Rev. Dr. Raymond J. Lawrence, founder and General Secretary of the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), has made a profound impact on pastoral care and clinical education. With a journey that spans over three decades, Lawrence’s story is one of vision, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in pastoral care.
Lawrence’s journey began at an early age, influenced by a strong sense of calling and a desire to make a difference. At just 13 years old, he felt a deep-seated conviction to become a pastor. He states, “I chose a path, not a role. It’s not about the title but the commitment to a path of service and leadership.”
His early years in pastoral work were spent in the Methodist church, where he began to develop his unique approach to ministry. It was during this time that Lawrence’s ideas about pastoral care began to take shape, setting the stage for his future contributions to the field. This move was not merely a change in denomination but a shift in perspective that broadened his understanding and opened new avenues for his work. In the Episcopal Church, Lawrence found a platform that allowed him to explore his ideas more deeply and engage with a broader range of issues.
Lawrence attributes his forward-thinking and boundary-pushing approach to life and ministry to his socialist grandfather and an influential uncle. His personal life, including an open marriage and the complexities of familial relationships, intertwines with his professional ethos of honesty and radical openness.
He even stirred controversy with his views on open marriage and sexual liberation, which he believes resonate with many people’s repressed desires. Lawrence credits his first wife for introducing him to the sexual revolution, leading them to practice open marriage. “Open marriage challenges traditional notions of exclusivity and ownership. Many people are drawn to the idea of sexual liberation but are paralyzed by fear of judgment or rejection. It’s not about lack of commitment but about balancing freedom and jealousy in relationships.” This period stirred animosity within the church, pushing him toward chaplaincy in secular hospitals, where beliefs mattered less than patient care.
In 1990, Lawrence founded the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy (CPSP), a milestone that would define the next phase of his career. The CPSP was established with the goal of providing advanced training and supervision for pastoral counselors and psychotherapists. Lawrence’s vision for the CPSP was to create an institution that would bridge the gap between pastoral care and clinical practice, offering a comprehensive approach to supervision and psychotherapy and addressing the complex needs of clients. Under Lawrence’s leadership, the CPSP has grown into a leading organization in the field, known for its rigorous standards and innovative approach.
One of the most notable aspects of Lawrence’s career is his involvement in the Bubbly Boy case, a high-profile legal and medical case that garnered significant attention. The case, which centered around the medical care and treatment of a young boy with a rare immunodeficiency, brought Lawrence into the spotlight and highlighted his role in advocating for patient rights and ethical medical practices. His work demonstrated the mission-readiness that he had to advocate for the best interests of patients and ensure their needs were met with compassion as well as expertise.
In addition to his work within CPSP, Lawrence is also a prolific author, having written Harry Stack Sullivan & Anton T. Boisen: Comrades & Revolutionaries in Psychotherapy, Bursting the Bubble: The Tortured Life & Untimely Death of David Vetter, The Poisoning of Eros: Sexual Values In Conflict, and several other books. His writings reflect his deep understanding of the field. Lawrence’s books explore a range of topics, from the integration of clinical and pastoral approaches to the ethical and philosophical dimensions of care. His work has been widely recognized and respected, further establishing him as a leader and innovator in the field.
Lawrence’s key goal with the CPSP has been to revive the work of Anton Boisen, the pioneering figure in clinical pastoral training. Boisen’s contributions to the field laid the foundation for many practices and approaches used today, and Lawrence has sought to build upon this legacy through his work within CPSP. “The establishment of the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy was my way of countering the retrograde shifts that distorted Boisen’s original vision. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey to maintain a focus on listening and genuine connection,” he states. By doing so, Lawrence has helped to ensure that the field continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of modern practitioners and clients.
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