Pastoral Counseling: A Gestalt Approach (Haworth Religion and Mental Health.) [Paperback]

Ward A Knights Jr (Author), Harold G Koenig (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0789015323 | ISBN-13: 978-0789015327 | Publication Date: February 23, 2002

This contemporary counseling approach seamlessly meshes with pastoral theology!

Gestalt therapy is designed to be simple, free of jargon, and emotionally liberating--ideal for pastoral counseling in the context of a variety of faiths. This primer is designed to give pastors and rabbis a working knowledge of the basic techniques and attitudes pioneered by Dr. Fritz Perls. Pastoral Counseling: A Gestalt Approach shows how this holistic approach, with its emphasis on the here and now, is a natural counterpoint to pastoral theology.

This comprehensive book gives specific instructions on using Gestalt techniques to increase the depth of the pastoral care and counseling you provide. Pastoral Counseling explains the basic goals of Gestalt work, which are to achieve spontaneity and expressiveness and to move toward personal authenticity. It also reveals how you can employ these techniques to help you and your congregation move toward realizing your God-given potential.

Pastoral Counseling illustrates Gestalt theories from several perspectives, including:

• theory and techniques
• case studies
• a folk tale
• session transcripts
• a sermon

Pastoral Counseling guides you toward a broader understanding of the simple power of the holistic approach. Pastors and priests, rabbis, and other members of the clergy who engage in counseling will find its simple wisdom refreshing amidst the desert of dry theory. Gestalt counselors will find its pastoral perspective enlightening in their work with clients.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Routledge (February 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789015323
• ISBN-13: 978-0789015327
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,867,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible Tools, May 16, 2005

By 

Martha A. Rutland - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pastoral Counseling: A Gestalt Approach (Haworth Religion and Mental Health.) (Paperback)

The language and exercises of Gestalt are presented in usable form accessible to beginners as well as seasoned practitioners. Illustrations from folk tales, scripture, group and individual counseling, and congregational settings keep readers interested and involved. Actual verbatim conversations give specific insight into real life experience with the theory. The material is engaging. It would be hard to find a better description of this psychological theory well integrated into an understanding of pastoral care and counseling. I have used the book personally with Association for Clinical Pastoral Education students and in local church settings effectively. I highly recommend this resource.--The Rev. Martha Rutland, D. Min., ACPE Supervisor

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent practical application of Gestalt theory, June 20, 2005

By 

wundermb "MB" (Corpus Christi, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pastoral Counseling: A Gestalt Approach (Haworth Religion and Mental Health.) (Hardcover)

This book is a must-read for any practitioner of the Gestalt approach. It is particularly helpful for the field of pastoral counseling and clinical pastoral education as it offers vivid case illustrations of the techniques used. It also is a useful tool for everyday pastoral care offered by congregation-based clergy, who seek a holistic approach using the body language, facial expressions and internal dialogue of the one seeking help. The chapters on the hot-chair and the counseling session are particularly gripping and enlightening for pastoral practice. All chapters offer well-integrated, in-depth theoretical reflections.

As a former post-graduate student of Dr. Knights I had the privilege to experience his personal strength and leadership for several years. His motivating force was to meet people at the center of their vital awareness by helping them to be authentic in the here-and-now. The book is an accurate reflection of Dr. Knights' clinical and educational practice. His use of the Gestalt approach has enabled many pastors to be more authentic persons and therefore to be more empathetic and genuine with the people to whom they minister.