Dallas, TX -- (SBWire) -- 12/22/2009 -- The American Professional Pastoral Counseling Association has entered into online social media to better provide consumer advocacy and education. The APPCA is a self-regulated body which provides recognition of professional pastoral counselors, life coaches and spiritual counselors which operate with integrity and honesty.

“There are approximately 5,000 listings for Pastoral Counseling providers on the Internet. The majority of these agencies are inept at any type of counseling much less than the powerful changes that can be made through proven professional counselors,” says Craig Williams, PhD, APPCA.

“On average, the American Consumer will spend $500.00 once they have engaged in a counseling relationship. Typically, the person working as a ‘pastoral counselor’, I’m sad to say, are charlatans and dabblers rendering more damage than healing.”

“Because of the United States Constitution, pastoral counselors are allowed to operate in any fashion they see fit so long as they are ordained by a recognized religious body. This is a disservice to every person who is seeking help or in need of the services of a dedicated helping professional, such as an APPCA member,” continues Matthews.

The APPCA welcomes new members to apply and requests that all consumers interested in pastoral counseling read the Letter to a Client posted on the http://www.APPCA.org. In addition, the APPCA is seeking sponsors to launch a round of consumer education initiatives. “If we are able to launch these sites and announcements, the APPCA will be able to help the consumer separate wheat from chaff in the pastoral counseling industry,” says Williams.

Consumers and professionals will find the information on the website helpful and informative. “And a warning,” says Williams, “If you are abusing your clients by underserving them, we intend to expose your work for what it is. And, if you are among the best, we want to recognize you.”

The APPCA can be reached at http://www.appca.org and the APPCA professional letters are Trademarked.

Contact:
Reece Manley
Spirit Thinking
Dallas, Texas
1-800-936-0812
reece@manley.net
http://www.SpiritThinking.net
http://www.appca.org