MEMULIHKAN LUKA BATIN DI BALIK KEBISUAN: PERAN KONSELING PASTORAL BAGI KESEHATAN MENTAL TUNA WICARA.

Abstract

People with speech impairments not only face challenges in verbal communication but also often harbor deep emotional 
wounds due to social stigma, discrimination, and limitations in self-expression. Physical muteness often symbolizes 
psychological silence, preventing trauma and mental health disorders from being articulated. This article aims to examine 
in-depth the emotional wounds experienced by people with speech impairments and explore the role of pastoral counseling 
in their mental health recovery. Through a descriptive qualitative approach and literature review, this article finds that 
pastoral counseling offers a unique safe space through a holistic approach that integrates psychological, spiritual, and 
relational aspects. Pastoral counseling focuses not only on healing symptoms but also on establishing meaning in suffering, 
strengthening self-esteem, and restoring relationships with oneself, others, and God. This approach is able to reach the 
inner dimension often overlooked in conventional counseling approaches. Thus, pastoral counseling is a significant 
alternative in helping people with speech impairments emerge from psychological silence and move toward whole and 
meaningful mental health.