About Pastoral Counseling
At Still Waters Counseling and Education Center, we believe there are times when people need a place to speak honestly about what they are carrying, consider how their faith speaks into their circumstances, and receive guidance from someone with deep biblical knowledge and pastoral experience.
Pastoral counseling offers adults compassionate, faith-based support as they seek wisdom, encouragement, and hope through life’s challenges.
What Is Pastoral Counseling?
Pastoral counseling is a ministry service provided by a licensed minister. It brings biblical truth, spiritual guidance, prayer, and thoughtful conversation into the counseling relationship.
Pastoral counseling considers both the circumstances a person is facing and the spiritual questions that may arise from them. It provides space to reflect on those experiences within the context of Christian faith and consider a faithful way forward.
How Pastoral Counseling Can Help
Pastoral counseling may be helpful for adults facing:
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Caregiving
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Grief and loss
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Relationship concerns
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Spiritual questions or struggles
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Ministry challenges
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Major life transitions
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Questions of identity, purpose, or direction
You do not need to be in crisis or know exactly what you need before reaching out. Pastoral counseling can begin wherever you are.
What Happens During Pastoral Counseling?
You bring your story, questions, and concerns. Your pastoral counselor will listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and help you consider what Scripture and Christian faith may offer in the circumstances you are facing.
Sessions may include biblical reflection, spiritual guidance, encouragement, and prayer when desired. The process is shaped by your needs, concerns, and goals.
How Is Pastoral Counseling Different From Christian Mental Health Counseling?
Pastoral counseling is a faith-based ministry service provided by a licensed minister. It offers a place to speak honestly about what you are carrying, explore how biblical truth speaks into your circumstances, and receive spiritual guidance, encouragement, and prayer. It can help you seek clarity, discernment, purpose, and a faithful way forward through life’s questions and challenges.
Christian mental health counseling is provided by a licensed mental health therapist and combines evidence-based clinical care with the thoughtful integration of Christian faith.
Although both forms of counseling may include conversations about faith, Scripture, and spiritual concerns, they serve different purposes. Pastoral counseling does not include psychotherapy or the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.
If you are unsure which type of counseling would best meet your needs, our team will be happy to help you decide.
Meet Our Pastoral Counselor
Dr. Bill Brunson brings more than 35 years of pastoral ministry and leadership experience to Still Waters. He holds a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.
Throughout his ministry, Bill has walked alongside individuals and families through joys, questions, losses, and difficult seasons. He has a special interest in supporting caregivers, people experiencing grief or spiritual struggles, and clergy and others serving in ministry roles.
Availability and Fees
Pastoral counseling is available to adults in person at our Mountain Brook office and by secure video throughout Alabama.
Pastoral counseling is private pay and is not billed to insurance. Sliding-scale rates are available.