American Association of Pastoral CounselorsThe American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), founded in 1963, was an organization dedicated to the professional development, certification, and support of pastoral counselors in the United States. Over the decades, AAPC played a crucial role in establishing standards for the specialized training and practice of pastoral counseling.
Pastoral counseling is a form of therapy that integrates both psychological and theological methods in its approach. It's offered by clergy who are trained in mental health or professional counselors who are trained in psycho-spiritual integration. The main goal of pastoral counseling is to provide holistic care, addressing the mind, body, and spirit of individuals seeking help. These counselors often serve in religious settings but also work in clinical and private practice settings and are trained to counsel people from various faith backgrounds (or those with no religious affiliation at all). Throughout its existence, AAPC worked towards promoting the understanding and acceptance of pastoral counseling as a valuable modality for mental and spiritual health. The association also ensured that pastoral counselors were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide competent care that met both clinical and ethical standards.
Prism Counseling & Coaching (then known as Arizona Christian Counseling) was formally an Institutional Member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors before the organization consolidated with ACPE (the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) in 2019. AAPC now exists within the organization as the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission. Rev. Tres Adames (our director) served on the board of the AAPC Pacific Region during this transition and was one of the founding developers of the Pastoral Care Specialist program, originally developed by AAPC, but now offered through ACPE. Rev. Adames also served on the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission in 2020 and 2021. |
A video from 1995 about the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Hosted by former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a leading advocate for mental health.
American Association of Pastoral Counselors Code of EthicsEven though AAPC consolidated with ACPE in 2019, the AAPC Code of Ethics is still utilized and taught in the ACPE Pastoral Care Specialist program. Click the button below to download and read the ethical code. The document is in PDF format.
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American Association of Pastoral Counselors Certification
For several decades, AAPC provided training and the certification of pastoral counselors. Because of the rise of state-licensing and regulation around counseling and psychotherapy, AAPC ceased it certification program several years before consolidating with ACPE in 2019. However, through the leadership and development of the Psychotherapy Commission, ACPE now offers two continuing education programs for clinical and pastoral professionals:
These programs continue the legacy of AAPC by equipping clergy in mental health first aid and by training professional counselors in spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. Prism Counseling & Coaching regularly hosts an offering of the PCS program, which is offered twice a year and available to take online. Click below to learn more:
- The Pastoral Care Specialist (PCS) program for pastors, church leaders, and pastoral care professionals
- The Spiritually-Integrated Psychotherapy (SIP) program for state-licensed therapists
These programs continue the legacy of AAPC by equipping clergy in mental health first aid and by training professional counselors in spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. Prism Counseling & Coaching regularly hosts an offering of the PCS program, which is offered twice a year and available to take online. Click below to learn more:
