Program Overview
KPCC Clergy Training Program

KPCC's clergy training program is designed as a four semester course of study and practice to help area clergy improve their skills in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Because of the high quality of our training, completion of this course will qualify the clergy person for credentialing by the American Association of Pastoral Counselor for the designation of Pastoral Care Specialist.

The overall course is divided into four semesters. Each semester has a particular theoretical and technical emphasis. These are as follows.

Unit 1     Cognitive Behavioral Theory and Technique      Fall 2001         11 sessions
Unit 2     Systems Thinking and Technique                      Spring 2002      15 sessions
Unit 3     Solution Focused Approaches                          Fall 2002          11 sessions
Unit 4     Object Relations and Pychodynamics               Spring 2003      15 sessions

The program meets weekly on Tuesday mornings. The mornings are divided into two sections.

9.00 - 10.30       Large Group Didactic
10.40 - 12.00     Small Group Supervision (this time may be negotiable)

Expectations of participants includes attendance, participation, preparation, and weekly presentation in supervision. While tapes or verbatums are preferred in supervision, participants may use supervision time to discuss any matter relevant to their life and/or ministry. Reading assignments will be no more the ten pages per week. There will usually be a small experiential homework assignment.

The primary instructor of the program is Dr. Sky Kershner, Director of the Center. Dr. Kershner is a Diplomat in AAPC and Approved Supervisor in AAMFT. Additional instruction and small group supervision is provided by senior members of the KPCC staff: Dr. Judith Smith Wilkinson (Fellow AAPC and Certified Spiritual Director), Sister Rose Ann Hefner (AAPC Member and Certified Spiritual Director), and Rev. Tom Price.

The cost of the program is $300 per fall semester unit, and $350 per spring semester unit. Participants can enter the program at the beginning of any of the four units, and can leave at any point. There are no refunds for early withdrawal. A stipend is available for those qualified clergy who are interested in receiving clinical experience as a Resident. Residents counsel from one to five clients at the Center per week. The stipend compensates the Resident at an starting rate of $15 per client hour. Full attendance of the program is required for all Residents.

A completed application with full payment of the tuition is required before acceptance as a participant in the program. A second application and qualifying interview is required before acceptance as a stipended Resident.

For more information or an application, call Sky Kershner at 346-9689 or visit our website at
www.kpcc.com    Clergy Training - Participant Application