CPE

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 students 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 students 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.

The Supervisor

The Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute’s (PPI) Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervisor is Reverend Bryan Bass-Riley. Rev. Bryan has a Master’s in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master’s in counseling from Neuman University. He has completed additional graduate work in Counselor Education and Supervision at University of the Cumberlands and Organizational Change and Leadership at Robert Morris University.

Rev. Bryan is certified as a Diplomate in Pastoral Supervision by the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP) and as a Training Supervisor-Educator by Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI) and is licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania. He is an ordained minister in the Progressive Christian Alliance and has extensive experience as a chaplain, supervisor, and psychotherapist.

Rev. Bryan’s professional career has spanned pediatrics, palliative care, hospice, and both crisis and long-term care behavioral health. In addition to his work, Rev. Bryan is passionate about social justice advocacy and serving people with severe mental illness and substance use disorder.

For more information

Persons interested in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute must
possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Graduate level education in theology or
religious studies or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.

To request an application or to apply for CPE contact:

Rev. Bryan Bass-Riley, MDiv, MS, LPC, NCC

CPE Clinical Supervisor

Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute

412-661-1239 x 233

bbass-riley@ppicounseling.org

The Difference

The Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute (PPI) began in 1964 as a non-profit organization committed to training clergy in the ministry of pastoral counseling. In the fifty-eight years since its founding, a great deal has changed in both ministry and behavioral health treatment, but PPI’s mission remains the same. It is a strong advocate and leader in the integration of spirituality across behavioral health services.

The Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE) is distinguished for its community-based focus. Unlike traditional CPE programs existing within institutional settings, PPI’s CPE trainees do their work in a wide range of community organizations and environments. The trainees then come together as a group online to learn from the diversity of sites, and each other. This approach provides a rich context to learn about ministry in a variety of settings different from many of their peers.

In addition, a limited number of active clergy may use some or all their ministry settings as the clinical portion of CPE training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PPI’s CPE Program accredited?

Yes

PPI’s CPE accredited Program is an Affiliate Organization, or branch campus, of CPEI (Clinical Pastoral Education International). 

Rev. Bryan, PPI’s CPE Supervisor is certified as a Training Supervisor-Educator, the highest level of certification offered by CPEI.

What outside organizations guarantee the quality of my CPEI training?

CPEI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to offer CPE credit as an internationally recognized CEU.

IACET is trusted by organizations such as the Disney Institute, Six Sigma, and OSHA. 

CPEI has applied for accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) which is recognized as an accrediting organization by the US Department of Education (DOE), the Council for Higher Education, and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education. While CPEI’s application to DEAC has not yet been approved, the initial response to the application has been favorable and a decision is expected in late 2023.

Is CPEI training different from other CPE programs?

All CPE programs share the same basic requirements, which are a certified supervisor, a group of students, three hundred internship hours, and one hundred hours of group and individual supervision.

CPEI students complete eight additional assignments per course to align training with expected outcomes required by IACET and DEAC. CPEI students are also expected to complete their work using CPEI’s online learning platform Populi.

Can I be certified in CPEI?

Yes 

CPEI offers various levels of certification for chaplains, pastoral counselors, and supervisors completing the appropriate education and training.

CPEI offers specialty certifications in Mental Health, Addictions, Trauma, and Hospice-Palliative Care.

Where can I learn more about CPE-International?

www.cpe-international.org

The Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE)