Psychological Services
In his Apostolic exhortation, Pastores dabo vobis, Pope John Paul II speaks eloquently of human formation as the “basis of all priestly formation” (PDV, #43-44). Psychological counseling is one tool that may assist seminarians in their human and spiritual growth [Congregation for Catholic Education, Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in the Admission and Formation of Candidates for the Priesthood (29 June 2008), article 9; see also United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Program of Priestly Formation (fifth edition) articles 80 and 105]. The welfare and personal growth of the seminarian is the primary focus provided by the psychological services program at St. John’s Seminary.
Confidentiality
In matters of a therapeutic relationship, the seminary administration is committed to respecting the seminarian’s canonical right of privacy (canon 220) as well as observing of the ethical norms governing the confidentiality of privileged communications in a professional relationship. Before the release of information by the Director of Psychological Services or another counselor, the seminarian must sign a Consent for Release of Confidential Information Form. The release form identifies the person(s) to whom the information is to be released, the extent of the release, duration of the release, and the purpose of the intended use of the records. |
Initial Consultation
Upon admission to St. John’s Seminary, the seminarian working with his formation advisor prepares a growth plan in consultation with the Seminary’s Director of Psychological Services. This plan takes into account the information assembled during the Admissions process, including the psychological assessment undertaken at that time. The growth plan may or may not involve counseling with the Director of Psychological Services. If counseling is to be part of the growth plan, this fact is communicated to the Rector and the Director of Human Formation. Self-Initiated Consultation
The Director of Psychological Services is available to seminarians for counseling when sought by any seminarian as part of his ongoing growth. The seminarian’s personal spiritual director or formation advisor may recommend and encourage the seminarian to seek this assistance. The Director of Psychological Services makes no report about such consultations, although he would normally encourage the seminarian to process the essence of the work being done in counseling with both his formation advisor and spiritual director. Should the Director of Psychological Services believe it is warranted, he may encourage the seminarian to inform the Rector or may suggest that the seminarian sign a Consent for Release of Confidential Information Form enabling the Director to communicate insight about the seminarian’s growth to his formation advisor and his spiritual director and/or to the Director of Human Formation or Rector. |
Referral for Psychological Consultation
A seminarian may be referred to the Director of Psychological Services through the Rector. This may be done at the recommendation of the Director of Human Formation, the seminarian’s formation advisor or the team involved in the annual review process. The following process then ensues:
1. The Director of Psychological Services conducts an initial interview with the seminarian to discuss issues involved and to make a decision about how to proceed. The Director of Psychological Services may also speak to the seminarian’s formation advisor and/or the member of the seminary staff who made the referral.
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2. In those cases where referral to an off campus therapist is approved:
a request for assistance may be made through the Director of Human Formation in consultation with the Director of Psychological Services. |