Courses

“Course-based PCE” is the normal learning mode for MDC students who take the MDC PCE unit as part of their MTS or MDiv program specializing in the practice of counselling and spiritual care. “Course-based PCE” is also the normal learning mode for MDC graduates who wish to participate in the MDC PCE unit but who lack the prerequisite courses in spiritual care and counselling. To receive credit for this integrative learning experience the student must attend and successfully complete both semesters of the PCE unit. The educational components of this integrative learning experience include attendance at scheduled supervision sessions at MDC (individual/dyadic supervision & group supervision), clinical practice experience, ethical/spiritual reflection, theory building, and reflecting on the “safe and effective use of self” (i.e., interpersonal relations). The student’s clinical work will be supervised by means of audio/video tapes and verbatims which will be shared within the supervision group. Students enrolled in a Basic unit of course-based PCE are expected to complete and document a minimum of 125 hours of direct client contact.

Advanced Pastoral Counselling Education (PCE) Units: Course-Based

“Course-based PCE” is the normal learning mode for MDC students who take an MDC Advanced PCE unit as part of their MTS or MDiv program specializing in the practice of counselling and spiritual care. To receive credit for this integrative learning experience the student must attend and successfully complete both semesters of the PCE unit. The educational components of this integrative learning experience include attendance at scheduled supervision sessions at MDC (individual/dyadic supervision & group supervision), clinical practice experience, ethical/spiritual reflection, theory building, and reflecting on the “safe and effective use of self” (i.e., interpersonal relations). The student’s clinical work will be supervised by means of audio/video tapes and verbatims which will be shared within the supervision group. Students enrolled in an Advanced unit of course-based PCE are expected to complete and document a minimum of 150 hours of direct client contact (Note: students whose goal is to be certified by CASC/ACSS are advised that they need to complete 500 hours of direct client contact at the Advanced level before they can proceed for certification).

Pastoral Counselling Education (PCE) Units: Unit-Based

“Unit-based PCE” is available to MDC students who take this PCE unit to supplement their studies in an advanced degree program (i.e., MA, DPT, PhD) who have previously completed a graduate program in counselling studies and who demonstrate they have completed the required coursework. Depending on enrollment, a graduate of MDC’s specialization in Counseling and Spiritual Care may be accepted as a “Unit-based PCE” student as long as they are not taking the place of a student who is currently registered in coursework at MDC. To receive credit for this integrative learning experience the student must attend and successfully complete both semesters of the PCE unit. The educational components of this integrative learning experience include attendance at scheduled supervision sessions at MDC (individual/dyadic supervision & group supervision), clinical practice experience, ethical/spiritual reflection, theory building, and reflecting on the “safe and effective use of self” (i.e., interpersonal relations). The student’s clinical work will be supervised by means of audio/video tapes and verbatims which will be shared within the supervision group.

• Individuals (e.g., Advanced degree students) enrolled in a Basic unit of course-based PCE are expected to complete and document a minimum of 125 hours of direct client contact.
• Individuals enrolled in an Advanced unit of course-based PCE are expected to complete and document a minimum of 150 hours of direct client contact (Note: students whose goal is to be certified by CASC/ACSS are advised that they need to complete 500 hours of direct client contact at the Advanced level before they can proceed for certification).

Knowing…

• To become aware, and demonstrate awareness, of one’s pastoral/spiritual presence in interdisciplinary relationships.
• To integrate the learnings of theology and the social / human sciences in understanding the human experience.

Being…

• To become aware of how one’s attitudes, values and assumptions affect one’s practice of practice of counselling or spiritual care.
• To become aware of one’s personhood in the practice of practice of counselling or spiritual care and of the ways one’s practice affects other persons, including sensitivity to ecumenical, multi-faith and multicultural issues.
• To develop the ability to utilize the peer group for support, dialogue and feedback in a way that integrates personal characteristics with professional functioning.
• To use individual and group supervision for personal and professional growth.

Doing…

• To demonstrate awareness of one’s personhood in the practice of practice of counselling or spiritual care and of the ways one’s practice affects other persons, including sensitivity to ecumenical, multi-faith and multicultural issues.
• To demonstrate awareness of how one’s attitudes, values and assumptions affect one’s practice of counselling or spiritual care.
• To use individual and group supervision for developing the capacity to evaluate one’s practice of counselling or spiritual care.
• To develop the ability to utilize the experiential method of learning.