Frequently Asked Questions

Pastoral Counseling

May I choose a counselor?

Yes. All our pastoral counselors share a common pastoral orientation, training, and formation. But you may specify the pastoral counselor you prefer, subject to his/her availability.

Why are donations needed?

Your donations are very important to us. They enable us to sustain our ministries and allow us to reach out and extend our services to those in need but lack the resources.

I am not Catholic. Can I avail of your counseling services? How can you help me if our beliefs are different?

Yes. You can avail of our services. While RMT-CEFAM is an official Jesuit ministry, we serve all, regardless of religious affiliation. Our psycho-spiritual approach to pastoral counseling is faith-based, meaning, that our work together will involve exploring the ways your personal faith and values influence your views on your current situation and problems.

Are RMT-CEFAM counselors psychologists or psychiatrists?

Not all. We do have pastoral counselors who are also clinical psychologists. We also have consulting psychiatrists who work closely with our pastoral counselors.

Academics

I do not have a background in counseling or psychology. Will this be a disadvantage in taking the Professional Diploma (PD) course?

No. This will not be a disadvantage in taking the PD course. However, a minimum educational background in counseling or psychology will help.

I do not have a college degree. May I enroll in the PD program?

No. The minimum requirement to be accepted to the RMT-CEFAM PD Program is a college degree.

Is the course only for Catholic counselors?

No. Our orientation has always been non-denominational, grounded in shared psycho-spiritual values with respect to ministering to individuals, families, and communities.

What is the workload of the PD program?

The PD program course of study is at the graduate level, and it requires a significant investment of time, focus, and effort. Each 3-unit course entails a minimum of 7 hours of student engagement per week for 15 weeks (one semester), or 12 hours per week for 8 weeks (if the course runs for one quarter).
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Typical course requirements include class attendance, written work (reflection papers, reports), exams (midterms and finals), small group projects, and online activities.
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Students who have full-time work commitments may opt to take the course on a part-time basis. In this case, the course may be completed in at least two years.

After earning a PD, am I qualified to be part of the RMT-CEFAM staff?

Yes. PD graduates may explore and apply for any of the following:

Facilitators in classes, growth seminars, and marriage preparation programs
Resource persons (speakers, course developers, etc.) in workshops
Service providers who contribute to the growth of the Center’s operations

More advanced qualifications are required of staff working in the Pastoral Counseling and Academic Programs ministries.

Is the PD a professional credential?

No. The PD program does not confer a credential for an occupation that is regulated by a governmental body or accredited by a professional organization. The PD is a certification that those who have successfully completed the program have undergone a fundamental level of competency training and personal formation in family ministry and counseling.

Can the RMT-CEFAM Professional Diploma lead to a master’s degree at the Loyola School of Theology?

Yes. The 24 units of the PD may be credited toward LST’s Master in Pastoral Ministry, major in Family Ministry and Counseling (PM-FMC), upon the fulfillment of certain requirements. Please contact us for more information.

Can we get Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits when we take RMT-CEFAM programs?

Yes. CPD points are given for specific RMT-CEFAM programs, such as the Intersession Programs. Please contact us for more details.

CANA: Marriage Preparation Program

How do we reserve a slot for the CANA Weekend?

You can text + 63 915 419 1636 or call (632) 8426-4289 to 92 or email cana.rmtcefam@gmail.com.

What if I need to cancel my reservation? Do I get a refund?

Yes, you will get a refund, minus an amount to cover administrative costs, as follows:

P250 for cancellation a week or more before the workshop
25% of workshop cost for cancellation less than a week before
P250 for refund of overpayment

How far before the wedding should we set the schedule?

Engaged couples are encouraged to attend six months to one year before the wedding. However, it is best for couples to attend even before getting engaged.

Does the certificate have a validity or expiration date?

Yes. Wedding requirements specify a validity period for the certificate. We can issue another certificate if the validity period has lapsed.

Can we use the RMT-CEFAM issued certificates for parish and city hall marriage requirements?

Yes. Please contact us for more details.

Can non-Catholics attend the CANA Program?

Yes. Our program is non-denominational and open to all religious beliefs.

Daluyan

How do I donate to Daluyan

Email us at cefam.ateneo@gmail.com or call (632) 8426-4289 to 92.

Parenting

How do we arrange for a parenting workshop for our school or organization?

Email us at cefam.ateneo@gmail.com. Please indicate the target date of the workshop and preferred topics, if any. You can also call us at (632) 8426-4289 to 92.

How May We Assist You?

We can help schedule your pastoral counseling appointment, reserve your slot for CANA, or in parenting workshops, guide you through our academic programs, customize your training needs, or link you to our outreach programs.