Job Description: Spiritual Counsellor

Position Title: Spiritual Counsellor

Department: Mental Health & Well-being / Pastoral Care

Reports To: Clinical Director / Lead Counsellor

Job Type: Full-time / Part-time / Contract

Position Summary

The Spiritual Counsellor provides holistic therapeutic support, integrating psychological and spiritual approaches to help individuals navigate emotional, mental, and existential challenges. Rooted in the principles of psychotherapy and spirituality, the role supports clients seeking meaning, healing, and personal growth. The counsellor serves individuals from diverse backgrounds and belief systems, ensuring inclusivity and ethical practice while fostering resilience and well-being.

Key Responsibilities

1. Client-Centered Spiritual and Psychological Counselling

  • Provide individual, couple, and group counselling integrating psychotherapy with spiritual perspectives.

  • Support clients experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, and existential crises.

  • Help clients explore personal values, beliefs, and purpose in life through a spiritually informed lens.

  • Utilize evidence-based therapeutic modalities (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Existential Therapy, and other integrative approaches).

2. Spiritual Guidance and Faith Integration

  • Offer spiritual accompaniment tailored to the client’s faith or philosophical perspective.

  • Assist individuals in deepening their spiritual lives and addressing spiritual distress.

  • Collaborate with faith leaders, chaplains, and interfaith communities as needed.

  • Provide non-denominational support to those exploring spiritual identity and existential meaning.

3. Ethical and Professional Practice

  • Adhere to ethical guidelines of psychotherapy and spiritual care organizations (e.g., Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, or other regulatory bodies).

  • Maintain client confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries.

  • Engage in self-reflection, peer supervision, and continuing education.

4. Crisis Support and Trauma-Informed Care

  • Provide immediate spiritual and emotional support to individuals in crisis, including those facing end-of-life situations, sudden loss, or traumatic events.

  • Employ trauma-informed approaches to counselling, ensuring a safe and compassionate space for healing.

  • Offer referrals to medical, psychological, and community resources when necessary.

5. Community Outreach and Education

  • Lead workshops and group sessions on topics such as grief support, mindfulness, spiritual resilience, and meaning-making.

  • Collaborate with healthcare institutions, religious organizations, and social service agencies to enhance holistic wellness services.

  • Develop and facilitate retreats, meditation groups, or pastoral counselling programs as appropriate.

6. Documentation and Administrative Duties

  • Maintain accurate and confidential case notes, treatment plans, and progress reports.

  • Prepare client assessments and referrals in accordance with organizational policies.

  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case discussions.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Training

  • Master’s degree in Psychotherapy and Spirituality, Counselling Psychology, Theology with a counselling focus, or a related field.

  • Clinical training in psychotherapy with a specialization in spiritual integration.

  • Certification or registration with a recognized professional body (e.g., CCPA).

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of the intersection between psychology and spirituality.

  • Ability to work with clients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

  • Skilled in active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental presence.

  • Knowledge of various therapeutic models, including spiritually integrated approaches.

  • Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care expertise.

  • Strong ethical decision-making and boundary-setting skills.

  • Excellent communication, group facilitation, and conflict resolution abilities.

Experience

  • Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in counselling, pastoral care, or spiritual direction.

  • Experience working in healthcare, community mental health, or faith-based settings is an asset.

Working Conditions

  • Work in a private practice, hospital, faith community, or mental health clinic.

  • May involve evening or weekend sessions to accommodate clients' needs.

  • Requires emotional resilience and self-care practices due to the nature of the work.

Salary & Benefits

  • Compensation based on experience, qualifications, and employment setting.

  • Opportunities for professional development and supervision.

  • Potential for flexible work arrangements, including remote counselling sessions.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references. Interviews will include a case study discussion and a demonstration of counselling techniques.