DESCRIPTION:

A seminar for the advanced student for examination of major issues in cross-cultural pastoral counseling and psychotherapy. The interface of psychological anthropology, pastoral care, and counseling and transcultural theological reflection will be explored and an appreciation of what is universal, cultural, and individual will be achieved.

The pastoral counselor and caregiver in the 21st century serves in a multicultural world, wherever the parish, community, or ministry may be. This course confronts the caregiver/counselor with the tasks of moving from cultural encapsulation to living, working, and commuting across cultural boundaries. The class will seek to establish a community of learning from our cross-cultural, ethnic, sexual, religious experiences.

Lecture, dialogue, experiential processes, growth exercises, small group interaction will facilitate the review and integration of relevant literature and research on the interface between pastoral counseling and the neighboring disciplines of anthropology, missiology, economic development, psychology, theology, and philosophy. The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

Augsburger, D. Pastoral Counseling Across Cultures. Westminster, 1986.

_________. Conflict Mediation Across Cultures. Westminster John Knox, 1992.

Ledevach, John Paul. Preparing for Peace. Syracus University Press, 1995.

Van Beek, Aart M. Cross Cultural Counseling. Fortress, 1996.

Wicks, Robert J. Pastoral Counseling in a Global Church. Orbis, 1993.

An appropriate bibliography on anthropology, theology, gender, conflict theory, psychology, ethics, family theory, values, and pastoral psychotherapy across cultures will appear in the syllabus.

The course grade is dependent on (1) a major paper on an issue or case in intercultural counseling, (2) a class presentation including a structured experience, process, or simulation.

This is an advanced course in pastoral counseling. The student should have completed two prior course in basic counseling, personality, conflict, or have significant cross-cultural or ministry experience. The course is preferably for second or third year students, or those with ministry experience.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Pastoral Counseling (MIN5) and requirements in Family Pastoral Care and Counseling and in Marriage and Family Ministries.

Examination by group process reflection, integration, and discernment.