Pastoral Context Research Articles

Dream Interpretation in Spiritual Guidance

Sketches a distinctively pastoral context for dream interpretation and provides guidelines for doing such work as part of the spiritual guidance project. Reviews a variety of approaches to dream interpretation, suggests ways of beginning the work of pastoral dream interpretation, and emphasizes the importance of the progressive and revelatory quality of dreams.

Grief-resolution therapy in a pastoral context.

Describes the use of grief-resolution therapy within a pastoral context. Differentiates between a normal and unresolved grief reaction and outlines treatment procedures particularly suited to the pastoral caregiver.

Making and breaking lies in a pastoral care context

Making and breaking lies in a pastoral care context

The Conversation of Care: interpreting teacher‐pupil talk in one‐to‐one pastoral care contexts

Abstract Teachers in secondary schools often feel unprepared by their professional training to undertake their pastoral care responsibilities. This paper makes some observations about the value of a particular model devised by Taylor (1980) designed for the analysis of teacher‐pupil talk in one‐to‐one tutorials. Much of the paper deals with an attempt to analyse two taped tutorials between an experienced pastoral tutor and two fourth year pupils, ‘Peter’ and ‘Joan’. It is concluded that the Taylor model offers both a useful analytical tool and a valuable in‐service teaching device designed to help tutors improve their skills of guidance and counselling.

Women as pastoral counselors

Traditionally, it has been woman's function to nurture; that is, to promote well-being. In view of this, it is fitting to consider the extent to which women may succeed as counselors in the pastoral context. Although possibly hindered by prejudicial attitudes in professional relations with male counselees, women pastors can be uniquely effective in their outreach to other women as well as to married couples and children. Ministering roles include those of mother figure, confidante, conciliator, and preceptress for healthy conscience development. In Jungian terminology, a woman pastoral counselor can serve as the “anima” which strives to relate the inner self to Christian values.

A counseling/pastoral approach to the homosexual client

This article focuses on a practical approach to dealing with homosexual concerns within a pastoral context. The manner in which a church worker and a mental health professional can practice co-therapy is detailed with some of the limitations and advantages associated with such a team outlined.