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Counseling
© Copyright 2017 Art by Roxanne
Spiritual Care
Spiritual Care (often called Pastoral Care) was the beginning of my ministerial call and remains the center of my ministry today, whether I am helping a nervous groom center himself in the minutes before the wedding, supporting a grieving family member as they select their loved one's favorite music for a memorial service, or holding a client's fear and excitement as they share their "coming out" plans with me.
My call to ministry began when I worked as a US Navy Family Ombudsman (2003-2006). As a liaison between our captain and the ship’s 300 families, I learned a tremendous amount of information about the support services available to Navy families. Being an Ombudsman was also a very empowering experience, helping the ship’s families during times of crisis and celebrating with them during lifetime milestones.
While I could not magically fix problems, I was able to ease the devastation of a crisis or tragedy. It was important for me to show the sailors’ families that they were not alone—that the ship would be their extended families—especially with their husbands out-to-sea and their real extended families thousands of miles away from where we were stationed. This was the most important part of being an ombudsman. This is what I believe made a difference in the lives of every family I assisted.
During my 2-year chaplain residency, I completed 4 400-hour Clinical Pastoral Education units (through the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education), totaling 1600 hours of spiritual care. My hospital was the county's only Level 1 Trauma Center (Level 1 is the most acute level of trauma care). For most of my clinical hours, I was the sole chaplain on duty at this 300-bed hospital, responsible for all Level 1 traumas, code blues, and staff requests (spiritual care for patients and/or family, healthcare power of attorney, and deaths).
I think one of the most difficult parts of grief is being able to sit with the pain, to endure what feels unendurable. During these times, many of us need someone to literally sit with us in the pain—to help us believe that we can survive it with the help of our faith and/or loved ones—to help us see that we are not alone in our pain.
If I had to pick my superpower, it would be empathy.
My call to ministry began when I worked as a US Navy Family Ombudsman (2003-2006). As a liaison between our captain and the ship’s 300 families, I learned a tremendous amount of information about the support services available to Navy families. Being an Ombudsman was also a very empowering experience, helping the ship’s families during times of crisis and celebrating with them during lifetime milestones.
While I could not magically fix problems, I was able to ease the devastation of a crisis or tragedy. It was important for me to show the sailors’ families that they were not alone—that the ship would be their extended families—especially with their husbands out-to-sea and their real extended families thousands of miles away from where we were stationed. This was the most important part of being an ombudsman. This is what I believe made a difference in the lives of every family I assisted.
During my 2-year chaplain residency, I completed 4 400-hour Clinical Pastoral Education units (through the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education), totaling 1600 hours of spiritual care. My hospital was the county's only Level 1 Trauma Center (Level 1 is the most acute level of trauma care). For most of my clinical hours, I was the sole chaplain on duty at this 300-bed hospital, responsible for all Level 1 traumas, code blues, and staff requests (spiritual care for patients and/or family, healthcare power of attorney, and deaths).
I think one of the most difficult parts of grief is being able to sit with the pain, to endure what feels unendurable. During these times, many of us need someone to literally sit with us in the pain—to help us believe that we can survive it with the help of our faith and/or loved ones—to help us see that we are not alone in our pain.
If I had to pick my superpower, it would be empathy.
© Copyright 2016 Melissa Gibson and Unitarian Universalist Association
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What Others Say
Reverend Kelly has been a trusted confidant and spiritual advisor during some of the most significant decisions of my life. She listens with genuine attentiveness, speaks with clarity and insight, and always leads with love. Her counsel is never rooted in ego or agenda, but in a sincere desire for the flourishing of others. I have consistently experienced her guidance as thoughtful and ethical, grounded in both spiritual maturity and emotional intelligence. What distinguishes Kellie most is her beautifully rare combination of strength and gentleness. She is a leader who inspires confidence, a pastor who embodies compassion, and a human being of deep integrity. She creates spaces where people feel seen, valued, and spiritually held — not through performance, but through authentic presence.
~ Tina
Rev. Kelly is the “real deal." She has helped me through some very difficult times. She is kind, intelligent, and knowledgeable. She has an honest heart and is well-trained. However, her most important attribute is that she really loves to help people and has the skills to communicate effectively even under very stressful circumstances.
~ Jerry
I think about the ripple effect a lot. When something you say is the missing piece someone has been looking for, and it changes their life. That person will go on to tell another person in their life and help someone else. Rev. Kelly has had that effect on my life.
~ Becca
