This unit is an introduction to counselling for the pastoral context.
This course introduces the field of counselling within pastoral contexts by examining its historical development, theoretical foundations, and practice approaches. As Christians in helping professions, core counselling skills can be utilised as a specialised form of soul care which integrates theology, spirituality, and counselling theory. The context in which these core counselling skills may be practiced can be quite diverse ranging from church, parachurch, schools, universities, community centres and hospital settings, to name a few. By the end of this course you will have explored the emergence of counselling, its usefulness in pastoral contexts, its practice across a variety of counselling modalities, and key ethical considerations within the field. Pastoral Counselling, and this unit overall, is not about counselling “Christianly” by quoting Bible verses, but rather about seeking to counsel all people, regardless of their faith, in a wholistic and pastoral manner.