Foundations in the Psychology of Counselling

Foundations in the psychology of pastoral 'listening' and counseling, emphasizing the interpersonal, intersubjective and relational dynamics operative in the dyad in a faith-based context. Focus of the course will be on case studies where students will examine multiple perspectives of effective communication in the pastoral counselling setting. Strong focus on heightened awareness of not only what person seeking counselling brings to the relationship, but equally important, on what the counsellor brings, and the multiple levels of conscious and unconscious communication mobilized in therapeutic encounters. Discussion-oriented seminars organized around clinical and theoretical papers; students encouraged to bring individual experience-based material for confidential discussion, where appropriate. Two short essays, class presentations (where applicable), class participation.