What is Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), and how does it work?
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a professional education program that focuses on the development of individuals as spiritual caregivers. CPE programs are typically offered in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, hospices, and nursing homes. They are designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to become effective spiritual caregivers.
CPE programs are open to individuals from all faith traditions or no tradition. Students are encouraged to explore their beliefs and values as part of the learning process. The programs use a cohort model, where students meet regularly with a small group of peers to share experiences and provide mutual support.
The primary goal of CPE is to enhance the personal and professional development of the student as a spiritual caregiver. The program is designed to provide students with opportunities for self-reflection and self-awareness and to develop pastoral skills such as active listening, empathetic communication, and ethical decision-making. CPE programs involve supervised clinical work with patients and families and regular group and individual supervision with a certified supervisor.
CPE programs are typically offered in three levels: Level I, Level II, and Supervisory Education. Level I CPE is an introduction to spiritual care and provides students with the foundational skills needed to begin clinical work. Level II CPE is a more advanced program that builds on the skills learned in Level I and includes more in-depth clinical work. Supervisory Education is for individuals who have completed Level II and are interested in becoming certified CPE supervisors themselves.
In this article, we will explore the history and purpose of CPE, the different levels of CPE programs, the curriculum and structure of CPE, the benefits of completing a CPE program, and the job opportunities available for those who complete a CPE program.
The History and Purpose of Clinical Pastoral Education
The roots of CPE can be traced back to the early 20th century in Massachusetts. The Rev. Anton T. Boisen, a Presbyterian minister who had experienced a mental breakdown and sought to integrate his own experiences into his ministry, established the first CPE program in 1925 at Worcester State Hospital. Boisen believed that the traditional seminary model of education did not adequately prepare Christian clergy for the challenges they would face in providing pastoral care to people in crisis. He developed a new model of education that combined academic study with clinical experience, which became the foundation of the CPE program. (For an excellent history of CPE, check out the book Trust the Process by the Rev. Stephen King.)
The purpose of CPE is to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to provide effective spiritual care in various settings, including healthcare, military, and corrections. The program is designed to be an experiential learning process that allows students to reflect on their own experiences and beliefs while learning from their peers and supervisors.
Levels of Clinical Pastoral Education Programs
CPE programs are typically offered in three levels: Level I, Level II, and Supervisory Education.
Level I and II CPE involve 300 hours of supervised clinical work with patients and families and 100 hours of group and individual supervision with a certified supervisor.
Level I CPE is an introduction to spiritual care designed for individuals new to the field. The program provides students with the foundational skills for effective clinical work, such as active listening, empathetic communication, and ethical decision-making.
Level II CPE is a more advanced program that builds on the skills learned in Level I and includes more in-depth clinical work, self-reflection, and study. Level II CPE is designed for individuals interested in further developing their spiritual care skills and who have already completed Level I CPE.
Supervisory Education is for individuals who have completed Level II and are interested in becoming certified CPE supervisors. The program is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to supervise CPE students. Supervisory Education typically takes three to five years to complete. It involves supervised clinical and educational work and regular group and individual supervision with a certified supervisor.
The Curriculum and Structure of Clinical Pastoral Education
The curriculum of CPE programs is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to provide effective spiritual care. The curriculum typically includes topics such as:
Theology and spiritual care