Dr Joel Vos, PhD, MA, MSc, CPsychol, FHEA

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your ministry? Struggling with questions of faith or purpose? Perhaps you’re facing personal challenges, mental health concerns, or relationship issues. Or maybe you’re grappling with ethical dilemmas or cultural shifts affecting your vocation? Whatever brings you here, I’m here to walk alongside you through the intricate paths of your personal life and vocation as clergy.
I offer you my expertise as a chartered psychologist, philosopher, and existential, meaning-centred, humanistic, and cognitive-behavioural therapist. My unique background, blending psychological expertise with a lifelong involvement in church communities, allows me to offer a distinctive approach to counselling that honours your vocation while addressing your personal needs.
My approach is rooted in understanding the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where you can freely explore whatever is on your heart. Whether you’re grappling with stress, anxiety, doubts, relationship issues, or seeking to deepen your sense of purpose, I’m here to listen and guide you towards clarity and renewed strength. Together, we can work through your challenges, helping you rediscover joy in your ministry, find balance in your personal life, and cultivate a deeper sense of meaning. I’m here to support you on your journey, respecting your individual needs and the unique nature of your faith and calling.

Examples of where I may offer support
1. Navigating Spiritual and Existential Questions:
• Exploring doubts and uncertainties about vocation, faith and life
• Finding meaning and purpose in your vocation
• Reconciling personal beliefs and identity with church teachings and roles
• Adapting to new roles or responsibilities

2. Managing the Challenges of Ministry:
• Coping with the demands of pastoral care
• Balancing personal life with professional responsibilities
• Addressing burnout and compassion fatigue
• Navigating complex moral or ethical situations
• Addressing the impact of secularization and societal challenges
• Exploring how to cope with individuals in your community with specific mental health, existential or spiritual needs

3. Relationship and Community Dynamics:
• Navigating diverse cultural contexts within the church
• Navigating complex relationships within the church community
• Addressing conflicts with parishioners, colleagues, friends and family
• Improving communication and leadership skills

4. Personal Growth and Self-Care:
• Developing resilience and stress management techniques
• Improving self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Cultivating mindfulness and spiritual practices

5. Life Transitions and Mental Health Concerns:
• Coping with significant life changes or losses
• Managing anxiety, depression, or other mood problems
• Addressing trauma or past experiences
• Developing coping strategies for ongoing mental health challenges

My qualifications and expertise:
• Ph.D. in Psychology, focusing on meaning in life and existential well-being
• Master’s degree in Philosophy, specializing in ethics, existential and spiritual thought
• Extensive training in various therapeutic modalities, including existential and humanistic therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, mindfulness-based and trauma-focused approaches
• Director of IMEC (International Meaning Events and Community), leading research and events on finding purpose and meaning in life
• Author of many research articles, books and book chapters on existential psychology and meaning in life
• Deep insight into religious life, clerical responsibilities, and diverse spiritual traditions, rooted in lifelong church involvement, family background in ministry, brief theological studies, experience leading services and providing pastoral care, and an Oecumenic upbringing in the Netherlands

Understanding the Unique Journey of Clergy:
My extensive experience in religious communities has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges clergy and consecrated persons face. Their vocation intertwines complex personal and professional journeys, creating a distinctive need for support. This calling involves a multifaceted personal journey, encompassing mental and relational health issues and deeper existential and spiritual struggles. Simultaneously, the professional journey presents its challenges: managing diverse communities, leading while on one’s spiritual path, and being intimately involved in people’s most profound life moments. This intersection of personal and professional realms creates a unique situation where standard psychotherapy or peer support may fail. My approach, informed by my psychological expertise and deep understanding of religious life, offers tailored support.
I view the spiritual journey of clergy and consecrated persons as a personal quest to find meaning in the face of Mystery, akin to Kierkegaard’s “leap into darkness.” I don’t claim to have ultimate answers as your therapist or mentor. Instead, I offer:
1. A compassionate presence on your journey
2. Professional insights grounded in psychological expertise
3. Deep understanding of the challenges in religious life
4. Support in navigating both personal growth and professional responsibilities
My role is to walk alongside you like a fellow-pilgrim, respecting your pace and the sacred nature of your path. I aim to be a professional friend with relevant expertise, helping you find direction and overcome hurdles while honoring your unique vocation and personal spiritual journey.

Mode of delivery: online (Microsoft Teams or Zoom), telephone, or face-to-face (locally to Reading, UK)

Read more: https://joelvos.com