Moral Distress in Hospitals During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Survey Among 3,293 Healthcare Workers Within the German Network University Medicine

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between moral distress and mental health symptoms, socio-demographic, occupational, and COVID-19-related variables, and to determine differences in healthcare workers’ (HCW) moral distress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: Data from 3,293 HCW from a web-based survey conducted between the 20th of April and the 5th of July 2020 were analyzed. We focused on moral distress (Moral Distress Thermometer, MDT), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2, PHQ-2), anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, GAD-2), and increased general distress of nurses, physicians, medical-technical assistants (MTA), psychologists/psychotherapists, and pastoral counselors working in German hospitals.Results: The strongest correlations for moral distress were found with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, occupancy rate at current work section, and contact with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Nurses and MTA experienced significantly higher moral distress than physicians, psychologists/psychotherapists, and pastoral counselors. The average level of moral distress reported by nurses from all work areas was similar to levels which before the pandemic were only experienced by nurses in intensive or critical care units.Conclusion: Results indicate that moral distress is a relevant phenomenon among HCW in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of whether they work at the frontline or not and requires urgent attention.

Improving performance: what pastoral counselors can do?

Pastoral counselor performance is considered to impact on client wellbeing. The performance of pastoral counselors refers to their performance in doing counseling. This article explores the performance of pastoral counselors and strategies to improve it. The author examines the concepts and factors that contribute to the performance of counselors. Previous research on performance is reviewed. Based on this review, the author elaborates on some strategies that can help pastoral counselors improve their performance in carrying out pastoral counseling.

Significant Change in the North American Spiritual Care Education and Psychotherapy Movement

ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care and Education (previously Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) has received the membership of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) into an integrated organization. This integration may mark the beginning of an organizational trend.

Efforts to Overcome Countertransference in Pastoral Counseling Relationships

Countertransference is considered as a negative factor that may impede counseling relations but some assume that countertransference is a normal reaction. The purpose of this article is to explore countertransference in pastoral counseling and efforts to overcome it. The author examines the concepts, approaches, and structure of countertransference. Previous research is also reviewed. Based on this review, the author elaborates some strategies that can help pastoral counselors to overcome countertransference in their counseling practice.

Integrating Pastoral and Clinical Identities: A Narrative Inquiry of Pastoral Counselors

Narrative inquiry methodology was used to understand the lived experiences of two ordained pastoral counselors who obtained licensure as clinical mental health professionals, particularly in terms of their identity development and integration of pastoral and clinical identities. Data analysis from semi-structured interviews revealed rich experiences with five themes: the journey; God’s call; self and identity; the role of mentors; and relationships. Implications for research and practice associated with pastoral counseling and counselor education are discussed.

Emotional Connection of Military Couples after 16 Years of War: Integrating Pastoral Counseling and Evidence-Based Theory

Sixteen years of war created significant challenges for military couples and seems to contribute to their relational distress. Military couples seek out pastoral counselors for assistance with their relational distress. Many of these pastoral counselors are military chaplains or pastors serving close to military bases. The integration of pastoral counseling with evidence-based theory is presented as an option to serve military couples in their relational distress. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy is presented as an example.

Alternative Visions for Pastoral Work with LGBTQ Individuals, Families, and Communities: A Response

Multiple theological perspectives provide frameworks for pastoral work with lesbian, gay, bisesxual and trans individuals, families, and communities. One model is offered by those who argue for celibacy or heterosexual marriages for those who self-identify as part of LGBTQ communities. This article names other theologically grounded perspectives with the goal of inviting practitioners to broaden their understandings and wrestle with the implications of their theological and ethical stances. When reflecting on the intersection of spirituality and sexuality, the meaning of theological terms such as sin, contributions from queer theologians and pastoral counselors, and the limitations of binary categories common in our theological history, this article encourages pastoral counselors and spiritual care providers to re-examine theological assumptions they bring to their work. The article ends with questions and opportunities for ongoing pastoral theological work and reflection.