The Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute

The Albert & Jessie Danielsen Institute began as the Danielsen Pastoral Counseling Center at the Boston University School of Theology in 1952 with a $5,000 gift from Albert V. Danielsen. Its initial purpose was to provide counseling to parishioners referred by Boston-area clergy, and training to clergy psychologists studying for doctoral degrees in pastoral psychology at Boston University. During the mid-1940s, interest in pastoral psychology as a discipline began to take shape at Boston Universityan effort that was inspired by Professor Paul E. Johnson and encouraged by Dean Walter Muelder. Dr. Johnsons dream was to combine pastoral and spiritual care with clinical training and paramedical experience. At about the same time, Albert and Jessie Danielsen joined the Open Church Group founded by Roger Babson at their church in Wellesley. Volunteers from this group gathered at the church each afternoon and evening to help anyone who called or came seeking assistance. Greatly impressed ...