor know and understand how to pray for the session and so they understand some background. To support her preparation the student has created a Pastoral Counseling Intake Form, Interview Worksheet, Ethical Guidelines, Informed Consent with Confidential Covenant, and an explanation of the Referral Process. All forms would be reviewed with the counselee upon the initial session. (See Appendix).
Conclusion
It is important that a counselor invites God into the therapeutic relationship and allows the Holy Spirit to freely move to transform. It is essential for the counselor to establish and maintain professional standards and guidelines and to make sure they operate within the framework in which they were trained. A counselor should develop partnerships with local organizations and professionals so they can provide the counselee with an effective helping network. This student is in the MA PACO program and is required to complete a background check for the PACO 699 Internship. She acknowledges and affirms the need to provide the church with trustworthy people to help others. Therefore, she agrees with the completion of a background check as a prerequisite for PACO 699. A background check along with the assignment has revealed the student’s need to prepare for each and every counseling opportunity.

References
American Association of Pastoral Counselors. (2014). About Us. Retrieved from American Association of Pastoral Counselors: www.aapc.org/about-us.aspx
Johnson, W. B., & Johnson, W. L. (2000). The pastor's guide to psychological disorders and treatments: A quick and easy reference source to understanding mental health disorders! New York: The Haworth Press.
Kollar, C. A. (2011). Solution-focused pastoral counseling: An effective short-term approach for getting people back on track (Updated & Expanded ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. (Original work published 1997)
Trull, J. E., & Carter, J. E. (2004). Ministerial ethics: Moral formation for church leaders (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. (Original work published 1993)
Turner, R. (2013). Referral: Safeguarding the integrity of the counseling relationship. Retrieved October 6, 2013, from Enrichment Journal Web site: http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/199803/048_referral.cfm

Biblical Counseling Intake Information
Please complete this form and return it to your biblical counselor 4-7 days before your first biblical counseling session so that he/she can be adequately prepared for the session.

*This information is confidential Demographic Infomation

Name: _______________________________________ Date: _____________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ Zip Code: _________________

Telephone Number Where You Can Be Reached: ______________________________

Age: _____ Gender: _____ Education in Years: _____ Religion: ________________ Marriage Data _____ Single; _____ Married; _____ Separated; _____ Divorced; ______ Widowed

How long? ______________

If divorced, please give date and how the marriage was dissolved:

______________________________________________________________________________ Describe your relationship with our spouse or ex-spouse. (If you are not married, please describe your relationship with your parents):________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________ Family Data

Do you have children? _____ How many? _____ How many living in your home? _________ Child’s Name/Age/Gender

______________________________________________________________________________ If you were reared by anyone other than your own parents, briefly explain:

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Did you have a good/bad relationship with your: Father: ________________________________

Mother: _________________________ Brother(s): __________________________

Sister(s): ________________________ Explain: ____________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________ Religious Data Denominational preference: _________________________________________

What church are you currently attending? _________________________________

Have you come to the place in your life where you can say that you know for certain that you

would go to be with God if you died? _____Yes; ____No Explain: ________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Have you received Jesus Christ as your Savior? _____ Yes; _____ No Explain:
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Do you read the Bible? _____ Never; _____ Occasionally; _____ Regularly Do you have personal devotions? ____ Never; ____ Occasionally; ____ Regularly

Health Data

Rate your health: _____ Very Good; _____ Good; _____ Average; Other: _________

Any health concerns: ______ Yes ______ No

If yes, explain: ____________________________________________________________

Circle any of the following words you believe describe you: Active Ambitious Self-Confident Persistent Nervous Hardworking Impatient Moody Often Blue Excitable Imaginative Calm Serious Easy Going Shy Good Natured Introvert Extrovert Likeable Leader Quiet Hard-Boiled Submissive Sensitive Self-Conscious Lonely Bereaved Fearful Self-doubt Guilt Adultery Frigid Homosexual Angry Loss of Love Suicidal Loss of Hope Loss of Faith Loss of Meaning Marriage Problems

Have you ever thought about suicide? _____ Yes; _____ No; If yes, explain: _______________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Do you ever simply want to run away? _____ Yes; _____ No; If yes, explain: ______________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Basic Problem Identification 1. What is the problem that brings you here? ________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

2. What have you done about it in the past? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. What do you seek from this counseling? ________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 4. What circumstances led you to coming here at this point in time? __________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ 5. Is there any other information you think we should know? _________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

I understand that I alone am responsible for any decision I make regarding my life and that the biblical counselor I see at this biblical counseling ministry cannot and will not make my decisions for me. _____________________________________ _________________________
Counselee’s Signature Date

(Adapted from: Harvest Community Church, 2014)

Ethical Guidelines
 The rights of the counseled are to be the first consideration. The counselor should be the model of spiritual and emotional health. If unable to fulfill this task the counselor should make an adequate referral.

 The counselor must make every effort to refrain from dual relationships. A therapeutic counseling relationship with family and friends should be avoided. A referral may be made to ensure proper relationship is maintained.

 The counselor should be led by God’s spirit and allow God to lead each session. Therefore, the counselor should pray and study the Bible to ensure that he/she is adequately prepared to help the counselee.

 The counselor must be qualified to counsel and professionally trained in the areas where he/she is providing service. Sharing scripture and being led by God’s spirit while commonly used by pastors is not sufficient to be deemed professional counseling. Therefore, the counselor must maintain licensure and certification requirements for his/her field and scope of practice.

 The counselor should be in tune to his/her limitations and should not initiate counseling to those he/she is untrained to help. A referral may be made to the appropriate trained minster or professional.

 All communication between the counselor and the counselee during sessions and pertaining to the personal life of the counselee is confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone, unless it involves potential harm to human life, violates the law, or written consent has been given.

 At no time will the counselor enter into a romantic or sexually intimate relationship with a counselee.

Informed Consent with Confidentiality Covenant
I understand the counseling sessions will not exceed 5 sessions and will last approximately 60 minutes in length. I understand that I may be asked to complete assignments that might include; surveys, reading, journaling, praying, changing behavioral patterns, etc. I understand that I am responsible for my own words, thoughts, and actions. I recognize that I may make my own decisions regarding my counseling and treatment.
I understand the qualifications of my counselor and I understand the limits of this counselor and that a referral may be required for ultimate problem resolution. It is still my choice to pursue the recommendation of meeting with this counselor. I understand the counselor may terminate the counseling relationship at any time.
I understand that the counselor will take and use notes during the counseling session and that these notes will be kept confidential. I understand the limits of confidentiality. I understand that the counselor may have to make a report to another agency if I discuss placing myself or others at imminent risk or harm.

Counselee/Guardian Signature: _____ _ Date: ____

As a counselor, I am privileged to journey through this season of life with you. I assure you that I have participate in the proper training and education to assist you as a counselor. If at any time I am unable to assist you or incompetent in an area in which you need assistance I will make a referral to organization or person with whom I trust to provide care for you.
I will remain nonpartisan and will strive to be an attentive listener. I will respect you and be empathic toward your needs. I will be professional, timely, and operate according to the standards and guidelines of the AAPC and the CSWMFT.
I pledge to you that I will allow the Holy Spirit to lead each session and that I will not operate outside of the Word of God. I pledge to you if I am not adequately prepared I will reschedule until a later time to ensure you receive my best efforts. I will do my absolute best to ensure that you meet and recognize God in this process and ultimately you benefit from God’s love for you as a hoped for result of your healing.

Counselor Signature: _________Date:

Referral Process
Scriptural Text
“For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3, NASB).
Be Aware that I Have Limitations
As a counselor it is my responsibility to operate within my scope of practice. Therefore, I have to remain aware of my limitations. It is dishonest and a disservice to those seeking help to operate outside of the parameters set forth before me as a professional. Therefore, I must have a network to refer counselees to when I am unable to assist them in therapy.
Understand Why a Referral may be Necessary
A counselor should refer a counselee to provide the church member or counselee with competent care and. The counselor must understand their competencies and limitations. Once the counselor is unable to assist the counselee or becomes too invested in the circumstances of the counselee it is wise to refer the counselee to someone better able to assist him/her.
When Do I Refer
1. When a lack of expertise or training results in an inability to provide professional assistance to a person.
2. When a dual relationship exists between the counselor and the counselee (e.g., close friends, family members, or employees over whom the counselor has an administrative or supervisory position).
3. When the counselee is no longer being helped by the counseling relationship.
Some specific types of persons that warrant referral are persons:

• who are suicidal or are a threat to others,
• who are unable to manage their lives and are no longer effective at home or on the job,
• who have addictions,
• whose thinking is confused, sluggish, or irrational,
• who are experiencing sexual dysfunction.

To Whom Might You Be Referred
It is important for the counselor to have a sufficient network of people to refer counselees to. The network should include those who provide professional counseling services, attorneys, physicians, real estate agents, and financial planners.

How Do I Refer
The counselor should inform those she counsels of the potential for referral to another professional. The counselor should reassure that counselee that it is in his/her best interest as the solution lies beyond the counselor’s expertise. The counselor should provide the counselee with the name and phone number of the professional and advise them to contact them to set an appointment, call the professional and alert them of the pending referral, and follow up to ensure the appointment was kept.

(Adapted from: Enrichment Journal.ag.org.199803/048_referral.cfm; Turner, 2013)