Pastoral Care for the Whole Person—Heart, Mind, and Soul
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Soul care is the Church’s long tradition of caring for the whole person before God. Where spiritual direction focuses on noticing God in prayer, soul care offers pastoral companionship and guidance through the specific burdens and questions of life: grief and loss, anxiety, weariness, relational strain, transition, suffering, and the search for meaning and healing.
In soul care, we bring your real life—your story, your wounds, your hopes—into the light of the gospel. I will listen, pray with you, and walk with you toward the healing and wholeness that begins and ends in God himself. Our conversations may include Scripture, prayer, confession and assurance of grace, practices for rest and renewal, and practical next steps.
Soul care is pastoral care, not professional therapy. When it would help, I am glad to work alongside counselors, physicians, and your church community, so that you are cared for well in every dimension of life.
What you can expect from me
- A safe, confidential, grace-filled space (within legal and ethical limits)
- Compassionate listening and pastoral wisdom grounded in Scripture and the Christian tradition
- Prayer with you and for you
- Sessions of 60 minutes, every 2–4 weeks, in person, by video, or by phone
- Practical, gentle practices to support your healing and growth
- Clarity that I am a pastoral caregiver, not a licensed therapist, and referrals when needed
What I ask of you
- Honesty about what you are carrying and what you hope for
- Willingness to try practices of prayer, rest, and reflection between sessions
- Respect for scheduled times, with 24 hours’ notice for changes
- Seek emergency help (call or text 988, or call 911) in a crisis, and let me know if you are at risk
- Keep your counselor, doctor, or pastor in the loop where appropriate
Serving Colorado’s Front Range and southern Wyoming; travel beyond by arrangement. Online and phone sessions are available anywhere.
Soul care is offered on a sliding scale so that cost is never a barrier. For suggested honoraria, just reach out and I’ll gladly send you my Ministry Honoraria Guide.
You don’t have to carry this alone. Call or text (720) 593-6779, email briansmackey@gmail.com, or send a request online.
Reach out to set up a first conversation.