ABSTRACT
Research indicates that Black pastors provide significant frontline emotional support to their congregants and the individuals living in the communities that their churches serve. Clergy are frequently the first mental health resource. Along with congregants' individual and familial traumas, Black pastors often address racial trauma and health disparities as evidence in the Coronavirus Pandemic. However, there is limited data on the wellness (self-care) practices Black pastors incorporate into their routines to guard against the symptoms attributed to burnout. This research study utilized semi-structured interviews, virtual worship experiences, and a focus group to voice the authentic emotional support of Black pastors and to highlight the self-care practices they implement. The study found that Black pastors address similar mental and psychological challenges as professionals from traditional mental health delivery systems. It also found that the participants utilize diverse self-care practices, and their perceptions and intentional utilization of self-care differ significantly. A key finding of the study revealed a connection between the participants' leadership styles and their consistent use of intentional self-care practices.The research also addresses the importance of counselors, counselor educators, and Black pastors collaborating to improve the overall counseling outcomes for Black people and individuals living in underserved communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)