Benner, Strategic Pastoral Counseling

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David G. Benner, Strategic Pastoral Counseling: A Short-Term Structured Model. Second edition. Baker Academic, 2003.

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Referenced in: Pastoral Counseling

LifeandLeadership.com Summary

This text presents the approach of Strategic Pastoral Counseling (SPC), a “brief, structured model of counseling that is both distinctively pastoral and psychologically responsible” (p. 13). It elevates the uniqueness of pastoral care, and draws an effective line on issues beyond the minister’s capability. SPC puts the pastor and parishioner into an agreed-upon sequence of no more than five sessions that are carefully focused on a singular issue. The pastor assigns practical readings and uses them as the base of insight in sessions. While this technique is not new, the unique aspects of SPC are the degree of structure, the focus of each session, the spiritual and theological base, its reliance upon the Holy Spirit, and the use of prayer, scripture, sacraments, anointing with oil, laying on of hands, etc. The intent is for the counselee to have a deeper realization of the unconditional love of God and the call to surrender and service.

From the Publisher

Therapeutic counseling in a Christian context can be highly effective when it maintains narrowly focused goals in a time-limited setting. The details of this proven model of pastoral counseling are described in this practical guide. This second edition of Strategic Pastoral Counseling has been thoroughly revised and includes two new chapters. Benner includes helpful case studies, a new appendix on contemporary ethical issues, and updated chapter bibliographies. His study will continue to serve clergy and students well as a valued practical handbook on pastoral care and counseling.

About the Author

David G. Benner (Ph.D., York University) is Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute (Atlanta) and a practicing clinical psychologist. The author or editor of over twenty books, he is the founding director of the Institute for Psychospiritual Health.


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