Still Small Voice: An Introduction to Pastoral Counselling

by Michael Jacobs

This best-selling volume has been fully revised and updated to take account of the latest thinking about the theory and practice of pastoral counselling. As reviews of the original edition demonstrate, this is a book that no Christian minister or lay counsellor can afford to be without. 'Michael Jacobs has written a book which in terms of realistic and sound understanding, of sensitivity to the real needs of people, of a proper encouragement and humility, could not be improved upon. I can think of no better book to recommend to those who are beginning to take the counselling task seriously. They will be given an excellent grounding, and will be spared many obvious and less obvious pitfalls' Theology. 'It is lucid, persuasive and practical, firmly insisting that all those who dare to help others must start by seeking to understand - and love - themselves. The illustrative dialogue and events scattered across the pages offer fresh insights into what must be familiar ground for many readers feeling alone in the pastoral work they do. The chapters on beliefs and values and on endings are particularly valuable' Epworth Review.

Genres: Psychology

182 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[David Campton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this years ago, when I was starting into ministry, but my lack of experience both as a minister and as an adult meant that it didn't really resonate, despite an academic background in psychology, and so I gave up on it too easily. Years later, pastoral and personal experience of the benefit of counselling means that I have appreciated it more, and have returned to it a second time in a relatively short space of time. However, my relatively low score is due to a combination of factors: first the writing style whit just didn't engage me, but secondly a wariness about seeing the pastoral relationship purely in therapeutic terms. That may not be the intent of the author but it is a potential danger that is not fully recognised here, although there is still much to learn here for someone who would never see their pastoral function in such terms. He makes some interesting points in relation to the somewhat ambivalent relationship between mental health professionals in this modern secularised world and those in pastoral care (and vice versa) and offers a couple exegetical insights. Have sought out another of his books to read soon.