Counselling goes to church: Aspects of the ‘pastoral’ in John McLeod's narrative constructionist counselling and psychotherapy

Abstract

AbstractA discussion is offered of the recent work of John McLeod, which explores the notion of therapy as a social process. Points of similarity between McLeod's approach and notions of pastoral care are noted, such as an awareness of the relational nature of human well-being, the significance of narrative in therapeutic practice and the liminal role of carers within institutions. Points of difference are also noted, and critical questions are raised concerning McLeod's understanding of how human communities can be nurtured and the possibility of McLeod's model unintentionally becoming another form of therapeutic expertise. A case is made for the practical value of an on-going dialogue between McLeod and those with an interest in pastoral care.