Clinical Pastoral Education

[jdavis]

I have just started my first unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at a 1100 resident facility in Milwaukee. It offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing care and hospice. Has anyone had this type of training and if so do you have any advice for me.

john

[Tracy]

I've done one unit of CPE--as a hospital chaplain. It is very rewarding, and you will learn a lot about yourself. My one complaint is that there was way too much focus on introspection in our group sessions. We were forced to do what virtually amounted to psychotherapy on ourselves and each other. That drove me crazy. Other that that, it was a time of intense learning.

Keep us updated on how it goes!

[jdavis]

Thanks Tracy,

I think that self analysis is the basic format for all CPE. I know from the syllabus that it will be in ours. My class is very eclectic with everything from a Franciscan Order RC Priest to a Unitarian Universalist with a "life partner." This is going to be very interesting and challenging. Our focus will be geriatric ministry and end of life. As the saying goes"Y'all pray for me!"

john

[DGBrock]

I have completed four years (units) of CPE in a hospital setting since seminary.

It could be tough. Evaluation is not always easy. But, it is excellent training and experience.

I think every pastor should be required to have at least one unit of CPE every five years.