Winter 2021

FI531

Wasserbauer

FI531: Theological and Clinical Exploration of Shame and Guilt. Amy Wasserbauer, PhD

DESCRIPTION:

This course explores what it means to be an integrated person, psychologically, spiritually and interpersonally with particular emphases on shame and guilt. Attention is given to integrating theological and psychological theory and practical application for work with clients in diverse racial, ethnic and denominational family contexts.

cOURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be able to evaluate their own personal integration.

2. Students will be able to articulate the relationship between theological understandings and psychological theories of the human person in relationships modified by guilt and shame.

3. Students will be able to apply an understanding of the relationship between psychological and spiritual guilt and shame to work with couples and families.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. The course will help to equip graduates to apply the insights of Christian theology along with the knowledge and techniques of behavioral sciences to their own personal growth and to their work with clients/parishioners in the family context.

2. The course will enable graduates to demonstrate an understanding of Christian spirituality in applied clinical settings.

3. The course will help graduates to demonstrate the ability to identify shame and guilt in critical issues of diversity and make appropriate responses.

COURSE FORMAT:

This 2 unit course will on Friday night and Saturday, Jan. 15-16 and Feb. 19-20. Class time will be devoted primarily to discussion and practical exercises and/or clinical demonstrations. Student projects will be completed independently during the remaining weeks of the quarter.

REQUIRED READING:

Brown, B. (2007). I thought it was just me (but it isn΄t): ˮMaking the Journey from What will people think?ˮ to ˮI am enough.ˮ New York: Penguin/Gotham Books.

Brown, B. (2010). The gifts of imperfection: Let go of who you are supposed to be and embrace who you are. Center City, MI: Hazelden.

Thompson, C. (2015). The soul of shame: Retelling the stories we believe about ourselves. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Wilson, S. D. (2002). Released from Shame. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

PREREQUISITES:

None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

This is an elective course that meets 2 of the required 4 units of ˮChoose Oneˮ area under electives.

FINAL EXAM: None.