Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

by Loren L. Townsend

Grounded in empirical research and richly illustrated with case studies, this introduction continues the theoretical, practical, and theological expansion of Pastoral Care and Counseling. Because of increasing cultural diversity and the fact that more training is done outside of seminaries in non-seminary related colleges and universities, there is fragmentation in the discipline. This makes a coherent orientation to pastoral care and counseling as a ministry increasingly difficult. To address this confusion, author, Loren Townsend, calls us to readdress basic understandings. He also makes the case that pastoral identity can function as a unifying concept.

Genres: Counselling, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jack Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The documentation of how Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) developed was enlightening and helpful. Townsend's use of feedback from pastoral counselors provided a contextual framework which helped me better understand current trends in this field. Her succinct discussion comparing psychological interventions with religious-based approaches seemed to be a fresh approach. Case studies were helpful in highlighting Townsend's explanation of various interventions and included cultural-based models. Finally, it's refreshing to see an academic acknowledgement of the need to adhere to ethical codes and standards.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should have been titled, "A History of Pastoral Counseling". Most of the book dealt with the origin of pastoral counseling as a white protestant 20th century invention. It also spent a fair amount of time bemoaning the lack of African-American training and counselors. The last couple chapter did try to establish the links between theology and psychology and how they can be integrated, opposed or sythesized. Overall, a pretty boring read without much practical application for those wanting to learn some helpful tools and or practices for counseling.

[Krystle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite read of the Fall 2015 term.