Diocesan Counseling Center for Church Ministers

The Diocesan Counseling Center for Church Ministers participates in the healing mission of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Buffalo. Rooted in the liberating love of God, we are committed to offering quality services which enrich the human person and strengthen the faith community of Western New York.

Believing in the sacredness and uniqueness of each individual's vocation, our professional staff works with understanding and respect for the religious values of clergy, religious and other persons committed to church ministry.

Services offered include:

• Individual and group therapy
• Consultation, facilitation
• Education workshops
• Psychological assessment
• Brief neuropsychological assessment
• Spiritual direction
• People we serve are:
• Priests and Permanent Deacons
• Women and men who are members of religious communities
• Seminarians
• Candidates seeking admission to seminary or religious community
• Lay church ministers

The primary focus is to work with individuals as they explore their personal growth, psychological and emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships and other issues.

The staff is available for consultation with major superiors, local superiors, formation teams, pastors, etc. Arrangements can be made for a staff member or members to meet with a religious community or group to help them set, improve and evaluate goals, to improve their communication and/or engage in problem solving.

The staff presents workshops to clergy, religious communities and parish groups.

Workshop topics include:

• Communication and Conflict Resolution
• Identifying and Coping with Depression
• Anger and/or Grief
• Retirement and/or Transitioning
• Team/Leadership Building
• Mentoring Training