Pastoral Counselling and Mental Health Awareness in Church Communities in Kwara State

This study examines the role of pastoral counselling in promoting mental health awareness within church communities in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The intersection of faith and mental wellbeing has received increasing scholarly attention in Nigeria, particularly as stigma surrounding mental illness remains prevalent in many religious communities. Using a descriptive survey design, data are gathered from 260 church members and 30 pastors across twelve denominations in Ilorin, Offa, and Omu-Aran. Instruments include structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides targeting both counselees and pastoral counsellors. The study finds that pastoral counselling is the first and often the only form of psychological support sought by a majority of church members experiencing mental distress. While pastors demonstrate genuine empathy and a desire to help, many lack training in evidence-based counselling techniques, which limits the quality of care provided. The research also finds that churches that partner with licensed psychologists and psychiatrists report better outcomes for members presenting with clinical mental health conditions. The study recommends the integration of mental health modules into pastoral training programmes and the establishment of referral networks between churches and mental health professionals in Kwara State. Keywords: pastoral counselling, mental health, church communities, Kwara State, stigma