Pastoral care and mental health

25 Oct 2022

As part of the multidisciplinary team at St John of God Richmond Hospital, pastoral services provide emotional and spiritual support, and guidance to help patients’ improve their mental health.

The team journey with patients as they explore where they are at, what they believe in, and how they connect with the world around them. This includes delving into how patients see themselves, and what affect, if any, the individual’s mental health has on their sense of belonging.

“It’s not about fixing or rescuing people, it’s about listening to the deep pain of the heart and soul,” Ian said.

Pastoral services at St John of God Richmond Hospital also facilitate group therapy sessions. In these groups, participants can explore issues related to depression, anxiety, addiction and trauma.

“For us at Richmond, it is really about understanding the pain, and creating a space where patients feel   heard and validated. We respond with compassion and empathy to those who feel broken or wounded, and those who find it a challenge just to get through the next hour,” Ian said.

“Shame, guilt, loss, grief, and trauma are common issues weighing heavily on individuals, and we sit in that space with them.”

This week, 23 to 29 October 2022, is Pastoral Care Week - an opportunity to showcase our Pastoral Services teams and the important work they do as an integral part of multidisciplinary health care.