Pastoral Counseling Programs

Ministry is a demanding profession. The great and small stresses of life and the give and take of parish ministry can be challenging. The Southern New England Conference is committed to the well-being of its Authorized Minsters and to providing support for those who provide leadership to the church. Thanks to the generosity of historic benefactors, we are able to provide Authorized Ministers with standing in an Association of the Southern New England Conference, and their spouses/life partners/significant others, with a short-term, three-session consultation for stabilization and referral.

The service is clinical, in response to the immediate needs of each Authorized Minister and is offered from a model of pastoral, familial care. Situations which might lead to a request for this consultation include, but are not limited to, depression, burnout, loss, grief, boundary violations, questions of call and vocation, gender issues, conflict resolution, circumstances of extreme stress, issues of self-worth, etc. Confidentiality will be maintained around these processes.

The following resources are available:

Individuals enrolled in the UCC Pension Boards Health Care Plan have access to the Member Assistance Program + Work/Life Program, or MAP+Work/Life, offered through West Health Advocate Solutions, a leading clinical health advocacy company. This is a no-cost benefit that provides confidential access to a Licensed Professional Counselor or Work/Life Specialist. Through in-person visits, and unlimited, confidential phone consultations, these specialists can walk members through any of life’s temporary setbacks. More information, including how to schedule an appointment, is available at: https://www.pbucc.org/index.php/menu-news-sep/latest-news/1038-pbucc-introduces-the-new-map-work-life-benefit
Authorized Ministers with standing in Connecticut and Rhode Island may receive up to three counseling sessions per year at no charge through a program administered by Rev. Dr. Bonnie Scott. Dr. Scott will arrange for the three free counseling sessions with herself or another counselor. At the conclusion of the three free sessions, if additional counseling or therapy is necessary, the counselor will work with the Authorized Minister to help identify available resources. To schedule counseling, please contact Dr. Scott by email at dr.bonnie.scott@gmail.com or by phone at 781-589-6400.
Authorized Ministers with standing in Massachusetts can schedule counseling through the New England Pastoral Institute or the Pastoral Counseling Centers of Massachusetts. Funding is provided by the Board for Ministerial Assistance. More information is available at Board of Ministerial Aid - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)