CPE Stories & Testimonials
Three graduates. Three journeys. Nine reflections on the impact of Clinical Pastoral Education.
Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) invites deep personal and professional reflection. Below, three graduates share their stories in a series of short videos that capture the insights, challenges, and growth they experienced throughout their CPE journey.
“I’ve come out of this experience more confident in being a spritual carer, which for me is about helping people express their truth, where they’re at, what gives them meaning, what gives them support in life.”
Jess
Jess’s experience of CPE
Jess’s biggest CPE challenge
Jess’s advice for others
“It is not about checking your religiosity or how religiously informed you are. It is about making a human connection.”
Masoud
Masoud’s experience of CPE
Masoud’s CPE concerns
Masoud’s advice for others
“Be willing to grow. Be willing to examine your own assumptions. Be willing to be encouraged in what you believe, but also expressing that in a sensitive manner within the hospital context.”
Lauren
Lauren’s experience of CPE
What Lauren found exciting about CPE
Lauren’s advice for others
I feel privileged to work as a Pastoral Care Practitioner in a sub-acute aged care hospital. The journey that enabled me to arrive here was through undertaking three units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). The experience of doing CPE was rich and formative. I came to CPE with a diverse range of experience and initially thought that I might only "need one unit of CPE to top off my previous life experience and skills". However, I came to see how much more there is to be explored in understanding myself and my life journey, as I bring myself to the work of pastoral care.
The three different groups with whom I shared the CPE experience were diverse in terms of culture and religion, and I found this added a valuable dimension to my learning, particularly given the diverse cultures and religions I have encountered in my work. The Supervisors in each unit held a safe, respectful, and wise space, enabling me to go as deep as I was willing to go. And I was willing!
The CPE learning process is based on an action-reflection model, ensuring that the learning does not remain just theoretical, but skills can be shaped and honed through guided reflection on each encounter.
I have gained so much personally and professionally through the CPE experience. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have participated and been wisely guided through this invaluable learning process.
-Jane
These reflections provide a window into the personal and professional transformation that is possible through CPE. If you're wondering whether this path is right for you, we invite you to learn more about what is CPE or how to apply.