A Canadian Qualitative Study on Theological Reflection in Pastoral Care and Counseling

Abstract

This qualitative study is ethnographic in design. Two questions guide the study. How important is theological reflection to pastoral identity in pastoral care and counseling? With whom do practitioners converse in terms of theological reflection? A review of the literature is outlined and 75 persons are interviewed that include chaplains, pastoral counselors, community clergy and students. Findings indicate that theological reflection is essential to pastoral identity and that participants converse most with clients and colleagues and least with other professionals. Most theological reflection is done privately. Discussion includes limitations and areas for future research.

Integrating Pastoral and Clinical Identities: A Narrative Inquiry of Pastoral Counselors

“…In order for pastoral counselors to be able to provide this unique type of care, the integration of pastoral and clinical identities seems to be a key component in their professional identity development. Although it is not uncommon for pastoral counselors to pursue licensure as clinical mental health professionals (Norton & Soloski, 2015; O’Connor & Meakes, 2008; Townsend, 2011), little is known about how the integration of these two identities plays out for the individuals who make that choice. Gaining insights about how identity formation occurs in this context may be useful in informing training and professional development for counselors-in-training, practicing pastoral counselors, and counselor educators.…”

Pastoral Identity Constructed in Care-Giving Relationships

“…Scholars employing this approach have regarded pastoral identity as part of the ego or personal identity and treat it as an intrinsic and evolving essence of self. Many pastoral theologians and practitioners have asserted that pastoral caregivers should form a pastoral identity by becoming aware of who they are in their sense of vocation and calling (Gerkin, 1967;Oates, 1982;Arnold, 1982) or by developing a capacity for theological reflection (Townsend, 2006;O'Brien, 2007;O'Connor & Meakes, 2008). I agree with these authors that theological reflection is essential to pastoral identity, but "private" theological reflection without consideration of the care-receiver is likely to result in the establishment of a personal level of identity.…”