Clinical Pastoral Education at Terrell State Hospital (TSH) is accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) as a satellite program of Trinity Mother Francis Hospital and Clinics. ACPE is a multicultural, multi-faith organization devoted to providing education and improving the quality of ministry and pastoral care offered by spiritual c
aregivers of all faiths through the clinical educational methods of CPE. Terrell State Hospital is the only Texas State Hospital to have such a program. It is also the only mental facility that offers a CPE program. What Chaplains Will Learn:
Through the use of verbatims/case studies, theological integration, devotions, group discussion and interaction, movies, and more, students are introduced to a variety of curriculum, including mental health specialties, professional chaplaincy seminars, pastoral care and leadership skills, family systems and exposure to various cultures. The primary focus of learning for CPE students is on pastoral identity, pastoral competence, and pastoral reflection as required by ACPE Inc. Standards and Outcomes. According to ACPE, CPE is “a process model of education that is student centered, vigorously reflective, and potentially transformative. We understand professional competence as the integration of personal story, religious heritage and theological understanding, and knowledge of the behavioral sciences. This integration leads to personal awareness, integrity in relationships and receptivity to diversity.”
What the Program Prepares Students For:
Clinical Pastoral Education helps students prepare for a variety of ministries including many different healthcare centers, hospital chaplaincy, pastoral ministry in a congregational setting, volunteer ministries, nonprofit ministry, and pastoral counseling. Students must have completed a minimum of four CPE units in order to be board certified as a professional chaplain through APC, NACC, NAJC, etc.
