Pastoral Counselor Training in Russia.

Pastoral counseling is a significant function for pastors not only in the context of the church in the U.S. but internationally as well. This paper provides details about positive and negative factors related to training pastoral counselors in Russia. There has been little programmatic counselor training for pastors in Russia. The sting of the Soviet era, cultural influences, the church as a social force, and training resources, are among the issues influencing training. Directions for research and resource development are offered to encourage Russian nationals as well as Westerners to continue efforts to strengthen pastoral counselor training. The purpose of this paper is to inform educators and trainers teaching in the field of pastoral counseling about the state of Russian pastoral counselor education today. This paper is intended to stimulate a dialogue among individuals working in the field, in order to promote progress in the development of pastoral counseling in the Russian church.