Soulful Presence Welcome

Whither pastoral counseling … or spiritually integrated counseling … or ACPE psychotherapists … or whatever the myriad descriptions (both adjectives and nouns) that we use to describe who we are and the work that we do? I have enjoyed participating in the formation of a Commission and membership within ACPE named “Psychotherapy.” I was a Fellow in AAPC for many years even though my primary livelihood and identify were much more connected to ACPE education. As a staff member for ACPE I supported the transition task force that made initial decisions about how to receive AAPC members into ACPE and how to shape the initial work of that group. Later I was elected as a Commission member. Through these iterations, I have frequently wondered, how do the various names and adjectives that we apply to our work matter? Undoubtedly, they matter, but how? 

I was reminded of the importance of attending to naming while reading the most recent book by Thomas Moore, Soul Therapy. I have been a Moore groupie since the publication of Care of the Soul, just a few years ago. I am enough of a groupie that when I downsized my library 3 years ago, I kept my collection of his books intact, though I think my hospice chaplain daughter absconded with a couple (giving me great joy). He names “soul” as the essential focus. 

Moore writes, “Remember always that being in the presence of soul is the main point of psychotherapy, soul care, whether it’s done in the therapist’s office or between friends at lunch.” (p. 29) How skilled is the counselor, therapist, educator with engaging soul, her own soul, the soul of the seeking client, the soul of friend, spouse, and child. The stories we hear and the stories we tell reveal deep and sometimes broken soul. And whatever adjectives and nouns we apply to our work, soul presence is what really matters if human spirit is to be healed. 

Thus, I believe that the work of the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission will use a variety of tools to nurture hunger for and expertise in soul care. Some will come to that work with deep religious identity and connections. Others will come with little or no conscious religious impulse but deep concern for soul. Various forms of theology, philosophy, and practice will gather at the table. I deeply hope that new forms, skills, and commitments will coalesce to be present to soul in our families, communities (including the ACPE community), and world - all of which are in such deep need of soulful healing. We are needed, whatever our names. May we offer soulful conversations.