DCPC (Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling)

In the context of stress and strain experienced by persons, families and communities following rapid social change and consequent collapse of support systems in the Indian society, the Senate of Serampore College offers the Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling to the Church so that those among its ranks, lay and ordained, may be equipped to participate effectively in the healing ministry of the church through theologically and psychologically sound training in counselling.

Clinical:

The word “Clinical” in the title of this diploma programme highlights the intention to equip the trainees to offer formal and systematic counselling service to the general public in an institutional setting. The setting may be that of a parish, counselling centre, hospital, educational institution or social work programme. Clinical does not exclusively refer to the hospital setting.

Pastoral:

“Pastoral” in the title of this diploma programme refers to the pastoral quality of the counselling ministry and not to the ordained status of the counsellor.

The Pastoral quality of the Counselling is derived from the counsellor’s (i) own identity with the totality of ministry of the Church and (ii) an awareness of God’s active presence in the counselling situation between the counsellee and the counsellor.

Objectives:

The objectives of the Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Counselling are:

• To provide an understanding of healing and wholeness from a Christian perspective;
• To provide an awareness of and sensitivity to the various areas of need for healing;
• To provide with disciplinary approach in dealing with issues in healing;
• To impart skills in Pastoral care and Counselling;
• To enable the development of attitudes and sensitivity to relate oneself in depth to those in need;
• To develop and enhance the inner strength and potential capabilities required for personal growth;
• To help, recognize and utilize the spiritual resources;
• To help understand Biblical vision of the church as the healing community and thereby enter creatively into the healing ministry of the Church;
• In all these, to emphasize the centrality of Christ while being sensitive to the religious plurality and spiritual traditions of India.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Prior to admission a candidate should have –
2. passed the B.Th./B.D. Degree of Serampore College or its recognized equivalent (academic)
3. completed 3 years in Pastoral Ministry (professional)
4. passed the Entrance Test and Interview conducted by the Institution approved by the Senate (aptitude).

OR

2. A person who holds a Bachelor Degree of a University and has completed at least three years of work experience or involvement in some form of Lay Ministry of the Church as determined by the admitting institution and subject to passing the aptitude test as under 1(c).

OR

3. ATA M. Div. Graduate with HSLC (+2) and above shall be allowed to join for DCPC program. Prior approval is required to identify ATA registered graduates.

Nature of the Course:

DCPC is a regular program. The candidate shall be in residence during the entire study period and shall not accept any other responsibility other than those assigned by the Centre. The Institution or persons directly responsible or appointed to supervise may require a candidate to be in attendance any time during the practical training.