Public ministry can be immensely rewarding. However, for clergy and their family, there can be tensions and conflicts which may arise. Living on the job and in a house you perhaps wouldnt have chosen, together with the lack of clearly defined time off, can all make costly demands. Clergy also face all the same personal sadness and challenge that life can bring, as those they serve. Knowing there is additional support available can make a big difference.
Professional support and counselling for clergy is available. If you think you could benefit from some professional support / counselling you can access this confidentially through Revd Jordan Ling.
If you contact Jordan, she will first discuss your situation with you, and together decide the right way forward. This usually means a meeting, which will be followed by on going support if required, which may include counselling.
Counselling offers a safe and confidential place in which to reflect, without rush, on issues that are concerning you. Counsellors are trained to listen and engage in a sympathetic, respectful and non-judgemental way with how a person is feeling, to provide a safe and confidential environment for reflection. All counsellors are DBS checked and registered with their appropriate Professional body.
Costs of counselling support for clergy
The Diocese of Bristol will pay for up to six sessions with a professional counsellor. We then ask you to touch base with your diocesan Ministerial Support contact to review the situation. If further sessions may be needed, we assess this need together.
Professional counsellors and psychotherapists used by the Diocese of Bristol
In order to be supported with some diocesan funding, all counsellors and psychotherapists working with clergy will need to be listed by the Diocese through Revd Jordan Ling in the Mission & Ministry Support Team, showing both their professional CV and also that they are fully registered members of the BACP or the UKCP.
If clergy receive recommendations of counsellors, please check with Revd Jordan Ling in the Mission & Ministry Support Team that they are known to the Diocese of Bristol.