Hello Everyone,

I am looking for legal information on using the title of Spiritual Counselor in the state of Wisconsin. I have no formal training as a typical psychology counselor, and am looking for a way to extend my services to my healing center clients in a spiritual life coaching fashion. I have considered many ways to present what I am doing in a descriptive title, such as 'Spiritual Development Coach,' 'Spiritual Coach,' etc. and want to find a way to describe what I do to the general public, who many not be familiar with the concept of a coach but are very familiar with the idea of what a counselor does. Does the ministry license and the 1st amendment cover any spiritual work that I do no matter what title I call myself? Please advise on this.

Thank you,
Kari

I would use extreme caution in using the term "counselor" in any capacity. Counselors usually require a licensure from the state in which they provide services. How about "Spiritual Consultant" or "Spiritual Advisor"? You are a legally ordained minister through the ULC, so why not keep it simple and let people know you are a minister who speaks to people about spiritual things? This allows you to express your personal perspectives on life and living and the spiritual paths one might take to acheive goals and aspirations....God's Peace....To`na Wanagi

I agree 100% with To`na.
The ULC does not limit ministers to form or practice of their personal beliefs, save the tenet of "Do that which is right", and may come to your legal defence should you be denied the right to practice the duties associated with your faith, however, this does not include a blanket of protection from a false representation of yourself.
All ministers may "spiritually" guide or advise, as such things are recognized within the scope of a minister, but staying on matters of spirituality may lead you to other matters you are not qualified to practise, and may put you on the bitter end of a law suit if you are not really careful.
To use words like counselor, therapist, or specialist do in fact project a respresentation of a well educated individual with mandatory licensing and/or registration, supported by certificates, diplomas, or degrees, and so unless you have them, stay away from them!

God's blessings,

Rev. Campbell.

Both of the other 2 are right on this as well but;

I can not say with any certainty in regards Wisconsin but a minister may use the title Spiritual Counselor provided it is used in full and with the full knowledge that you counsel only on spiritual matters and not psychological or legal matters. This is true for a number of states that may otherwise require counselors to be licensed in relation to the type of counseling they do. legal counselors have to have a license to practice law and mental health counselors have to have a license to practice psychological counseling. Ministers receive their licensing to practice spiritual counseling through an entirely different court over which the state should practice no control.

Spiritual Development Coach, Spiritual Coach, are also valid titles but may be seen as belittling the type of work you intend to perform.

Spiritual Consultant is another less controversial title you could use but it too is only an attempt to appease others outside of the work.

If you want to know for certain the reaction of the legal system in Wisconsin you must ask them. Try the local clerks office.

speaking from my experience you are a minister who engages in pastoral counseling, and the rules tend to be pretty strict. Firstly only matters of faith, second no diagnosis, nor prescription, thirdly refer if this outgrows scope of practice by even a hair, fourth waiver since what you say you are liable for, fifth everything, and I mean everything you say in counseling without written court order is confidential even discussing personal info with the client in the hallway is enough to make you liable. Research this very carefully, and i'd reccommend calling up the board of psychiatry, and the local ministerial association, and comparing notes. Hope this helps.