Categories of Pastoral Counseling

1. By Robert H. Munson, ThD Celia P. Munson, M.Div., BCPC Bukal Life Care, 2019 Categories of Pastoral Counseling(Coaching, Mentoring, Spiritual Direction, Discipleship)

2. It is Kind of Confusing... So Let's Start from a Few Ideas 1. Pastoral Theology: is a form of Practical Theology, and can be definied as the“...study of how and why Christians care.”(Margaret Whipp. Pastoral Theology (London: SCM Press, 2015)) 2. Pastoral Care: “...consists of helping acts, done by representative Christian persons, directed toward the healing, sustaining, guiding, and reconciling of troubled persons whose troubles arise in the context of ultimate meanings and concerns.”(William A. Clebsch and Charles R. Jaekle, Pastoral Care in Historical Perspective (Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentiss-Hall, 1964))

3. Continuation Therefore, Pastoral Care can be seen as the application of Pastoral Theology. 3. Pastoral Counseling can be seen as a form of Pastoral Care. Noting that Clebsch and Jaekle's definition for Pastoral Care includes “Guiding.” However, even sustaining, healing, and reconciling utilize conversation (or Pastoral Counseling). Pastoral Counseling would be counseling that is consistent with Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology.

4. Note on Pastoral Counseling David Benner sees Pastoral Care as having two specialized guiding ministries: Pastoral Counseling, and Spiritual Direction. This view makes a lot of sense, but in this presentation, Pastoral Counseling will be shown as a broad category with various subsets including Spiritual Direction.

5. There are Different Ways of Categorizing Pastoral Counseling The following are a few ways: 1. Historical Versus Clinical 2. Repair versus Growth 3. Relationship between Social Sciences and Theology 4. “Kite” Model of Types of Care versus Types of Goals.

6. 1. Historical versus Clinical In the late 19th century, Psychology (and other social science) began to be developed as unique disciplines. They existed before that time, but were generally seen as part of Philosophy or Theology. The impact of these Social Sciences on Pastoral Care truly began to be felt in the early 20th century.

7. Historical Pastoral Care/Counseling Draws first from the Bible... especially in the metaphor of the Shepherd. Therefore, passages such as Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, and John 10 are particularly relevant. Additionally, it draws from the work of others such as Origen, Augustine, Gregory the Great, Tertullian, Luther, Calvin, Bucher, and many more from Church History. These provided the wisdom for how clerics should provide care for the “flock.” These people drew from the Bible, from other Wisdom sources of the time, and personal experience.

8. Clinical Pastoral Care Movement This movement, tied to Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) or Clinical Pastoral Training (CPT) developed in the 1920s through the work of Boisin, Cabot, Dunbar, and others. It intentionally sought to integrate faith, religion, and theology with the findings of psychology, anthropology, and sociology. The term clinical (related to the Latin term for “bedside”) emphasized that one's care must be practical and challenged by experience.

9. Clinical Pastoral Care General Traits: • Its focus has been in chaplaincy environments: hospitals, jails, hospices, atbp. More recently, there has been growing focus in churches, parishes, communities. • Clinical Pastoral Care often can be seen as tending to focus more on psychological principles than theological principles... but really this varies with the practitioner.

10. Pastoral Care/Counseling Today The growth of Clinical Pastoral Care has in many places supplanted Historical Pastoral Care. It is wise, however, to study and learn from both. In attempting to disconnect from the social sciences, some have responded with a “Bible-only” approach (utlizing the tagline “sufficiency of Scripture”). This, however, is a rejection both of clinical and historical pastoral care, since it rejects, or at least fails to recognize, the insights of 2000 years of Christ history in pastoral care.

11. 2. Repair Versus Growth Traditionally, Psychology was more focused on Repair and Pathology. In more recent years has been the growth of “Positive Psychology.” For Positive Psychology, rather than focusing on what is wrong in some people, the focus is placed on what is right or good in some people. Then one seeks to figure out how “normal” people can grow and be better than they were.

12. We can do the same thing in Pastoral Care “Kintsugi” Art Divide PASTORAL CARE into two categories: models of Pastoral COUNSELING (More on repair/ recovery) and models of Christian COACHING (more on directed growth)‏ Topiary

13. Coaching Coaching is... “the art and practice of guiding a person or group from where they are to a greater competence and fulfillment they desire.” -Gary R. Collins God, through the Holy Spirit, initiates change, the coachee discovers change through action, experience and motivation. Coaches help facilitate that process. Types include: Mentoring, Discipling (group / intentional one-on-one), Christian Life Coaching, Spiritual Direction

14. There is no clear line between Counseling and Coaching. Consider the areas of Pastoral Care from different writers • Seward Hiltner (1958). Healing, Guiding, Sustaining • Clebsch and Jaeckle (1964). Healing, Guiding, Sustaining, Reconciling • Howard Clinebell(1966). Healing, Guiding, Sustaining, Reconciling, Nurturing. • Andrew Lester(1995). Healing, Guiding, Sustaining, Reconciling, Liberating. • Emmanuel Lartey (2003). Healing, Guiding, Sustaining, Reconciling, Nurturing, Liberating, Empowering. • Healing, Sustaining, Liberating appear to clearly be associated with repair. Nurturing and Empowering may sound more like associated with growth. Reconciling and Guding perhaps could be seen as either one. However, there is too much overlap to separate them completely.

15. What to Take from This? There is no DSM-V for Pastoral Counseling or Coaching. This is a good thing. Pastoral Counseling works with people where they are, and tries to help them go where they want to go--- not define pathological conditions. (Labelling is not recommended in Pastoral counseling) If they feel that something is wrong with their lives, one tries to help them be “less wrong.” If they don't feel that something is wrong, but simply want something to be better, than one tries to help them be “better.” “Less Wrong” and “Better” are directionally the same. That and the fact that Pastoral Counselors have limited ability to pick and choose their careseekers, means that repair and growth will tend to be together and simultaneous in care.

16. 2. Categorization of Pastoral Counseling based on Relationship of Theology to Psychology Many of the forms of counseling can be understood in terms of four quadrants. 1. They may be identified in whether they focus more on theology or more on psychology. 2. They may be identified in whether they seek to integrate theology and psychology more, or tend to keep the two separate. <Note: Descriptions of the four major models here are based generally on Timothy Keller's article “Four Models of Counseling in Pastoral Ministry”>

17. Psychology and Theology

18. Levels of Explanation Model Basic premise: Psychology deals with psychological and natural problems in human behavior and relationships. The Bible looks at spiritual problems and our relationship with God. As such they are separate disciplines that deal with unrelated problems. It may separate (theology for spiritual issues, psychology for psychoemotional issues, etc.) or may bring in both perspectivally (each provide an important viewpoint, but don't really inform each other.)

19. Levels of Explanation Model “The rich fabric of the total picture given to us in Scripture brings to mind the similarly rich complexity of the total picture of human nature given to us through the scientific endeavor today. Both emphasize the complexity of human nature, the need to understand and study it from many diverse aspects or perspectives, and the need to recognize that human nature is a unity – a unity now in this present life and, by the grace of God, a unity in the life to come.” -David Myers and Malcolm Jeeves

20. Integration Model Basic premise: Psychology and biblical theology are both looking at the same thing—human nature. Two different tools to study human beings, “general revelation” and “special revelation.” They give priority to the Bible (foundational role) when there is conflict, but maygive science priority in common practice. Key phrase:“All Truth is God's Truth.”

21. Integration Model Built off of the concept, the Unity of Truth, if psychological principles are not seen to be contradictory to God's Word, one should be open to the possibility that they are true. In integrating the two, there is (1) the possibility for theology to challengethe social sciences, and (2) allow the social sciences to challenge our theology. (Some may be bothered by this second part until one realizes that this is not about challenging the Bible, but rather challenging our contextualized interpretation of the Bible.)

22. Christian Psychology Model Basic premise: The Bible/Theology critiques psychology at a foundational level. Foundationally, theology dominates, but psychological techniques may be brought in as part of the therapy. In practice, this tends to be counselor-driven rather than theory-driven.

23. Christian Psychology Model “For the Christian psychologist, integration involves a recognition of the ultimate authority of the Bible, a willingness to learn what God has allowed humans to discover through psychology and other fields of knowledge, and a desire to determine how both scriptural truths and psychological data can enable us better to understand and help people.” -Gary R. Collins

24. Integrationist and Christian Psychology Approaches They may seem quite similar philosophically... and they are. However, one will tend to take a more rigorously psychological approach, while the other may tend to use psychological tools eclectically. Both however, would generally see God's revelation as canon, or the standard, upon which care is to be grounded.

25. Biblical (Nouthetic) Counseling Model Basic premise: A high level of distrust of modern psychology and psychological methodology. Psychological insights should be used with extreme caution. The older approach, formulated by Jay Adams, put great emphasis on behavioral change and the adoption of patterns of biblical living. Much emphasis on sin, repentance, and redemption. Key Phrase: Sufficiency of Scripture

26. Biblical (Nouthetic) Counseling Model “Nouthetic Counseling helps by confronting sin, praying for encouraging repentance, renewing the mind, identifying idols, pointing them to the sufficient Scriptures. Lastly, Nouthetic counseling helps to battle against the current Christian counseling movement that seeks to rename sin, omit sorrow/repentance, remain man-centered and felt needs oriented.” -www.calebcounseling.org

27. Can Historical and Clinical Pastoral Counseling fit into This? Historical Pastoral Counseling tends to line up with the Christian Psychology quadrant as primacy is placed on theology, although secular sciences were not devalued. Clinical Pastoral Counseling tends to line up more with the Integrationist quadrant, as there is a stronger emphasis on the social sciences.

28. Which One is Best? Often it depends on the problem. Consider SIN for a moment. • If the problem is “Sin I have done,” then Biblical Counseling may be best. • If the problem is “Sin done unto me,” then the Integrationist or Christian Psychology may be more helpful. • If the problem is more related to “Living in a Sin-damaged world,” such as organic or deep seated psychopathologies, Integrationist or Levels of Explanation, may assist better.

29. 3. Pastoral Counseling “Kite” Model

30. Along the Horizontal Axis, one can divide into counseling more focused on solving problems or more on developing character Solution focused counseling is more in line with Life Coaching, and Discipleship Character focused counseling is more in line with Mentoring and Spiritual Direction

31. Along the Vertical Axis, one can divide into counseling more focused on spiritual care or more on holistic care Spiritually-focused counseling is more in line with Discipleship and Spiritual Direction Holistically-focused counseling is more in line with Mentoring and Life Coaching

32. Additional Note: Some also use the terms: Pastoral Psychotherapy and Spiritual Counseling The terms typically say more about the one who uses the term than the distinctiveness of the form of counseling.

33. Discipleship The term disciple essentially means a trainee, so a wide range of learning/growing situations could be described as discipleship. However, in the present era, discipleship is generally viewed rather narrowly. It tends to be more cognitive (knowing doctrine) and behavioral (reading Scripture, praying, and integrating into a faith community). As such, it presumes a problem (spiritual immaturity), and seeks to help the disciple grow spiritually. It embraces a more didactic model of change.

34. Mentoring Mentoring is more holistic than modern discipleship, and more relational. The mentor is one in whom the protoge' (or mentee) seeks to learn and grow from. While discipleship is more short-term and driven by the discipler, mentoring is commonly long-term and driven more by the mentee. The following chart shows some differences.

35. Discipleship Mentoring Models Paul with Timothy Barnabas and John Mark Primary focus Content Relationship Type of role Teaching new spiritual truths Caring for and helping a person in all aspects of life. Whose agenda? Discipler's agenda (spiritual disciplines)‏ Protege's agenda (goals/problems)‏ Training? Training and mastery of spiritual disciplines Practical life experience relevant to the protege Chemistry? Respect Repect and personal chemistry Essential message To mature spiritually, here is what you need to know, do, or become How can I help you get where you are going? Discipling versus Mentoring It should be noted that Jesus, in today's language, woud be seen more as a mentor than a discipler.

36. Spiritual Direction Spiritual Direction is quite a bit like Christian Life Coaching. However, its scope is generally more narrow. It tends to focus on two major areas: • Religious Experience • Relationship with God While the work that spiritual directors do with their directees vary... much of the work tends to be in areas of prayer, meditation, and ritual.

37. Concern Treatment I Relationship with God, prayer and prayer problems, spiritual practices, discernment regarding spiritual experiences, spiritual emergencies Spiritual Direction II Issues involving the meaning and purpose of life, discernment regarding major life decisions, issues involving self-development. Spiritual Direction, Pastoral Care/Counseling III Moral/ethical issues involving oneself; moral and/or ethical issues involving relationships; moral and/or ethical issues involving work or social justice Philosophical Counseling‏ IV Losses/grieving, relational conflicts, work, family, self imbalances, work/school problems, failed expectations, mild to moderate symptoms or impairment. Pastoral Counseling V Moderate to severe symptoms or impairments, characterological or personality-disordered behavior, addictions, sequelae of early life trauma Psychological Counseling, Psychotherapy What to Use (According to Len Sperry)?

38. Spiritual Direction: Religious Experience This considers how we relate to God based on how we appear to be designed. Some describe this in terms of “Spiritual Temperaments.” We don't all relate to God in the same way. This is not a problem. Arguably this is good and how God has planned things. Gary L. Thomas describes 9 such temperaments in his book “Sacred Pathways.”

39. Spiritual Direction: Religious Experience These nine temperaments are: Naturalist Sensate Traditionalist Activist Ascetic Caregiver Enthusiast Contemplative Intellectual <The goal, commonly, would be to focus on one's strongest temperaments while also seeking some balance through learning to appreciate other temperaments.>

40. Spiritual Direction: Relationship with God Spiritual Direction often focuses on prayer and meditation, as well as different types of prayer and rituals to expand on these areas. However, in a broader sense, these are aspects of a larger category known as “Spiritual Disciplines.”

41. Spiritual Direction: Relationship with God There are many different lists for spiritual disciplines. Here are a few such disciplines: Prayer Study Meditation Fasting Simplicity Solitude Submission Service Confession Worship Celebration Evangelism Journaling Sacrifice Worship Silence Frugality Fellowship <From Dallas Willard, Richard Foster and Donald Whitney>

42. Life Coaching “A coach starts with a growth goal, then uses intuitive listening and powerful questions to open up the conversation. Once the information is out on the table, the coach narrows the conversation down toward a specific solution. By the end, the client has a strategy and specific actions to take to accomplish the goal.” -Tony Stoltzfus (2005)

43. Life Coaching Life coaching then is very solution-focused. It is also coachee-focused in that the coach typically does not drive the conversation, but allows the coachee to identify areas that he or she seeks to fix or grow. Although life coaching is listed as being “solution-focused,” it can also be used in character development or growth. However, it is very intentionally linked to a pattern of identifying a goal, considering strategies, establishing a plan, carrying out the plan, evaluating the results, and making adjustments. As such, it has much in common with solution-focused therapies.

44. Christian Life Coaching The life coach helps the coachee identify areas of growth (spiritual, behavioral, or otherwise), comes up (mutually) with strategies and concrete plans/steps to grow, and then assists the coachee with accountability, evaluation, and adjustment. Life coaching can be secular. Christian life coaching is not markedly different, but takes serious the spiritual aspect along with other aspects of holistic change.

45. Pastoral Counseling Pastoral Counseling may have aspects of all of the categories listed above. It is best understood in broadness rather than narrowness of: • Aim • Method

46. References Much of this comes from our books: The Art of Pastoral Care by Robert and Celia Munson Dynamics in Pastoral Care also by Robert and Celia Munson

47. Additional References “Pastoral Care in Historical Perspectives,” Book. by Clebsch and Jaekle, 1964. “Care of Souls in the Classic Tradition,” Book. by Thomas Oden “Skillful Shepherds: An Introduction to Pastoral Theology,” Book, by Derek J. Tidball. “Preface to Pastoral Theology,” Book. by Seward Hiltner, 1958. “Types of Pastoral Care and Counseling,” Book. by Howard Clinebell, 1966. “Hope in Pastoral Care & Counseling,” Book. by Andrew Lester, 1995. “The Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling,” Book. by Rodney J. Hunter, Ed., “Six Functions of Pastoral Care,” Internet Resource, by Jan Corbett-Jones. “Four Models of Counseling in Pastoral Ministry,” Article. By Timothy Keller, “Would you ditch your therapist for a “philosophical counselor”?” Article, by Olivia Goldhill “Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide” by Gary R. Collins, 2007. “Transforming Self and Community” by Len Sperry, 2005. “Integrating Spiritual Direction Functions in the Practice of Psychotherapy” by Len Sperry, 2005.

48. Additional References • “Coach, Counsel, Change.” Lecture Notes. Presented by Gillian Vriend. • Biehl, Bobb. “Mentoring: Confidence in Finding a Mentor and Becoming One.” Book. By Bob Biehl • “Comparing the Five Views Christians Take to Psychology,” Presentation. By Eric Johnson, • “Pastoral Theology,” Book. By Margaret Whipp. • “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.” Book. By Don Whitney. • “Celebration of Discipline.” Book. By Richard J. Foster. • “The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God • Changes Lives.” Book. By Dallas Willard, • “Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-term Structured Model.” Book. By David A. Benner. • “Sacred Pathways: Discovery Your Soul's Path to God.” Book. By Gary Thomas