Bakersfield Center for Pastoral Counseling

Counseling Model & Philosophy

Dr. Parker has received many years of formal training through both undergraduate and graduate studies in a diverse breadth of counseling models to include person-centered therapy, biblical counseling, and spiritual direction:

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services and Counseling, Austin Community College
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Park University
Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry, Grand Canyon University College of Theology
Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Northcentral University
Doctor of Philosophy in Theology Studies, Mount Olives Ministerial Bible Institute

Dr. Parker's office is also open to adults of all ages for case management and referral services in partnership with low-income individuals, families, and veterans in crisis to achieve their unique goals for whole health.

About Dr. Parker

Dr. Parker is Presiding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Alliance, Archbishop Emeritus of the Worldwide Anglican Church of North America (WAC-NA) Archdiocese of California, and Founder of the Bakersfield Center for Pastoral Counseling.

Dr. Parker offers pastoral counseling as a function of his episcopal and pastoral calling. As such, Dr. Abraham David Parker offers counsel and spiritual direction which are grounded in the Anglo-Baptist faith and tradition.

As faith-based practices, pastoral counseling and spiritual direction are exempt from governmental licensing. However, Dr. Parker has been licensed by the Full Gospel Baptist Alliance, and is also accountable to the Episcopal Relations Council, as well as various professional organizations including the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) for providing ethical and effective pastoral counseling services without discrimination.

To learn more about Dr. Parker's ecclesiastical endorsement for pastoral counseling and spiritual direction through the Full Gospel Baptist Alliance, click or touch here.

What is Spiritual Direction?

Dr. Parker adheres to a model of spiritual direction proposed by clinical psychologist and evangelical author Dr. Larry Crabb. Dr. Crabb's model is called SoulTalk and is a contemporary variant of the ancient Christian practice ordinarily called spiritual direction.

For more about the SoulTalk model of pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, and group direction employed by Dr. Parker, you may purchase Dr. Crabb's book entitled "SoulTalk: The Language God Longs for Us to Speak" here from our Official AmazonSmile website.

How much do I pay?

Dr. Parker offers his pastoral counseling and spiritual direction services as in-kind contributions to Saint Martin's Chapel, the cathedral church of Full Gospel Baptist Alliance, and therefore all your tax-deductible checks must be payable to SAINT MARTIN'S CHAPEL as such. Payments made directly to Dr. Parker will NOT be accepted.

Your initial consultation is absolutely free!

Depending on your verifiable income, you will make a financial donation as little as $20 per session hour or you may pre-pay for 4 weekly sessions at a discounted rate of $75 per month ($5 off).

Partners (i.e., clients) with income above federal poverty levels are encouraged to make a donation for services at their fair market value of $40 per session or pre-payment of $140 for 4 weekly sessions at a discounted rate of $140 per month ($20 off).

Veterans and low-income residents of Bakersfield, California may qualify for pastoral counseling and spiritual direction services at no cost to them.