Here's a syllabus for the course "Pastoral Care and Counseling":
I. Course Information or Objective:
- This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of
pastoral care and counseling in a Christian context.
II. Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Define and explain the scope of pastoral care and counseling.
2. Identify the skills and competencies required of a pastoral counselor.
3. Demonstrate ethical guidelines and boundaries in pastoral counseling.
4. Understand and apply various counseling theories in pastoral care.
5. Comprehend human development theories and their relevance to pastoral care.
6. Provide pastoral care in crisis situations, including trauma intervention and grief counseling.
7. Conduct marriage and family counseling, addressing issues of conflict and parenting.
8. Recognize and address addiction and substance abuse within a pastoral context.
9. Exhibit cultural sensitivity and competence in multicultural counseling.
10. Foster spiritual formation and discipleship.
11. Recognize mental health issues and provide appropriate pastoral care.
12. Facilitate group counseling in a ministry setting.
13. Understand and navigate ethical and legal issues in pastoral care.
14. Apply pastoral care and counseling principles to diverse contexts, such as hospitals, prisons,
and community outreach programs.
15. Integrate psychology and theology in providing effective pastoral care and counseling.
16. Understand the importance of self-care and implement strategies to prevent burnout.
III. Course Description:
This course explores the theory and practice of pastoral care and counseling, focusing on the role
of the pastoral counselor, counseling techniques, ethical considerations, and the integration of
psychology and theology. Students will examine various topics related to pastoral care, including
human development, crisis intervention, marriage and family counseling, addiction, cultural
diversity, mental health, group counseling, ethics, and self-care.
IV. Required Text:
- Benner, D.G. (1998). Care of souls: Revisioning Christian nurture and counseling.
V. Course Requirements:
- Attendance and active participation in lectures and discussions.
- Completion of assigned readings and preparation for class.
- Engaging in practical exercises and case studies.
- Completion of written assignments and reflections.
- Midterm examination.
- Final project or paper.
VI. Assessment and Evaluation:
- Attendance and participation: 10%
- Assignments and reflections: 40%
- Midterm examination: 20%
- Final project or paper: 30%
VII. Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Definition and Scope of Pastoral Care and Counseling
- Historical Overview of Pastoral Care
- Theological Foundations of Pastoral Care and Counseling
Week 2: The Role of the Pastoral Counselor
- Skills and Competencies of a Pastoral Counselor
- Ethical Guidelines and Boundaries in Pastoral Counseling
Week 3: Counseling Theories in Pastoral Care
- Psychoanalytic Approach
- Cognitive Behavioral Approach
- Person-Centered Approach
- Existential Approach
Week 4: Understanding Human Development
- Life Span Developmental Theories
- Issues and Challenges in Different Stages of Life
- Spirituality and Development
Week 5: Pastoral Care in Crisis Situations
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention
- Grief and Loss Counseling
- Suicide Prevention and Intervention
Week 6: Marriage and Family Counseling
- Pre-Marital Counseling
- Marital Issues and Conflict Resolution
- Parenting and Family Dynamics
Week 7: Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling
- Understanding Addiction
- Theological Perspectives on Addiction
- Treatment Approaches and Support
Week 8: Cultural Diversity and Multicultural Counseling
- Cross-Cultural Counseling Competencies
- Addressing Bias and Discrimination
- Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health
Week 9: Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
- Theological Perspectives on Spiritual Formation
- Spiritual Practices and Disciplines
- Nurturing Spiritual Growth
Week 10: Mental Health and Pastoral Care
- Depression and Anxiety
- Addiction and Substance Abuse
- Personality Disorders
- Psychotic Disorders
Week 11: Group Counseling in Ministry
- The Role and Dynamics of Group Counseling
- Group Facilitation Skills
- Group Counseling Techniques
Week 12: Ethics and Legal Issues in Pastoral Care
- Confidentiality and Privacy
- Dual Relationships and Boundaries
- Legal and Ethical Guidelines for Pastoral Care
Week 13: Pastoral Care and Counseling in Different Contexts
- Hospital and Clinical Pastoral Care
- Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice
- Community and Outreach Programs
Week 14: Integration of Psychology and Theology
- Understanding Integration Models
- Contributions and Limitations of Integration
- Effective Integration Strategies
Week 15: Self-Care for Pastoral Care Providers
- Importance of Self-Care
- Strategies for Self-Care
- Burnout Prevention and Management
VIII. Teaching Strategies:
- Lectures and presentations
- Group discussions and case studies
- Role-playing and experiential exercises
- Audiovisual materials and guest speakers
- Reflective writing assignments
- Peer collaboration and feedback sessions
