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.
The CPE program at Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute is an affiliate of Clinical Pastoral Education International (CPEI). Contact the supervisor for additional information.
The Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute’s (PPI) Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervisor is Reverend Bryan-Bass Riley. 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.
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 and Virginia. He is an ordained minister in the Progressive Christian Alliance and has extensive experience as a chaplain, supervisor, and psychotherapist.
Bryan’s professional career has spanned pediatrics, palliative care, hospice, and both crisis and long-term care behavioral health. In addition to his work, 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:
Bryan Bass-Riley, MDiv, MS, LPC, NCC
CPE Clinical Supervisor
Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute
412-661-1239 x 233
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.
Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute seeks to serve the diverse community of Pittsburgh. Services are provided free of discrimination according to age, color, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or disability.
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