Pastoral counseling is unique, and John Patton, widely known practitioner and teacher, explains that uniqueness in the context of other forms of therapy available. He then determines what pastoral counseling is and how it is done. His theory focuses on the centrality of the pastoral relationship, reclaiming pastoral counseling as a legitimate ministry of the church. He shows that the pastoral relationship is common to both the generalist and the specialist in counseling and explains how his concept of "relational humanness" is the norm for Christian pastoral counseling. The accountability of the pastoral counselor in regard to the story of Jesus, in terms of his/her role and function as minister, and in relation to the community (the church which ordains and the peers in ministry) is discussed. How to structure a pastoral counseling interview, how to determine the unit of care, and how healing occurs in pastoral counseling are all important facets of this excellent book. Case studies, an index, and notes are included.

Grounded in empirical research and richly illustrated with case studies, this introduction continues the theoretical, practical, and theological expansion of Pastoral Care and Counseling. Because of increasing cultural diversity and the fact that more training is done outside of seminaries in non-seminary related colleges and universities, there is fragmentation in the discipline. This makes a coherent orientation to pastoral care and counseling as a ministry increasingly difficult. To address this confusion, author, Loren Townsend, calls us to readdress basic understandings. He also makes the case that pastoral identity can function as a unifying concept.

Addresses the critique that pastoral care is indistinguishable from secular psychotherapy by placing a person's relationship to God at the center of pastoral care.

Counseling / Wayne E. Oates -- The budgeting of time in pastoral counseling / John W. Drakeford -- The exploratory of short-term interview / Wayne E. Oates -- The exploratory or short-term interview / Wayne E. Oates -- The process of multiple-interview counseling / Richard K. Young -- Recurrent problems of longer-term counseling / Richard K. Young -- The pastor as a marriage counselor / Samuel Southard -- Calling in the help of other counselors / A. Donald Bell -- Ways to learn pastoral counseling / John W. Drakeford -- Pastoral counseling and the communication of the gospel / James Lyn Elder -- Pastoral counseling and the experience of prayer / Wayne E. Oates -- Pastoral counseling and the experience of prayer / Wayne E. Oates -- Pastoral counseling and the interpretation of scripture / D. Allen Brabham -- Pastoral counseling and Christian doctrine / Samuel Southard -- Personality development and pastoral counseling / John M. Price -- Pastoral counseling and the educational ministry of.

What are the roles, functions, and identities of pastoral counselors today? What paradigms shape their understanding of the needs of others? How can pastoral counselors serve the needs of diverse individuals in both religious and secular environments? This foundational text reflects the continued and unfolding work of pastoral counseling in both clinical and traditional ministry settings. It addresses key issues in the history, current practices, and future directions of pastoral counseling and its place among allied helping professions. Written to incorporate current changes in the roles of pastoral counselors and models of training beyond the traditional seminary, the book builds on themes of pastoral counseling as a distinct way of being in the world, understanding client concerns and experiences, and intervening to promote the health and growth of clients. The text provides a foundational overview of the roles and functions of the modern pastoral counselor. It discusses spiritual perspectives on the issues that bring individuals to seek counseling and integrates them with the perspectives of allied mental health professions. The tools and methods pastoral counselors can employ for spiritual assessment are presented, and the book describes common spiritual and theological themes—both implicit and explicit—that arise in pastoral counseling. Included are chapters examining Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Native American, and Buddhist approaches to counseling as well as counseling individuals with diverse sexual identities. The book reflects the increasing need for pastoral counselors to serve effectively in a multicultural society, including service to individuals who are not affiliated with a specific religious denomination. The book also considers the emerging realities of distance counseling and integrated health care systems as current issues in the field. KEY FEATURES: Presents a contemporary approach to how pastoral counselors function as mental health professionals and spiritual leaders Serves as a state-of-the-art foundational text for pastoral counseling education Describes assessments and interventions that are shared with allied mental health professionals and those that are unique to pastoral counseling Provides an ecumenical and interfaith approach for a multicultural society, including individuals with diverse sexual identities Addresses counseling with individuals who do not affiliate with a specific faith tradition Includes Instructor's Guide and online Student Resources to enhance teaching and learning

This volume lays out an important new interdisciplinary approach to the relationship between theology and psychology in the work of pastoral counseling, setting forth a method emerging from a Barthian theological perspective.