Qld Institute of Clinical Pastoral Education Inc.

The purpose of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) is to develop pastoral care practitioners who practice the art of compassion through the intentional use of therapeutic communication. We do this through the process of participants working in real life situations experiencing training in helpful and life changing conversations. This training is initiated in formal learning sessions and continued with on the job mentoring by qualified supervisors. This induces continual self growth, ensures quality control of the end product and ultimately the level of pastoral care is being improved.

The Queensland Institute of Clinical Pastoral Education Inc. (QICPE) was established in 1969 for the purpose of providing Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs for theological students, clergy and lay people engaged in pastoral work in parishes, schools, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, defence forces, police, ambulance, aged care etc.

CPE is tertiary structured education that enables self-directed learning through engagement and dialogue in a small group environment with peers and accredited CPE Supervisors. Clinically, participant learning takes place through action and reflection of actual pastoral care ministry. The development of a pastoral identity is enabled through self-awareness in the pastoral encounter. Spiritual reflection that engages the human intellect with the human life experience forms an intrinsic element of learning.

The theory of CPE, being an intentional Action→ Reflection→ Action process model of learning underpins the learning.

The care provided by CPE attends to the human condition, in particular the spiritual and religious dimensions.

Who can be involved?

We welcome your interest and would love to talk to you. We are a non-denominational group rich in cultures, faiths, work backgrounds, and passion for our vision.

Please contact us today by phone or email for further information.

QICPE has vacancies in courses in 2023/24:

Please see the “Student Information” (Course dates and locations) tab at the top of this page for further details of all courses.

Course Costs:

$50 Application Fee ($51 if paying by credit card) (non-refundable and payable before being interviewed.)

$2000 Course fees ($2036 if paying by credit card) (NB Course fees will potentially rise for courses starting in 2024.)

What does doing a CPE course involve?

This question and many like it are answered in the “Frequently Asked Questions” or “FAQ’s” tab above.