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GCM is providing this information for all non-licensed counselors who do spiritual care as a part of their field ministry work with GCM. These guidelines are being given in order to reduce the risk to GCM missionaries and GCM as an organization. GCM’s ministry is not intended to help to train or develop counselors.

1.  Pastoral/Spiritual Care vs. Licensed Counseling

• The best thing you can do is make it very clear you are not a professional counselor of any kind unless you have a specific license. 
• Avoid giving a medical diagnosis of their physical or mental condition or giving medical advice about any medications they are taking.
• If asked for a diagnosis on their mental state is, you can say, "Unfortunately, I am not a licensed counselor, so if you are concerned about your mental state I can refer you to an area counselor (or I would encourage you to see a professional counselor).”
• Avoid using the title of "counseling" if you're not licensed. For example, avoid the title "Pre-Marriage Counseling" if the pastor or missionary doing the sessions is not licensed.

2.  Avoid promising anything that you cannot commit to. Also, avoid committing GCM or your local church resources to that which you may have no authority to do. 

     For example:

• “I will always be there for you.”
• “I will be like your…. (dad, mom, sister, etc….).”
• “I’m totally certain that our pastors will meet with you.”
• “Our church will support you financially until you get back on your feet.”

4.  Avoid any improper physical contact.

5.  Be very conscience of setting realistic expectations. In general, you should avoid promising unconditional confidentiality because you may not be able to guarantee it. If you have any questions regarding this, it may be good to consult your local pastor.     

6.  GCM encourages each church or ministry to have written guidelines and standards to be used in meeting with members of the opposite gender.

7.  Avoid spiritual care sessions with minors that is out of anyone else's sight and alone. It is best to conduct the session in a public setting (like a coffee shop), in a space with a window that looks into the room, or on a pew/seat in the church out of the hearing of anyone else. The meeting may require the presence of another staff person or trusted church member during the session.

8.  Have a referral network of licensed professional counselors in our area.

9.  Each church, ministry and staff member should be aware of the Duty To Report requirements of their particular state. For example, if a person intends to hurt themselves or someone else or if there are elderly or children in danger there could be a responsibility of the missionary to report this to an appropriate agency.  You should not assume a church or clergy exception without prior, written verification.

10.  Here are some examples of dealing with someone with conditions where caution is recommended. (NOTE: This list is not meant to be exhaustive).

• Minors (< age 18)
• Very easily pressured by others
• Hypochondriac
• Very narcissistic
• Borderline Personality Disorder – inability to control one’s own emotions
• Repressed memories
• Dissociative disorders
• Suicidal
• History of abuse
• Custody battles and contested divorce
• Prior litigation or lawsuit history
• Break or disregard laws with impunity
• Non-attender of your church