INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL COUNSELLING

Unit Name

Introduction to Pastoral Counselling

Unit Weighting

9 cps

Type of Unit

Foundational

Prerequisites

None

Academic Staff

Rev. Alan Galt OAM (2006), BA (Sydney 1964) MA (Macquarie 1980), Acting Level 3 Supervisor of CPE (2003), Senior Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This course introduces students to various models of pastoral counselling that are integral to the process of pastoral ministry. Emphasis will be on learning the function of basic pastoral counselling skills within ministry.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1.     demonstrate a sound knowledge of pastoral counselling ‘schools of thought’
2.     display a sound knowledge of the historical development of the discipline
3.     identify various components of the pastoral counselling relationship
4.     differentiate basic listening kills
5.     apply an understanding of the ethics of pastoral counselling

Content

1.     Introduction. What is pastoral counselling?
2.     The skills of listening and emotional involvement
3.     The components of the pastoral counselling relationship
4.     Cognitive behavioural therapy/Dialectical behaviour therapy
5.     Psychodynamic pastoral counselling
6.     Person centred pastoral counselling
7.     Narrative therapy. Pastoral counselling as a conversation and personal story
8.     Transactional analysis and Schema therapy
9.     Family systems and crisis counselling
10.     Pastoral counselling and spiritual direction
11.     Ethics in counselling practice in the pastoral context

Assessment Profile

1.     3 reflections on pastoral interactions (1,000 words each). Value: 60%   
2.     Pastoral theology paper (2,000 words). Value: 40%  

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education