Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Theology (MTh)

Department

Theology

Faculty/School

Martin Luther University College

First Advisor

Thomas O'Connor

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

This study, which seeks a model of pastoral counselling, examines twelve interviews of clergy and lay pastoral counsellors involved in counselling in a hospital, parish or social service agency. From the interviews the counsellors appear to have identified five themes. The first is the variety of psychological therapies and diagnostic tools upon which the counsellors draw. Secondly there is circumstance that organized a client-centred and flexible approach which describes the basic pattern and attitude the counsellors adopt. The third theme is the integration of psychology and theology in counselling. The fourth theme shows the counsellors exclusive use of scripture/theology during counselling. The metaphors, which the counsellors use to describe the pastoral counselling process is the fifth theme. The findings indicate the predominance of the first three themes in pastoral counselling models with theme four as an addition in specific instances. Theme five provides a descriptive guide to the models.

Convocation Year

2003

Convocation Season

Spring

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