Pastoral Care & Pastoral Counseling

The professional pastoral care provider knows that people infected or affected by HIV/AIDS have physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions to their lives. Our goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental presence that compassionately “listens patients into speech.” With the patient’s faith tradition setting the parameters, that depth of sharing is often from the person’s spiritual center. As in any life threatening illness, questions often surface about how God is present in the face of suffering, ways to cope with grief and loss, and examining a framework of self acceptance and hope.

Our chaplains maintain confidentiality and provide a supportive context within which patients can discuss their concerns. We can assist with:

• Grief and loss counseling
• Risk screening- identifying persons whose religious/spiritual conflicts may compromise recovery or satisfactory adjustment
• Crisis intervention
• Spiritual assessment
• Communication with caregivers
• Assisting individuals in drawing upon their spiritual resources
• Helping the person discover hope and meaning as a source of energy
• Connecting the person with his/her faith community
  

AIDS FAMILY SERVICES OFFERS:

Individual Couple & Family Counseling / Pastoral Care Support Groups / Education

"AFS’ Director of Pastoral Care compassionately
assists a client in need."