Strategic Pastoral Counseling, 2nd Edition
A Short-Term Structured Model
About
"A model for strategic pastoral counseling that is brief and time limited (usually five sessions), bibliotherapeutic, wholistic, structured, spiritually focused, and explicitly Christian. Pastors and church leaders involved in counseling ministries will benefit greatly from reading it."--Siang-Yang Tan, Fuller Theological Seminary
Since its publication a decade ago, Strategic Pastoral Counseling has been a standard text for pastoral counseling classes and a practical resource for parish clergy. This user-friendly book has been thoroughly revised and now includes two new chapters. Benner includes helpful case studies, a new appendix on contemporary ethical issues, and updated chapter bibliographies.
Benner maintains that clergy are uniquely positioned in their pastoral roles to combine the therapeutic approach of modern counseling with the framework of classic Christian soul care. This practical handbook will be a useful guide in that aspect of their ministry.
Endorsements
"A model for strategic pastoral counseling that is brief and time limited (usually five sessions), bibliotherapeutics, wholistic, structured, spiritually focused, and explicitly Christian. Pastors and church leaders involved in counseling ministries will benefit greatly from reading it."--Siang-Yang Tan, Fuller Theological Seminary
The Authors
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David G. Benner PhD
David G. Benner (PhD, York University; postdoctoral studies, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, spiritual guide, and personal transformation coach who lives in Toronto, Ontario. Benner has authored or...
Continue reading about David G. Benner PhD
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David G. Benner
David G. Benner (PhD, York University; postdoctoral studies, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, spiritual guide, and personal transformation coach who lives in Toronto, Ontario. Benner has authored or...
Continue reading about David G. Benner
Reviews
"This new edition has largely been rewritten, including more case examples, a pastoral counseling ethics section, and annotated reading lists following the majority of the chapters. . . . A major strength of this book is that it was clearly written with the pastor and pastoral counselor in mind. The author acknowledges the particulars of ministry and has written a practical resource that speaks to the needs of pastors involved in counseling. . . . Benner has written a book that reflects an integrative approach to pastoral counseling that is theoretically sound and clinically applicable. This book should be on every pastor's bookshelf. Similarly, mental health professionals could benefit from reading this text."--Jamie D. Aten, Journal of Psychology and Christianity
"Benner offers a precise method for the effective use of [his] short-term (five sessions or less) counseling relationship. His method admirably fits the level of competence of pastors, as well as their gifts and available time commitment. . . . Benner clearly lays out three stages of strategic pastoral counseling with distinct tasks at each stage. . . . There is much to commend about this book. It is well organized and clearly written in non-technical language from a distinct perspective. It offers a method to increase the comfort and effectiveness of ministers with very basic seminary training in counseling. There is clear affirmation and a positive statement of the unique spiritual-theological, church-based gifts a pastor has to offer as a very special niche in the field of counseling."--Richard P. Olsen, Review & Expositor
"Clarifies a pastor's distinctive counseling ministry. . . . Benner includes helpful case studies of five-session and one-session pastoral counseling relationships. His strategic pastoral counseling model seems to deliver what it promises: It is a focused approach to counseling that respects a pastor's limits of time, training, and tasks. . . . Benner's book helps pastors know their professional identity as grounded in theology and in the church community. As pastors listen to their parishioners and offer short-term counseling, they will benefit from reading this book as a companion to other books relating to the human needs presented to them--needs such as grief, marriage, divorce, abuse, illness, and death."--Karl J. Van Harn, Calvin Theological Journal
"In the second edition of this 1992 work, psychologist David G. Benner strengthens an already effective text. Additional case examples, an appendix focused on ethics, and a new chapter that positions pastoral counseling in the broader context of Christian care make the second edition significantly more useful to seminarians, parish pastors, and those who teach pastoral care."--Duane R. Bidwell, American Journal of Pastoral Counseling
"When it comes to counseling, most pastors feel that the contents of their counseling toolboxes are severely limited. Benner's revision of Strategic Pastoral Counseling should help with this predicament. This book is not just another reprint from a decade ago. There are many updates and significant revisions. One of the most beneficial changes is the expanded vision of the role of the pastoral counselor. . . . There is much in Benner's book to encourage and empower pastors. . . . Benner's book offers to pastoral counselors all of the strengths and limitations that accompany the strategic short-term approach to people helping. For most pastors this should be a helpful addition to their pastoral counseling toolbox."--Bryan N. Maier, Trinity Journal