Customer Reviews

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

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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

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.