Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Anam Cara
What Is CPE?
Clinical Pastoral Education isn’t just another class.
It’s a 12-week clinical formation process that gives you the habits of ministry you’ll carry for a lifetime.
Yes, it’s required for chaplaincy certification.
But at its heart, CPE is a spiritual discipline: action → reflection → integration.
You step into real encounters marked by grief, trauma, transition, or uncertainty.
You will learn to stand with clarity, trust, and spiritual depth.
Without rushing past the pain or trying to fix it.
Weekly Rhythm
Every week follows a spiritual discipline:
Action: Step into real pastoral encounters.
Reflection: Write verbatims and weekly reflections.
Integration: Discuss with your cohort and supervisor, then apply the insights to your ministry.
This cycle forms you—not just as a caregiver, but as a person.
Educational Components
300 Clinical Hours (25 per week):
These hours happen in a real ministry context. That could be your job as a chaplain, your role as a minister, or a volunteer placement in a hospital, prison, shelter, hospice, or congregation.
You will write written case studies (“verbatims”) based on moments of direct soul care—sitting with the sick, counseling, visitation, or walking with people in their hardest moments.
100 Educational Hours:
Learning Contract: You'll set 2-3 personal and professional goals in Week 1.
Weekly Reflections: 10 short (1–2 page) reflections during Weeks 2–11.
Verbatims: 6 written case studies (about 1 every 2 weeks).
Supervision: Biweekly one-on-one coaching with your supervisor.
Evaluations: Mid-course and final self-evaluations in Weeks 6 and 12.
Book: Each term you’ll read one selected book that shapes discussion with your cohort.
Weekly Rhythm
Every week follows a spiritual discipline:
Action: Step into real pastoral encounters.
Reflection: Write verbatims and weekly reflections.
Integration: Discuss with your cohort and supervisor, then apply the insights to your ministry.
This cycle forms you—not just as a caregiver, but as a person.
What You’ll Gain
Professional credibility: CPE is the gold standard and required for chaplaincy certification.
Deep self-awareness: See how your family story, theology, and identity shape the care you give.
Sustainable rhythms: Learn to serve with resilience and clarity, without burning out.
Integrated skill: Emotional intelligence, theological reflection, and clinical rigor woven together.
Investment
CPE is more than a credential—it’s a season of intentional formation that changes how you show up for others and for yourself.
The skills, habits, and self-awareness you develop here will stay with you long after the unit ends. You’ll leave with:
Professional credibility – CPE is the gold standard for chaplaincy preparation and is required for board certification.
Integrated care – The ability to respond to people of all backgrounds with spiritual depth, emotional intelligence, and cultural humility.
Sustainable ministry practices – Learning to offer care without burning out, so you can serve for the long haul.
Registration Fee: $125 (reserves your seat and covers resource fees).
Tuition: $1,375 per unit.
Books: $10–$20 each term.
Payment plans available.
We’re committed to financial transparency—no hidden costs, no surprises.
Still Have Questions?
Join a Live Information Session to meet our team, hear more about the program, and get your questions answered in real time.
