Being in college can bring with it many struggles, both past and present, expected or unexpected, and addressing them in a spiritual context may be helpful. Pastoral Counseling embraces the Jesuit principle of cura personalis – care for the whole person – by integrating mental health counseling with one's spirituality or faith tradition. A valued entity within Campus Ministry, Pastoral Counseling is also an important component of the Murray Center for Student Wellness.
Questions?
If you’re interested in Clinical Pastoral Counseling or to refer someone, contact Rick for an initial conversation:
Contact Rick Rossi
richard.rossi@bc.edu
617-552-6592
McElroy 227
About Pastoral Counseling at BC
What is Pastoral Counseing?
Pastoral counseling is a form of therapy that gives special attention to the role that spirituality plays in a person’s mental health and overall well-being. See below for more information about individual pastoral counseling and programs offered throughout the academic year.
Clinical Pastoral Counseling at BC is an experience of counseling and/or psychotherapy for any BC undergraduate or graduate students who would like their experience of counseling/therapy to take place in a spiritual context with someone who has training in both psychotherapy and spirituality. BC offers this option to students of any spiritual/religious background/faith tradition.
Meet the Pastoral Counselors
Amanda, Brooke and Rick are all Clinical Social Workers with education, training, and experience in Pastoral Ministry and are available to meet confidentially on a short-term or ongoing basis.
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- Adjustment issues
- Anxiety
- Academic Stress/Questions
- Crisis/Trauma
- Depression
- Family issues
- Grief/Loss
- Life transitions
- Personal growth
- Relationship issues
- Self-esteem
- Sexual orientation/Genderidentity
- Spirituality/Faith
- Stress management
Support, Now
Campus Ministry is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of the BC community, fully recognizing and valuing all identities, beliefs, and experiences. Pastoral Counseling in particular welcomes any and all spiritualities, faith practices, and traditions, with no expectations or requirements. Especially in the context of the unprecedented, ongoing uncertainty of our shared social and racial trauma and loss, along with increased vigilance, we encourage students to seek support from our staff.
If you’re interested in seeing if Clinical Pastoral Counseling is something you’d like to pursue, or if you’d like to refer someone, contact Rick for an initial conversation to determine best next steps:
Highlighted Programs
Axios
Axios is an inclusive and affirming space for LGBTQ+ and questioning undergraduate students to reflect, in ongoing community, on the intersection of sexuality and spirituality in their lives.
Center
Center is a free, 6-week spiritual mindfulness group. With guidance and support, each week we’ll learn a distinct and accessible meditative practice and spiritual outlook to deepen our relationship with each other and ourselves.
Together
Together is a student-centered grief support group for undergrads, meeting weekly for 6 weeks each semester. It’s an opportunity for anyone carrying grief at BC to see that they’re far from alone in this experience.
Pregnancy Resources
Boston College is here to support students expecting a child. We hold the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of a woman, the child, and those who care about them, in a strong network of support. Find out more about BC’s supportive resources.
Peer Grief Support Network
The Peer Support Network is a resource for students who’ve experienced loss and are looking to connect with other students who are carrying loss. Interested students will be paired up to meet 1-1 informally for coffee, ice cream, a walk, or anything that feels like a fit.
Grief Resources
Boston College is here to support students experiencing grief. We hold the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of our students in a strong network of support. Find out more about BC’s supportive resources.
Mosaic: A Grief Retreat
Mosaic is a daylong, off-campus retreat for undergrad and grad students who have experienced loss and are carrying grief. Come share in opportunities for conversation, reflection, prayer, and community with peers and Pastoral Counseling staff.