Anam Cara · Soul Friend
The person you bring
into the room matters.
In early Celtic spirituality, the anam cara served as a spiritual companion — one who offered deep listening and a safe, sacred space to reveal your truest self. Anam Cara CPE forms that companionship into practice through Clinical Pastoral Education — supervised spiritual care practiced in real clinical settings — and the Spiritual Care Collaborative, an intentional learning community of seekers, students, chaplains, and educators.
Admission to Anam Cara is separate from participation in the Spiritual Care Collaborative community.
What is CPE?
Not just a credential earned, but a method of learning practiced.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is a form of theological education that takes place in the lived encounter — at a bedside, in a ward, in the room where someone is hurting. You offer spiritual care to patients, families, and staff, then bring those encounters back to a peer group and a supervisor who help you notice what you missed.
The Celtic tradition calls such a person an anam cara — a soul friend. CPE forms that friendship into practice: learning to listen deeply, to stay when it is hard, and to let your own life be examined so your care grows from attention rather than habit.
Why CPE Matters
A bridge from pastoral desire to clinical presence.
In formation, CPE is the crucible where theological education meets real human suffering. It serves as tangible proof that you have been trained to offer grounded, compassionate care in religiously diverse and pluralistic settings—meeting each person wherever they are without agenda.
Whether you are seeking entry into your first chaplain setting in a hospital, hospice, prison, or community role, even a single unit tells employers you have been tested in the room. For those pursuing a lifelong calling, completing four units establishes the core clinical foundation for Board Certified Chaplaincy (BCC).
Pluralistic Credential
Proves you are trained to serve with skill and cultural humility across religiously diverse settings.
Entry Into Chaplaincy
Unlocks your first healthcare, hospice, correctional, or community chaplain position.
Path to Board Certification
Fulfills the required clinical hours and competencies toward becoming a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC).
Who we serve
For those who cannot look away from suffering
You may be ordained or lay, certain of your call or still questioning it. No specific faith affiliation is required. What matters is a willingness to bring your whole self into the room.
Prospective students
Exploring whether CPE is the right next step in their formation.
Current students
In a unit of CPE, reflecting on practice and clinical experience.
Professionals
Chaplains and caregivers seeking continuing education and peer connection.
Community members
Supporters and companions drawn to the work of spiritual care.
What we offer
Education and community for spiritual caregivers
Anam Cara provides Clinical Pastoral Education. The Spiritual Care Collaborative is the broader, free community that surrounds it.
Spiritual Care Collaborative
A free community for discussion, peer connection, and shared learning in spiritual care.
Clinical Pastoral Education
12-week intensive online-hybrid units — 400 hours of clinical practice and supervised reflection.
SCC Premium
Regularly $199; Anam Cara applicants can join for $125 during their application process.
How participation works
Steps to participate
- 01
Apply for CPE
Choose your term and cohort preference, then submit your application. Admission is based on your readiness and fit.
- 02
Join the free community
The Spiritual Care Collaborative is open to all. Participate in discussions, events, and peer connection at no cost.
- 03
Spiritual Care Collaborative Premium
The SCC Premium tier is regularly $199, but as an Anam Cara applicant you can join for $125 during your application process. Receive affinity courses, book discounts, and lifetime access to the Board Certified Chaplain Writing Prep Course.
- 04
Continue learning
Access resources, attend events, and grow in practice — at your own pace, on your own path.
Student Voices
Hear what our students are saying
Formation that lasts far beyond the classroom.
“My experience with Anam Cara has extended far beyond the classroom. The educators have taken a genuine interest in me, both as a student and as someone preparing for a career in chaplaincy. They have encouraged me, supported my professional growth, and helped connect me with employment opportunities and job leads, including hospice work and opportunities with local hospitals. I never felt like I was simply completing a program or earning CPE hours. The team invested in my life, recognized my strengths, and helped me take meaningful next steps toward my vocational goals.”
“Anam Cara is an exceptional Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. The supervisors create a thoughtful, reflective learning environment where students are challenged to grow both professionally and spiritually. One of the most valuable aspects is the strong sense of community — the learning process is supportive, inclusive, and intellectually engaging. People from many different spiritual backgrounds are welcomed and respected, which creates rich and meaningful conversations about spiritual care.”
“This has been a transformative education. The educators are actively engaged with the progress of each student. I've been challenged in this process to move into a more mindful and embodied presence in my work, which has naturally translated into a more deeply authentic and holistically healthy way of walking in the world. My relationships with friends and family (and even strangers) now seem more nourishing and supportive. Great program! No wonder it's such a highly regarded certification.”
“I learned to be comfortable with discomfort, calm in the face of challenges and confrontations, comforting in others' pain, and how to be still. I learned to listen. Then I learned how to listen better. CPE has impacted my life and work by making me a better listener to God. I am a better listener to my spouse and child. I am a better listener and minister to my soldiers and clients. I am more comfortable with pain, shame, grief, sadness, anger, and loneliness. I am more comfortable with myself.”
“The chaplains who go through this program are not only well-formed spiritually, but professionally and practically trained for the diverse mental health landscape we face in the military. I have personally seen how it is creating and energizing the next generation of mentors and menders.”
Begin Your Formation
Ready to apply for CPE?
Take the next step in your spiritual care journey. Cohorts are forming for our upcoming 12-week intensive units.
You can optionally join the Spiritual Care Collaborative Premium tier during your application.