Neshamah: The Journal of the Psychology Guild of Ordo Templi Orientis, Volume 1 Number 2

by David Shoemaker (Editor), Lita-Luise Chappell (Contributor), Vere C. Chappell (Contributor)

Contents
An Introduction to Pastoral Counseling in E.G.C./O.T.O. Settings. David G. Shoemaker
Important Dimensions of Basic Counseling Interactions: Assessment—Listening Skills—Feedback—Outcomes. Lita-Luise Chappell
Crisis Intervention. Frater Harmateus
Conflict Resolution and Mediation. Frater Harmateus
Sexuality Issues in Pastoral Counseling. Vere Chappell
Grief Counseling. Frater Harmateus
Perceptions of the Availability of Spiritually Appropriate Mental Health Counseling in an Alternative Spirituality Population: A Qualitative Pilot Study. Keith Cates and John Nance
Findings from a Survey of O.T.O. Members. Vere Chappell
Development, Identity and the Magician. Soror Rosasophia

32 pages, Paperback

Published March 21, 2008

About the author

Dr. David Shoemaker is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in Jungian and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. David is the Chancellor and Prolocutor of the Temple of the Silver Star. He is a long-standing member of Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.) and A.'.A.'., and has many years of experience training initiates in these traditions.

He is the Past Master of 418 Lodge, O.T.O. in Sacramento, having succeeded Soror Meral (Phyllis Seckler), his friend and teacher. He also serves as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the order. David was the founding President of the O.T.O. Psychology Guild, and is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences.

David was a co-editor of the journals Neshamah (Psychology Guild) and Cheth (418 Lodge). In addition to his essays in these publications, his writings have been published in the journals Mezlim and Black Pearl, and his chapter on Qabalistic Psychology was included in the Instructor’s Manual of Fadiman and Frager’s Personality and Personal Growth, an undergraduate psychology textbook. He was the compiler of the T.O.T.S.S. publication, Jane Wolfe: The Cefalu Diaries 1920-1923, and a co-editor of the T.O.T.S.S./Teitan Press collections of the writings of Phyllis Seckler, The Thoth Tarot, Astrology, & Other Selected Writings, and The Kabbalah, Magick, and Thelema. Selected Writings Volume II. His popular Living Thelema instructional segments are presented regularly on the podcast of the same name.

In addition to his work in magick and psychology, David is a composer and musician. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely useful—though also extremely introductory—primer on dealing with interpersonal conflicts, and personal and personnel problems typically arising in spiritual (and other) communities, especially esoteric organizations and most especially Ordo Templi Orientis, geared toward those who are likely to be viewed as leaders or problem-solvers within such communities. Of course, 32 pages, no matter how densely packed, are no substitute for formal training in Pastoral Counseling, but one must start somewhere and this is a very good start, addressing both theory and practice, written by degreed and practicing professionals. I find myself turning back to it frequently, as it also makes for a succinct review of the main topics of what little training I have managed to acquire.