Clinical Pastoral Education

Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is an intensive experiential educational program for those interested in developing their clinical skills. Key areas for learning include integrating theology into pastoral practice, formation as a religious leader, and self-reflection and knowledge. CPE can be an excellent tool for discernment, self-care and renewal. Self Regional Healthcare provides a great environment for CPE students to work in.

CPE programs within Self Regional Healthcare are rooted in a vision of care that arises from an understanding of human beings as whole persons within relationships to God, themselves, their families and the society in which they live. The CPE programs are designed to encourage personal growth in a professional ministry. Students have the opportunity to develop their resources for theological integration, pastoral reflection, pastoral formation and pastoral competence.

The Self Regional Healthcare CPE Center is accredited by The College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP).

Successful units of training are registered with ACPE. Some seminaries and faith groups also offer credit toward degrees or field education.

Educational Method

CPE is a method of theological education that examines care in an acute setting. The student begins by contracting with a supervisor for learning based on their individual goals. Individual supervision, small group discussion and interdisciplinary dialogue are major program resources. These resources assist students to deepen their appreciation of the human predicament and to recognize the resources for ministry that reside in their unique life histories, spiritual pilgrimages and ministry experience. The emphasis is on converting experience into learning. The peer-learning group contributes to enriched reflection upon pastoral experience and to that quality of community, which supports professional growth. In tum, this enriched reflection leads to the integration of person, pastoral role, belief and knowledge. CPE calls upon students to be with people in times of crisis and loss. They learn to assess the needs and resources people have for wholeness and well-being and to encourage healing and wholeness in themselves and those for whom they care.

CPE units offered

We offer CPE as a year long residency (paid) and as single unit internships and externships (unpaid). Single unit internships are 10-12 weeks, full time, with weekly on calls. Single unit externships are 6 months, two days per week, with bi-weekly on calls. Both internships and externships will comprise of at least 100 education hours and 300 clinical hours. Our center does not charge a tuition fee or require book purchases for any CPE classes.

Year-long CPE residency

This program provides advanced clinical training in spiritual care and prepares clergy for careers in pastoral caregiving and chaplaincy. This comprehensive program requires a full, 40-hour work week, including overnight on-call shifts. Prerequisites typically include completion of one unit of CPE and a graduate theological degree. Equivalencies may be offered based on experience on a case-by-case basis. This program includes: four units CPSP accredited Clinical Pastoral Education, a stipend, paid time off, and full Self Regional Team Member benefits. First and second year residencies are offered.

Application Procedure

  • Applications are accepted year-round, with rolling enrollment
  • Complete the CPE Application and return to spiritualcare@selfregional.org
  • Once a completed application packet is received, eligible students may be contacted to schedule an admissions interview

Download Application PDF 2024

Click here to view the Self Regional CPE Student Handbook

Click here to view the 2020 Annual Notice

Contact

The Spiritual Care & Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Department

Email us at spiritualcare@selfregional.org

(864) 725-4158