bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Spiritual Screening Tool for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Grossoehme Daniel H.
Published: May 2015

A chaplain's ability to provide care where it is most needed depends upon some method of pastoral triage. Screening for spiritual needs of children and adolescents has been a largely neglected area. A Delphi panel developed elements to be included in a tool to screen 10–18 year olds' spiritual needs and resources. The Delphi panelists were informed of survey results of school-aged children and adolescents' opinions on spiritual issues important to them if they were hospitalized. A case study of the tool's use was conducted with a convenient sample of children and adolescents. Subsequent pilot use of the tool by five pediatric chaplains demonstrated the tool's utility in identifying patients' spiritual issues, ability to serve as a springboard to deeper discussion, and as a basis for initiating discussion of spiritual concerns with other disciplines on the healthcare team. Feedback indicates the potential clinical usefulness of this tool for hospitalized children and adolescents.
Canadian Ethnographic Study of Sources and Definitions of Theological Reflection in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Authors: O'Connor Thomas St. James , Meakes Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

What are the sources and definitions of theological reflection developed by Canadian practitioners of pastoral care and counseling? This study is part of a larger qualitative research project on theological reflection. This research reviews the literature, describes the ethnographic method, and presents the findings with a sample of 75. Main sources are sacred texts, personal experience, experiences of clients, and traditions of faith group. Definitions are meaning making, discovering the divine and discipleship with recommendations for future research listed.
A Narrative of My Passion: Discovering Spiritual Gifts through a Journey of Physical Illness
Authors: Park Moonkyung
Published: May 2015

This essay is a reflection on the various insights gleamed from a physical illness. The author reflects upon her experiences, in light of the religious, theological, and spiritual perspectives of her Christian faith.
Attending to Hidden Realities: Contributions from the Work of Michael Polanyi to Supervision in Pastoral Care and Counseling
Authors: Rodgerson Thomas E.
Published: May 2015

In this article, the author suggests that concepts from the work of Michael Polanyi—such as the tacit dimension, subsidiary awareness, and commitment to a yet unrevealed, hidden reality—provide a theoretical basis for understanding the unique formation involved in pastoral care and counseling supervision.
Praying with those who Might Forget: Pastoral Considerations with Memory Impairment
Authors: Sanborne Erika L.
Published: May 2015

This article gives an account of a person who had memory impairment and received pastoral care, with an emphasis on pastoral needs and prayer. The author provides a first-hand account addressing both sides of the pastoral care interaction. She experienced years of memory impairment comparable to mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. Now, however, she is a seminarian. She provides a detailed account of pastoral care received during the time of memory impairment and considers both the visiting pastor's intent and the author's recollection of the prayer and pastoral care received. Part of the uniqueness of this account is that persons with memory impairment do not usually regain their cognitive functioning and then also obtain pastoral education from which to provide the guidance gained as both patient and pastor.
Pastoral Diagnosis: Assessing the Psychotheological Themes of Freedom and Meaning
Authors: Clarke Joseph Jody H.
Published: May 2015

This article is an exploration of the psychological and theological themes of freedom and meaning within the world of those who experience emotional pain. The article focuses on how freedom and meaning can contribute to the development of a pastorally rigorous diagnostic protocol. It is in the examination of emotional freedom and the search for meaning that practitioners of the pastoral arts come to an understanding of the nature of suffering. The article offers an overview of the state of pastoral diagnosis highlighting and drawing from those resources that emphasize the need for pastoral psychology to construct a diagnostic protocol that is both theological and resonate with the lived experience of clients.
From Reel Time to Real Time: Patient Simulation for Chaplain Interns
Authors: Kraus Jan K.
Published: May 2015

The author describes the use of a High Fidelity Patient Simulator and Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) student participation in Interprofessional education.
Suicide in a Mental Health Setting: Caring for Staff, Clients, and Family Members
Authors: Soukoreff Maureen
Published: May 2015

This is a reflection article presenting insights gained by a spiritual and religious caregiver through her experience of supporting and comforting individuals as they struggled with the societal, emotional, and spiritual issues resulting from a death by suicide, through her education in crisis management, and through her review of the relevant literature. The article outlines the needs of psychiatric patients, hospital staff, and family members when a suicide has occurred. The author's point of view is that open non-judgmental dialogue is essential for healing the intense grief often associated with suicide.
The Care of a Person with a Diseased and Broken Heart
Authors: David Ronald
Published: May 2015

This essay, written by a physician/priest, responds to a dilemma experienced by a physician-in-training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the published clinical vignette a patient with life threatening heart disease left the hospital against medical advice. The author expresses his view that the apparent failure of communication between physician and patient exemplifies, as Richard Cabot long ago claimed, the need for collaboration between providers of medical and pastoral care and illustrates the different roles each plays.
Re-Discovery of Silence in Pastoral Care
Authors: Moriichi Shuji
Published: May 2015

Pastoral care within the greater American cultural milieu strongly appraises the use of spoken words and tends to undervalue silence as a powerful and creative element for mutual connection with others and with God. In this essay the author proposes a “counter-cultural” adjustment in the perception of silence and its implications to the practice of, and theological understanding of, pastoral care. The author bases his theses on his own cross-cultural learning experiences, including his training in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), in the re-vitalization of ancient Christian wisdom, and in his current ministry to nursing home residents.
Chaplaincy Care Pathways and Clinical Pastoral Education
Authors: Nance M. Susan , Ramsey Kenneth E. , Leachman J. Anthony
Published: May 2015

The authors describe the transforming of a tool originally focused on defining and refining the role of chaplaincy care with specific patient populations into a curriculum component for a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) residency program.
Exploring the Meaning and Role of Spirituality for Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse
Authors: Fowler Dawnovise N. , Rountree Michele A.
Published: May 2015

Literature on trauma, coping and spirituality has introduced new questions about protective factors in the healing process for intimate partner abuse survivors (IPA). This qualitative study explores the relationship between spirituality and IPA with three focus groups of twenty-two women IPA survivors residing in a shelter. A content analysis revealed central themes that explicate the meaning and role spirituality plays for participants. Viewed as a salient dimension, spirituality provides strength, influences outcomes and assists in the regulation of behavioral responses in a positive manner in terms of participants' traumatic IPA victimization. Practice implications are discussed.
Does Pastoral Counseling Work? A Pilot Study of Delinquent Boys
Authors: Hausmann Eugene , Spooner Mary
Published: May 2015

This is a study of the relationship between pastoral counseling interventions and recidivism in a small sample of 16 delinquent adolescent males in residential treatment programs where such interventions were routinely available. One or more of three pastoral counseling protocols were utilized with the youths who were assessed as demonstrating one or more of the spiritual needs addressed by the protocols and who were open to the intervention. Analysis showed a significant Spearman correlation (r = .588; p = .008) between pastoral counseling and low recidivism (measured as re-arrests since discharge at the time of the follow-up contact) suggesting that the pastoral counseling may be a contributing factor to successful treatment.
Pastoral Formation Process for Seminarians a New Model for Developing Psychologically Healthy Pastors
Authors: Livingston Barbara E. , Myers Katherine Mills , Jordan Merle R. , Jelinek Bonnie Scott , Plumley Ann
Published: May 2015

The Pastoral Formation Program is based on systems theory. It examines the connections between family of origin history and a healthy career in ministry. Through exploration of a seminarian's spiritual, emotional, and psychological health, participants gain insight into personal family history and how it can lead to repetition. Program goals are to develop clergy with a clear understanding of their history, its impact on their professional life, and skills that will help them in ministry.
Educating CPE Supervisors: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Ragsdale Judith R. , Holloway Elizabeth L. , Ivy Steven S.
Published: May 2015

This qualitative study was designed to cull the wisdom of CPE supervisors doing especially competent supervisory education and to develop a theory of CPE supervisory education. Grounded theory methodology included interviewing 11 supervisors and coding the data to identify themes. Four primary dimensions emerged along with a reciprocal core dimension, Supervisory Wisdom, which refers to work the supervisors do in terms of their continuing growth and development.
The Therapeutic Covenant: A Psychotheological Pathway to Dynamic Engagement
Authors: Clarke Joseph (Jody) H.
Published: May 2015

Covenant language resides at the heart of all great spiritual journeys. The covenant is rigid and flexible, secure and dangerous, constant and ever changing. On the surface a covenant can be understood as an agreement between the client and the therapist. Beneath the surface lies the dynamic nature of the covenant, a nature based on the emotional quality a client brings, couple with the therapist capacity to support emotional integrity in the process of covenant development. In its simplicity the covenant becomes the guiding force that leads the client and therapist into the complex world of the unconscious. This article seeks to access the theological and psychological ramifications of integrating covenant theory into the psychotherapeutic process. Herein we encounter a dynamic that animates change in the client while at the same time making significant demands upon the therapist.
Defining and Overcoming Barriers between Euro-American Chaplains and African American Families
Authors: Bradley Joe
Published: May 2015

This article describes various communication barriers between Euro-American chaplains and African American families which prevent effective spiritual care. These barriers include covert and deeply internalized racism, belief in false ideologies, persistent stereotyping, and being unaware of white privilege. Proposes potential solutions of acknowledging ones own race; becoming sensitive to the history and continuing oppression of Euro-Americans toward African Americans; building multicultural competence through education; and building equal-status relationships with African American individuals.
Enhancing Objectivity in Pastoral Education: Use of Standardized Patients in Video Simulation
Authors: Tartaglia Alexander , Dodd-McCue Diane
Published: May 2015

Measurement of student learning outcomes in clinical pastoral education has historically been assessed through student self-report instruments and subjective evaluation by CPE supervisors. Valid quantitative measurement is limited. This study utilizes standardized patients and a behavioral interview checklist to measure the impact of an initial summer unit of CPE training. Results demonstrate measurable change in student interview style behavior suggesting that simulation utilizing standardized patients is a valid objective measure of students' behavioral communication styles.
2009 Spiritual Care Collaborative Survey Results on Continuing Education
Authors: Montonye Martin , Wintz Sue , Scrivener William , Jankowski Katherine , Handzo George , Pugliese Karen
Published: May 2015

Continuing education for chaplains, pastoral counselors and clinical pastoral educators is important for maintaining and advancing professional competency. Pastoral professionals who visited the Spiritual Care Collaborative (SCC) website to register for a conference were asked to complete a questionnaire on continuing education. Results of the survey show that continuing education, both in-person and through electronic means, were clearly ranked as the most important activities the SCC partner organizations could provide in the future. Additionally, continuing education preferences vary depending upon constituent groups. These findings have implications for the design of future educational programs.
Defining and Advocating for Spiritual Care in the Hospital
Authors: VandeCreek Larry
Published: May 2015

A definition of spiritual care and attention to the scientific literature can strengthen the advocacy efforts of hospital funded chaplaincy programs. Adapting Pargament's work, spiritual care is defined here as giving professional attention to the subjective spiritual and religious worlds of patients, worlds comprised of perceptions, assumptions, feelings, and beliefs concerning the relationship of the sacred to their illness, hospitalization, and recovery or possible death. Results from the scientific literature are then presented in response to four advocacy related questions: 1) How do hospital decision makers and chaplains perceive the experience of hospitalization, 2) Does a need for spiritual care exists; is it relevant, 3) Who can best provide spiritual care, and 4) Are chaplain visits helpful? This definition and advocacy material can be useful when decision makers review the funding of spiritual care.
“Posthumous Disillusionment” as a Type of Complicated Grief
Authors: Stalfa Frank J.
Published: May 2015

This article develops a theoretical concept that delineates the experience of disillusionment toward a deceased loved-one during the grieving process. Through clinical anecdote, film and autobiography, possible therapeutic initiatives are identified which may provide pastoral and clinical approaches to assist those whose grief is complicated by distressing and unexpected revelations requiring a reevaluation of their relationship with the loved-one who has died.
Do Pastoral Counselors Have a Duty to Report Clergy Sexual Abuse Done by Their Clergy Clients?
Authors: Ashby Homer U. , Verner David
Published: May 2015

What does a pastoral counselor do when a clergy client reveals that he or she has been sleeping with a parishioner? Does the counselor have an ecclesiastical duty to report this offense to a church official; or does the pledge of confidentiality trump any disclosure? Some ecclesiastical bodies require their clergy to bring knowledge of these offenses to church authorities. Does this requirement apply to pastoral counselors? The authors have been confronted with these questions in their ministry of pastoral counseling and have struggled with producing a faithful, professional response. Along the way they have not received clear direction from judicatories or professional organizations. This article is the authors' attempt to answer the questions raised above as well as to challenge professional and ecclesiastical bodies to confront more forthrightly the dilemmas these situations cause for pastoral counselors who seek to protect the welfare of the Church as well as protect the pledge to maintain confidentiality.
Deliberating Death
Authors: Landes Scott D.
Published: May 2015

Utilizing a particular case study of a woman attempting to come to terms with her death, this article explores the difficult metaphors of death present within the Christian tradition. Tracing a Christian understanding of death back to the work of Augustine, the case study is utilized to highlight the difficulties presented by past and present theology embracing ideas of punishment within death. Following the trajectory of the case study, alternative understandings of death present in recent Christian theology and within Native American spirituality are presented in an attempt to find room for a fuller meaning of death post-reconciliation, but premortem.
Liberation Psychological Implications for Pastoral Care of Korean Military Wives
Authors: Chang Bocheol
Published: May 2015

Native Korean women frequently suffer poverty, sexual violence, and Confucian gender discrimination. Once in America Korean military wives also experience racial and sexual oppression, intercultural familial conflicts and violence, and identity crisis and lead to feelings of isolation and non-belonging, a sense of anomie. Korean American pastors tend to understate and oversimplify the complexity of psychological and spiritual suffering of Korean military wives and overemphasize individual faith development as a solution.

Liberation psychology evolved from an awareness of similar dehumanizing realities. The context-based perspective of liberation psychology offers a model to interpret and assist in the psychological and spiritual healing of Korean military wives The healing power of conscientization offered in Liberation psychology for oppressed individuals encourages self-awakening suggesting it as an ideal interventional model to help Korean military wives and would be a useful approach for Korean American pastors.
You Learn it in Your Heart: Transformative Learning Theory and Clinical Pastoral Education
Authors: Jones Logan C.
Published: May 2015

This article offers a broad overview of transformative learning theory focusing primarily on the rational and affective dimensions of the theory. As a comprehensive theory of adult learning, transformative learning theory seeks to articulate a process by which persons make meaning of their experiences and their lives. The theory provides a solid educational basis for the learning process in CPE. A list of major sources in the theory is included.
Moral Counselling: A Method in Development
Authors: de Groot Jack , Leget Carlo
Published: May 2015

This article describes a method of moral counselling developed in the Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen (the Netherlands). The authors apply insights of Paul Ricoeur to the non-directive counselling method of Carl Rogers in their work of coaching patients with moral problems in health care. The developed method was shared with other health care professionals in a training course. Experiences in the course and further practice led to further improvement of the method.
Spiritual Needs of Couples Facing Pregnancy Termination Because of Fetal Anomalies
Authors: Cowchock F. Susan , Meador Keith G. , Floyd Serina E. , Swamy Geeta K.
Published: May 2015

The spiritual needs of couples (9 mothers and 5 fathers) who were planning to terminate wanted second trimester pregnancies because of serious fetal anomalies were surveyed. Their greatest needs were for a “guidance from a higher power” and for “someone to pray for them.” Unlike other reported groups of patients, they did not want or expect their healthcare team to discuss their faith, or to pray with them. Most would prefer support from their own pastors, but their religious community was involved to only a small extent. They would welcome support from hospital chaplains, who could play a substantive and unique pastoral role in this clinical context.
Research Report: A Grounded Theory Description of Pastoral Counseling
Authors: Townsend Loren L.
Published: May 2015

Historically, clerical paradigms of ordained ministry have defined pastoral counseling. However, these fail to describe pastoral counselors in the complex social, theological and medical contexts in which they now work. This study asks the question: How do pastoral counselors in clinical practice describe what is uniquely “pastoral” about the counseling they offer clients? Grounded theory was used to propose a preliminary description and an intermediate theory of how pastoral counselors interpret “pastoral.” Eighty-five pastoral counselors were selected for the study over a four year period using criteria to assure maximum variation. Interviews and pastoral identity statements were collected and coded, and theoretical models were organized using NVIVO, a computer assisted qualitative design and analysis software (CAQDAS) package. Results suggest that pastoral counselors share some common ideas regarding “pastoral identity” and clinical practice. How pastoral counselors interpret “pastoral” is highly context sensitive and varies widely.
Seminarian Attitudes toward Counseling
Authors: Croswell Jill , Debbeler Lisa Maechling , Turpening John , Zureick Patricia
Published: May 2015

This paper examines whether seminarians are interested in referring parishioners to pastoral counselors or prefer handling commingled psychological and spiritual problems through counseling parishioners themselves. Research results revealed openness toward referral and also a strong interest in counseling persons themselves. Forms of collaboration other than referral were also examined, and seminarians indicated openness to using consultation, training, and personal therapeutic support. Implications for church-psychology collaboration, generally, are discussed. Areas for further research are recommended.
Mentalizing and Professional Boundaries in the Clergy
Authors: Crisp-Han Holly , Gabbard Glen O. , Martinez Melissa
Published: May 2015

Increasing attention has been focused on mental health problems of clergy in light of long work hours, extraordinary demands, and diversity of tasks. In this communication we report findings from the psychiatric evaluation of 70 Episcopal priests. We describe psychiatric diagnoses, but our focus is on two common themes that emerged: difficulties maintaining professional boundaries and problems with mentalizing, i.e., imagining the impact of their behavior and words on others. Recommendations for education and prevention are addressed.
A Pilot Study of Spirituality and Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes in Persons with Spinal Cord Dysfunction and Severe Neurological Illnesses
Authors: Piderman Katherine M. , Mueller Paul S. , Theneau Terry M. , Stevens Susanna R. , Hanson Andrew C. , Reeves Ronald K.
Published: May 2015

This prospective, observational pilot study was conducted on an academic inpatient rehabilitation unit. Ninety-three persons with spinal cord dysfunction or severe neurological illness participated. All completed admission surveys; 46 completed surveys six months after discharge. The aims were to describe admission and post-discharge spirituality and associations between spirituality and rehabilitation outcomes. At admission, participants reported spirituality similar to that of other samples of medical patients. After discharge, frequency of private spiritual practices increased and spiritual and existential well-being decreased. No significant associations were detected between spirituality and rehabilitation outcomes. Findings suggest the importance of spirituality to the participants and future research with a larger sample and modifications to the methodology.
Pastoral Care Professionals in Health and Mental Health Care: Recognizing Classic and Newer Versions of Ageism
Authors: Kane Michael N. , Green Diane L. , Jacobs Robin J.
Published: May 2015

Pastoral care professionals are cognizant of many forms of prejudice and discrimination in society and health care environments. Ageism is perhaps the least likely to be challenged as prejudice or discrimination. Ageist perception is suspicious of the health and cognitive ability of older persons; without consideration of emotional, spiritual, or social abilities. While positive and negative ageist attributions are culturally abundant, new and subtle versions of ageism offer convincing guidance about personal responsibility for health status and insist on personal social engagement. Older persons who are not free of disease or disability may be viewed as culpable for their failure to age well. Additionally, elders may be expected to maintain social involvement; especially through volunteerism. Elders who are unable or unwilling to engage in volunteerism may be viewed as selfish or irresponsible. If individuals are held responsible for their health as they age, then services and reimbursement for service may be limited to evidence-based medical interventions that result in complete recovery rather than life-quality improvement and only for “worthy” individuals. This paper seeks to heighten the awareness of pastoral care professionals to common ageist themes found in health and mental care service delivery.
A Psychospiritual, Family-Centered Theory of Care for Mothers in the NICU
Authors: Snodgrass Jill L.
Published: May 2015

Weighing less than three pounds four ounces, very low birthweight infants account for 1.4% of births and 46% of infant deaths in the U.S. Mothers of these infants often endure significant suffering while witnessing their children struggle for life. By examining their psychological and theological needs, and drawing on a mother's lived experience, this article develops a psychospiritual, family-centered theory of care to aid chaplains in providing spiritual care to mothers in the NICU.
Apophatic Attending: An Essential for Pastoral Diagnosis
Authors: Rodgerson Thomas E.
Published: May 2015

While mechanisms for spiritual assessment have multiplied in recent years, specific approaches to pastoral diagnosis have remained elusive. The elusive nature of pastoral diagnosis reminds caregivers of the necessity not only to pay attention to the kataphatic side of pastoral diagnosis, but also to the apophatic side of pastoral diagnosis, ultimately allowing for a kataphatic and apophatic interplay.
Shepherding a Flock of Different Fleece: A Historical and Social Analysis of the Unique Attributes of the African American Pastoral Caregiver
Authors: Arnold Bruce Makoto
Published: May 2015

Scholars researching and writing on the roles of pastor-caregivers in predominantly black congregations have done so using models originally designed to examine the roles of pastor-caregivers in primarily white churches. This study offers a revised model based on the historical development and present reality of black churches that more closely matches the historical and present roles of the black pastor who can trace his or her roots back to African spiritual traditions.
Musings on Track: Creative Use of Multiple Disciplines to Evaluate Client Needs
Authors: Kae-Je' Bert
Published: May 2015

The author's concern about palliative care, the elderly and chronically ill is demonstrated by the creative utilization of a number of disciplines, Pastoral Counseling, Art Therapy, and Psychology in caring for clients. She shows how Maslow's Hierarchy can be used as a focused lens suggesting broader assessment of client needs that might enhance the interventional repertoire for mature students and more experienced creative clinicians in fields of Pastoral Counselling, CPE, Psychology, and Art Therapy.
“I Want to Find My Life Again”: Dementia and Grief
Authors: Temple-Jones Rev. Jan
Published: May 2015

This first-person, qualitative narrative follows the author's encounters with Maureen (M), a resident in a long-term care (LTC) facility whose husband has recently died. The author (C), a Spiritual Care Professional, explores how shifts in identity provoked by dementia impact Maureen's grief. The author focuses on intersections between identity and dimensions of care, as clients with dementia lose the self due to the effects of the disease processes and/or by grief. This article challenges Spiritual Care Professionals to think beyond the neurologically dissipative symptoms of dementia towards reconstructing clients' identities using new feelings and conceptualizations and drawing from memory-based narratives where possible. The author calls for all paid caregivers and Spiritual Care Professionals in particular to consider creatively rethinking their actions and values using the social constructivist model when interacting with clients. Caregivers can encourage the reconstruction of self and identity among clients with dementia by recognizing that clients still feel all emotions even if they are no longer able to express these emotions through words.
Pastoral Identity Constructed in Care-Giving Relationships
Authors: Park Samuel
Published: May 2015

From developmental and training perspectives, previous studies have defined pastoral identity as an individual property of pastoral practitioners. Grounded on an empirical study of interviewing 20 pastoral counselors and chaplains, this paper presents pastoral identity as a social construction between pastoral caregivers and seekers (and God in the midst). Informed by a recent social-psychological approach to identity, the paper explores one possibility for an interactional, intersubjective, and constructive paradigm of pastoral identity.
A Redefinition and Model of Canadian Islamic Spiritual Care
Authors: Isgandarova Nazila , O'Connor Thomas St. James
Published: May 2015

The criteria for a new definition and model of what constitutes one approach to Canadian Islamic spiritual care is provided. The authors believe that to be an effective profession, Islamic spiritual care givers need to use both the Qur'an and Sunnah and adequate holistic concept from the social sciences. This involves coherent scientific knowledge based on evidence and serving diverse Muslim populations that also could include a multi-faith approach. The model based on a Canadian context is person centered, sensitive to theological and cultural environment, open to female Muslim spiritual caregivers with a concern for Muslim youth at risk.
Mutually Engaged Supervisory Processes: A Proposed Theory for ACPE Supervisory Education
Authors: Ragsdale Judith R. , Steele-Pierce Mary Ellen , Bergeron Carole H. , Scrivener Rev. Canon William E.
Published: May 2015

Nineteen newly certified Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) Associate Supervisors were interviewed to determine how they learned to do Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) supervision. Grounded theory was the qualitative research method used in gathering and analyzing data for this IRB approved study. The emerging theory, Mutually Engaged Supervisory Processes, includes nine processes: Discerning Vocation, Feedback, Support, Supervisory Practices and Identity, Theory, Increased Awareness, Shift in Personhood, Offering Presence, and Owning Authority. Member checks confirmed the trustworthiness of the results.
“Be Patient and Grateful”- Elderly Muslim Women's Responses to Illness and Suffering
Authors: Baeke Goedele , Wils Jean-Pierre , Broeckaert Bert
Published: May 2015

Muslims arriving as first generation immigrants in Western countries gradually grow old and increasingly appeal to Western healthcare. This study presents and discusses the perspectives of elderly (age ≥55) Muslim women on medicine, illness and suffering. We found that theological considerations, centring around God's almightiness, are central for these Muslim women dealing with illness and suffering in a meaningful way. This study concludes that spirituality is an important dimension of their patient care: it not only makes an impact on these patients' ritual needs (e.g. prayer), but also on the ways they deal with illness, suffering, and concrete medical decision-making. The findings are of particular importance for both Muslim and multi-faith hospital chaplains who might act as spiritual care references in medical teams, by informing physicians and nurses about potential specific sensibilities and perspectives of Muslim patients.
Conditions for Religious Discourse in Secularized Ethical Health Care Deliberation
Authors: van Nistelrooy Inge , Vosman Frans
Published: May 2015

Religious discourse is no longer self-evident in professional health care ethical deliberation in the North Atlantic cultural sphere. However, in a world of pluralism, care professionals still seek substantive views of good care. Religious and non-religious beliefs should not be excluded from ethical deliberation. They offer patients and professionals a helpful language for expressing values and beliefs. Chaplains have a role to play as allies in sense-making processes and resourcing care.
Assessing the Construction of Spirituality: Conceptualizing Spirituality in Health Care Settings
Authors: Walton Martin Neal
Published: May 2015

Spirituality has become a popular term in chaplaincy and health care settings, but is defined in such a myriad of ways and in such broad terms that, as a term, it threatens to become unfit for clinical practice. Several prominent conceptualizations of spirituality are analyzed in an attempt to recover the distinctiveness of spirituality. An adequate understanding of spirituality for clinical use should run close to the lived spirituality of persons in their unique individuality, differing contexts and various persuasions. In the second place a distinct discourse on spirituality needs to be sensitive to characteristic experiences of that which is other.
He's Home, but He's Not the Same: A Pastoral Counseling Impression of Family Care after Combat Related Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Alexander David William
Published: May 2015

As the occurrence of direct contact with heavy improvised explosive devices has increased in Operation Enduring Freedom, more and more veterans are returning home from combat deployment with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Although these injuries are associated with many different neurological, physiological, and emotional symptoms, perhaps most difficult for families is the phenomenon of perceived personality change. This article examines common clinical interventions in treating personality change associated with TBI, and offers pastoral context and insights for complementary care with families during the return and reunion process.
Interpersonal Criticism and the Clergy
Authors: Garner Randy
Published: May 2015

Though well-crafted criticism can provide valuable information for the recipient, the abundance of literature finds that criticism is overwhelmingly viewed negatively. The consequences of adverse interpersonal criticism were assessed by a focus group of randomly selected clergy members from a large ministerial alliance. Collectively the focus group revealed that interpersonal criticism can have deleterious vocational, psychological, and health consequence for those in the ministry. Clergy reported that criticism from parishioners, the public, denominational officials, and others adversely affect interpersonal relationships and can lead to stress, burnout, and early departure from the ministry. The participants indicated that current training and resources were inadequate to deal with the issue and further denominational support and seminary education was necessary.
Take Heed, Take Care!
Authors: Marsay Gloria
Published: May 2015

This paper offers a synthesis of public and personal narratives about the effects of stress in working with “wounded others”, weaving together common themes to highlight difficulties associated with doing such work. The intention is to stimulate conversation among individuals, institutions, and organisations for considering ways in which Pastoral Care and Counseling providers can ameliorate negative stress-induced effects of their work.
Teaching Research in Clinical Pastoral Education: A Survey of Model Practices
Authors: Tartaglia Alexander , Fitchett George , Dodd-McCue Diane , Murphy Patricia , Derrickson Paul E.
Published: May 2015

The Association of Professional Chaplains (APC) developed Standards of Practice for Acute and Long-term settings. Standard 12 promotes research-literate chaplains as important for the profession. Since many chaplains receive training in clinical pastoral education (CPE) residency programs, the aim of this study was to identify model practices for the teaching of research in such programs. Using a purposeful sample, this study identified 11 programs that offered “consistent and substantive” education in research. Common features included the existence of a research champion, a culture supportive of research, and the availability of institutional resources. The study identified models and methodologies that CPE programs can adopt.
Religious Counseling in the Penal Context: Strategies of Trust and Establishment of Trusting Relationships in a Context of Distrust
Authors: Brandner Tobias
Published: May 2015

The paper describes how distrust shapes the network of relationships between the different agents in the penal context, among inmates, between inmates and their family, between inmates and staff, between counselors and staff, and between inmates and counselors, and discusses how counseling strategies need to be adjusted to counter the effects of the institutional and biographical context of distrust. The paper is based on many years of participation and observation in the context of Hong Kong.
Sacramental Meditation
Authors: Bradford David T.
Published: May 2015

The group practice called “sacramental meditation” relies on sacred objects and spontaneous imagination to prepare its participants for spiritual experience. The meditation object is likened to an icon. The practice is compared with Loyola's “spiritual exercises” and the therapeutic technique of “active imagination”. Fowler's theory of faith development is used to show the forms of symbolic awareness that occur during a meditation. The theory, the method, and the effects of sacramental meditation are reviewed.
Children of Heroes: Alzheimer's Disease — A Path toward Healing and Wholeness for Caregivers
Authors: Angelica Jade
Published: May 2015

Conventional wisdom postulates that Alzheimer's steals personhood and destroys our opportunities to heal, reconcile, and deepen our relationships with persons who have this disease. In this article, children of Alzheimer's Heroes who have answered the call to love, challenge this conventional wisdom. With clarity, confidence, and courage, we bear witness to the mythic power of Alzheimer's and express gratitude for the surprising gifts that have transformed our lives.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus: A Psychological Study of Unrepaired Shame
Authors: Severino Sally K. , Morrison Nancy K.
Published: May 2015

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's modern Prometheus shows us the eternal punishment of unrepaired shame—eternal entrapment within the shame triangle of victim, perpetrator and rescuer. This paper describes how Shelley's insight—that lack of love creates a monster living in shame—is being confirmed by neuroscience and how this is exemplified in two characters—the creature and Victor Frankenstein. Additionally, it delineates how pastoral counselors can help those suffering from unrepaired shame
Indigenous Healing Practice: Ayahuasca. Opening a Discussion
Authors: Prue Robert , Voss Richard W.
Published: May 2015

This essay frames an invitation to pastoral counselors and pastoral theologians to examine connections and perhaps interactions between themselves and traditional shamanic healers who use ayahuasca in their healing ceremonies. Indigenous people in South America have used ayahuasca for centuries, and the ritual has become common among the mestizo populations in urban areas of the Amazon, particularly as a curing ritual for drug addiction (Dobkin de Rios, 1970; Moir, 1998). Like peyote in the United States (Calabrese, 1997) ayahuasca use amongst the indigenous people of the Amazon is a form of cultural psychiatry. A review of the literature reveals very little commentary or discussion of shamanic practice in Pastoral Counseling (Pastoral Theology). The scant literature identifies an antithetical relationship at best. The current authors wonder about the possibility of to including shamanic practices in the context of pastoral counseling? This essay seeks to provide some basic information about the ritual use of ayahuasca and to offer a rationale for pastoral counselors to engage in a dialogue about its utility.
“Look at Me, but Don't!” — Revisiting the Narcissistic Dilemma in Clinical Pastoral Supervision
Authors: Woggon Frank
Published: May 2015

Clinical Pastoral Education is a shame-sensitive endeavor. This article discusses the impact of shame in supervision by considering students' experiences of shame as well as the supervisor's shame and their resulting dilemmas. Exploring the paradox of shame from a psychological and theological perspective, the author suggests that shame can serve students' self-discovery, if it is engaged through pastoral confirmation and transformative interventions. Empathic attunement and humor are highlighted as effective means in such interventions.
Canadian Licensing Changes and the Anticipated Impact on Islamic Spiritual Care and Counseling Practice in Ontario
Authors: Isgandarova Nazila
Published: May 2015

This article highlights some significant aspects of the new regulations and the benefits of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario (CRPO) with regard to the spiritual care and counseling practice of Muslim spiritual caregivers, including imams.
The Use of Traumatic Biblical Narratives in Spiritual Recovery from Trauma: Theory and Case Study
Authors: Ballaban Steven
Published: May 2015

Scholars in different disciplines have begun to converge in their answer to the fundamental question, “what does it mean to be a unique person.” Writers in the fields of psychology, neurology and theology have begun to address the fact that identity is tied to the narratives we create, more than the events that occur in life. Traumatic events in life can create discontinuities in that narrative that interfere with functioning. In this essay, I propose the use of traumatic Biblical narratives in pastoral counseling to assist the client in articulating personal traumatic episodes and beginning the process of integrating traumatic experiences and initiating growth.
Clergy Stress through Working with Trauma: A Qualitative Study of Secondary Impact
Authors: Hendron Jill Anne , Irving Pauline , Taylor Brian J.
Published: May 2015

This article explores the impact upon clergy as a result of working with trauma within their pastoral ministry. The paper is unusual in that examines the toll exacted as part of their daily pastoral ministry in offering care and support to those who have encountered life's daily tragedies. Utilizing a sample of 16 serving Irish clergy Drawing on an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework the data was organized into super-ordinate themes. Findings indicate that this is a challenging aspect of the ministry and one that can result in physical, cognitive and behavioural effects not only on those who provide the initial support but also in turn upon their informal support networks
Cognitive-Existential Family Therapy: A Proposed Theoretical Integration Model for Pastoral Counselors
Authors: Saunders James A.
Published: May 2015

Fundamental Christianity and psychology are frequently viewed as incompatible pursuits. However, proponents of the integrationist movement posit that pastoral counselors can utilize principles from psychology if they adopt the premise that all truth is God’s truth. Assuming this perspective, Cognitive-Existential Family Therapy (CEFT) – a theoretical integration model compatible with Christian fundamentalism – is proposed. The philosophical assumptions and models of personality, health, and abnormality are explored. Additionally, the article provides an overview of the therapeutic process.
Drawing Close to the Brokenhearted: Pastoral Responses to Parents Grieving Stillbirth
Authors: Petro Susannah J.
Published: May 2015

Despite its prevalence worldwide, stillbirth is poorly understood and rarely discussed. Accordingly, ministers and other pastoral caregivers are seldom prepared to counsel and console parents suffering from this type of infant loss and to effectively design, propose, and lead ministries within their faith communities for this grieving population. This article addresses the immediate pastoral needs of bereaved parents and proposes first and second order responses that ministers and faith communities can employ to compassionately and effectively care for parents suffering from the trauma of stillbirth.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Core Values in Clinical Supervision
Authors: Jordan Merle , Anderson Douglas , Kennedy Brian , Bagley Julia
Published: May 2015

Four authors representing four generations of therapists reflect upon the role of core values that are communicated in the supervision hour. They further reflect upon how such values are transmitted from one generation of therapists to the next. Drawing upon their own experience of giving and receiving supervision, the authors hypothesize the existence of an intergenerational process by which values are passed on from one generation to the next.
Pastoral Group Counselling at a High Security Prison in Israel: Integrating Pierre Janet’s Psychological Analysis with Fritz Perls’ Gestalt Therapy
Authors: Brown Paul , Brown Marta
Published: May 2015

This is a report of a short-term, pastoral counselling group conducted with Jewish internees in a high security prison in Israel. It was held as an adjunct to daily secular individual and group counselling and rehabilitation run by the Department of Social Work. Pastoral counselling employed spiritual and psychosocial methodologies to reduce anger, improve prisoner frustration tolerance, and develop a sense of self-efficacy and communal identity. It combined semi-didactic scriptural input with Pierre Janet’s personality model, Fritz Perls’ gestalt therapy, and analysis of the group process.
Prostate Cancer Education, Detection, and Follow-Up in a Community-Based Multiethnic Cohort of Medically Underserved Men
Authors: Ashorobi Omotola S. , Frost Jacqueline , Wang Xuemei , Roberson Pamela , Lin E. , Volk Robert J. , Lopez David S. , Jones Lovell A. , Pettaway Curtis A.
Published: May 2015

The Prostate Outreach Project (POP) provided free prostate cancer (PCa) education and early detection to medically underserved communities. POP recruited participants in medically underserved communities. PCa education and detection events occurred in POP locations (static) or natural gathering places (mobile) within the community. PCa education was delivered by video and evaluated using a questionnaire. Screening consisted of serum prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination. A navigated follow-up strategy was utilized to provide medical care for participants with abnormal screening examinations (ASE). POP recruited 4,420 men, 62.8% (2,667) were African American (AA). Most participants had a high school education and no prior screening. Fifty-four percent (2,159) were uninsured and 41% (1,811) had no access to a physician. PCa knowledge increased following the educational video. Prostate-specific antigen levels were elevated in 9.8% (436), while 6.9% (233) had an abnormal digital rectal examination. Follow-up among 609 men with ASE was successful in 40% (244), despite a navigated approach. Overall, 3.3% (144) cancers were diagnosed among the POP with AA participants exhibiting a significantly higher incidence. Recruitment, education, and PCa testing among a medically underserved cohort was successful. However, failure to follow through on ASE could contribute to maintaining the disparity in PCa outcomes noted among AAs and the medically underserved if not addressed.