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GCM This information is providing this information for all non-licensed counselors who do spiritual care as a part of their field ministry work with GCMReliant. 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.
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