This unit is an introduction to counselling for the pastoral context.
It 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.