The College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP) focuses on a holistic approach to pastoral care, emphasizing the “Recovery of Soul.” The institution offers comprehensive Clinical Pastoral Training (CPT) to equip chaplains with the skills needed for effective emotional and spiritual support. CPSP also emphasizes the importance of family-centric care and collaboration with medical professionals. The organization’s legacy is deeply rooted in the pioneering work of Anton T. Boisen and other key figures. They offer various training modules, developmental workshops, and community engagement initiatives. The website also features testimonials that highlight the transformative impact of CPSP’s approach.
Our structure, built on relationships, offers a novel perspective to organizational hierarchy. With governance rooted in chapters, CPSP thrives as a conglomerate of communities. Each chapter, a close-knit family of professionals, reinforces values of personal authority, creativity, and grace, reflecting our motto of “Recovery of Soul.”
Our commitment to diversity is not a mere statement; it’s an ethos embedded deep within. CPSP stands as a mosaic of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. From training programs to leadership echelons, our dedication to representation is unwavering, ensuring a holistic approach to pastoral care.
The College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP) has been a beacon of transformative pastoral care for decades. This presentation aims to take you through the pivotal moments and key figures that have shaped CPSP’s unique approach to pastoral care, integrating spirituality, psychology, and medicine. From its early 20th-century roots to its modern-day impact, this journey illuminates the organization’s commitment to holistic healing and the “Recovery of Soul.”
The Dawn of Change
The early 20th century was a watershed moment in the realms of religion, psychology, and medicine. It was during this period that the seeds for CPSP were sown. Influential figures like Sigmund Freud and Harry Stack Sullivan collaborated with pioneers in the field, laying the groundwork for an integrative approach that would later become the cornerstone of CPSP's philosophy.
Anton T. Boisen
Anton T. Boisen was not just a theologian; he was a visionary who dared to explore the uncharted territories of the human mind. His work in the 1920s and 1930s challenged traditional religious views, proposing that religious experiences and some forms of mental illness could be interconnected. Boisen's revolutionary ideas set the stage for the future of CPSP, inspiring a new generation of pastoral caregivers.
Collaborative Milestones
The 1930s and 1940s were decades of collaboration and intellectual exchange. Anton T. Boisen engaged with Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, and Harry Stack Sullivan, an expert in interpersonal theory. These partnerships not only expanded the horizons of pastoral care but also enriched it by incorporating psychoanalytical theories and emphasizing the importance of human interactions in healing.
The Biopsychological Link
Helen Flanders Dunbar was another pivotal figure who left an indelible mark on the field of pastoral care. During the 1940s and 1950s, she introduced the concept of biopsychology, which emphasized the intricate relationship between emotional states and physical well-being. Her work accentuated Anton T. Boisen's belief in holistic healing, further solidifying the integrative approach that CPSP would later adopt.
The Evolution of Pastoral Care
As the 20th century drew to a close, the focus of pastoral care began to shift dramatically. It was no longer about adhering to rigid religious constructs; it was about healing souls, nurturing minds, and understanding the intricate dance between faith and psyche. This period marked the crystallization of CPSP's modern philosophy, emphasizing therapeutic pastoral care and holistic well-being.
Legacy into Action: The Formation of CPSP
In 1990, Raymond Lawrence and Perry Miller took the bold step of founding CPSP. Their mission was clear: to bring Anton T. Boisen's vision to life in a contemporary setting. They emphasized the "Recovery of Soul" and pastoral psychotherapy, creating a bridge between traditional pastoral care and modern clinical therapy. Their work has had a lasting impact, shaping the future of CPSP and the field of pastoral care as a whole.
The concept of "Recovery of Soul" serves as the philosophical cornerstone of CPSP's approach to pastoral care. It goes beyond mere symptom relief, aiming for a holistic restoration of the individual's emotional, spiritual, and psychological well-being. Rooted in the belief that each interaction should resonate with genuine care and competence, "Recovery of Soul" encapsulates the transformative power of pastoral therapy in nurturing not just the mind, but the soul as well.
Governance at CPSP reflects our inherent values of transparency, accountability, and democracy. Our Governing Council, a fusion of the Chapter of Chapters, Chapter of Diplomates, and the Executive Chapter, orchestrates harmony, ensuring a strategic and soulful direction for CPSP’s endeavors.
The committees within our organization serve as the backbone of our initiatives and the catalysts for our ongoing evolution. Comprising dedicated professionals from various disciplines, these committees work in unison to uphold our mission, drive innovation, and ensure the highest standards of pastoral care. From policy-making to community outreach, they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization.
