The Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE)

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CPE is an interfaith model for training clergy, theological and rabbinic students, and qualified laypeople in the provision of pastoral care and counseling, based on the groundbreaking work of Anton Boisen, Helen Flanders Dunbar and others in the early 20th century which recognized that theological students had no exposure to the depth exploration of the human personality in distress. CPE places trainees within a milieu where they have the opportunity to provide direct pastoral care and counseling to persons in need and then reflect on their work and experience with a group of peers and a qualified supervisor. 

• A unit of CPE requires 400 hours of training, of which 300 hours are spent providing direct pastoral care and counseling to persons in need. The remaining 100 hours are spent in individual and group supervision exploring case studies and interpersonal dynamics and receiving didactic instruction. 

• CPE provides a rich opportunity for trainees to learn about ministry, themselves, and interpersonal relationships. Seminaries oftentimes require a unit of CPE for graduation, and many denominations mandate a unit of CPE for ordination. CPE is also essential for those persons interested in pursuing certification as a professional chaplain in one of the various professional certifying organizations. Persons interested in CPE must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Graduate level education in theology or religious studies, or equivalent experience, is strongly preferred.