The social coinonial construction of pastoral therapy in clergy training
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Date
2000-11
Authors
Joubert, Bunyan Fouche
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This thesis participated in the negotiation of a shift from modernism to postmodernism
concerning pastoral therapy and the training of pastoral therapy. This shift, as it is reflected in
social construction theory, poses new challenges to the idea of pastoral therapy, what it is, and
especially to training in pastoral therapy. Pastoral therapy is eo-constructed in training according
to a postmodern social construction discourse so that it remains intelligible and adaptable within
a modernist theological framework.
Multiple reflexive conversations were used as a basis of research, resulting in reflexivity and selfreflexivity,
engaging trainer, trainees and clients in the social coinoinial (within a specific
community) construction of pastoral therapy and pastoral therapy training. Simultaneously they
participate in reflecting on the constructing process. As researcher I did not enter the research
as a clean slate. Discourses that have shaped me such as culture, theology, family of origin and
previous training are considered and presented in an alternative column next to the main
discussion as an inner dialogue or autobiographical reflection.
Various "worlds" are brought together in this study, namely that of social construction, practical
theology, social sciences, family therapy, pastoral work, and pedagogy. Through a social
coinonial construction process pastoral therapy is positioned within practical theology. Tangent
planes with discourses in social sciences, family therapy, pastoral work and pedagogy are
discussed. Multiple reflexive conversations within a two year Masters programme as well as a
two year continuing education programme were used to construct pastoral therapy and pastoral
therapy training during the research process. Reading material on the different "worlds" and
discourses, interviews, discussions, pastoral therapy processes, as well as family-of-origin work
are described as core training practices.
Description
Keywords
Pastoral counseling, Clergy -- Training of, Thesis (Ph.D. (Diaconiology))--University of the Free State, 2000