Constructivist Methods in Pastoral Counselling and Marriage and Family Therapy

This course will seek to integrate pastoral and family systems theory and practice with a focus on five of the most significant constructivist/postmodern perspectives used in contemporary counselling: Narrative; Solution-Focused; Collaborative Language Systems; Social Constructionist; and Integrative Counselling. Time will also be devoted to special topics in constructivist counselling such multiculturalism and bereavement. Theological reflection and pastoral integration of current theories, research and practice will be emphasized. The course is suitable for those directly involved in all forms of pastoral care and counselling who are interested in enhancing their knowledge and intervention strategies as chaplains and therapists. Lectures, discussions, experiential exercises, video-materials, online quizzes alternated with short reflection papers, final paper.