C8504
Course Unit Outline
Unit Code
C8504
Unit Name
Theory and Practice of Pastoral Counselling
Unit Weighting
9 credit points
Type of Unit
Foundational
Prerequisites, co requisites or exclusions
Nil
Academic Staff
Dr Vanessa Chant,BA(ChCouns) (Tabor College 1997) MCouns (UWS 1999) GradCertSupervision
(UWS 2002) DMinStud (MCD 2011) CAPA, PACFA, SCAPE
Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit aims to introduce students to various pastoral counselling models and
theories with the aim of enhancing their understanding of effective methods for engaging with and
assisting people in pastoral contexts.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. appraise and critique the concepts and theories of pastoral care and counselling as a distinctive
professional activity from other modes of counselling practice
2. appraise, assess and critique information pertaining to various pastoral counselling models
3. select a counselling model for use in pastoral care and develop the skills associated with the
model so as to enhance the framework for pastoral counselling
4. formulate an advanced theological conclusion regarding an anthropological model of the
human person, with reference to a Christian typology
5. establish and demonstrate a thorough knowledge regarding human 'limit' experiences (eg
suffering; sin; forgiveness; meaning, etc.) as experienced in pastoral care and counselling
relationships
Threshold concept to be acquired in this unit
An overview of the divergent contemporary forms of counselling and therapy allows them an
opportunity to engage with a variety of modalities, thereby increasing their level of understanding
and their counselling skills repertoire.
Content
1. The nature and organisational context of pastoral care and counselling
2. Theological understandings of pastoral care and human growth
3. The relevance of the history of pastoral care and counselling in relation to Pastoral Theology.
4. Exploration of the broad spectrum of approaches to pastoral counselling:
a. psychodynamic
b. humanistic
c. developmental
d. cognitive/behavioural
5. Human problems within the context of theological themes
6. Theological understandings of suffering; human limitation; guilt; sin; forgiveness; addictive
behaviours; illness; meaning in life; and death
7. Conscience and ethical decision making
8. Evidence Based Research and Practice
Learning Activities
Problem-Based Learning, Online Tutorials, Lectures, Simulations.
Required Specialist Facilities or Equipment
Nil
Assessment Profile
Assessment tasks are designed both to help students attain the unit outcomes and to enable
teachers to assess student attainment. In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable
students to demonstrate how successfully they can:
1. Critically expound the concept of integrating theology and psychology in pastoral care e.g. in a
written essay or seminar presentation. [Outcomes 1, 2 and 3]
2. Analyse recent writing on 21st century belief regarding suffering and human limitation, e.g. in a
critical review or short essay. [Outcomes 3, 4 and 5]
3. Critically evaluate a specific pastoral counselling theory, e.g. in a long essay or tutorial
presentation. [Outcome 5]
Representative References
1. Beck, S. & J. Perry. “The definition and function of interview structure in psychiatric and
psychotherapeutic interviews.” Psychiatry: Interpersonal & Biological Processes, 71.1:1-12,
2008.
2. Clebsch, W. A. & C. R. Jaekle. Pastoral Care in Historical Perspective. New York: J. Aronson,
1994.
3. Corey, G. Theory and practice of counselling and psychotherapy 8th ed. Pacific Grove, CA:
Brooks/Cole, 2008.
4. Green, S., T Hadjistavropoulos & D. Sharpe. “Client personality characteristics predict
satisfaction with cognitive behaviour therapy.” Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64.1: 40-51,
2008.
5. Hansen, J. “Humanism as Moral Imperative: Comments on the Role of Knowing in the Helping
Encounter.” Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education & Development, 45.2: 115-125, 2006.
6. Ivey, A. E. Intentional Interviewing and Counselling: facilitating client development in a
multicultural society. 8th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks & Cole, 2008.
7. Jones, I. F. Foundations for Biblical Christian Counseling: The Counsel of Heaven on Earth.
Nashville, Tennessee: B & H Publishing Group, 2006.
8. Lartey, E. Y. Pastoral Theology in an Intercultural World. Peterborough: Epworth, 2006.
9. Louw, Daniel J. Meaning in Suffering. Oxford: Peter Lang, 2000.
10. McMinn, M. R. & C. D. Cambell. Integrative psychology: Toward a comprehensive Christian
approach. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2007.
11. Oden, T. C. Care of Souls in the Classic Tradition. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984.
12. Pattison, S. “Spirituality and Spiritual Care Made Simple: A Suggestive, Normative and
Essentialist Approach.” Practical Theology 3.3: 351-366, 2010.
13. Sheldrake, P. “Spirituality and Healthcare.” Practical Theology, 3.3: 367-379, 2010.
14. Wimberly, E. P. Pastoral Care in the Black Church. Nashville: Abingdon, 1979.