This is another excellent expose on pastoral counselling, I believe. I found it to be especially to my liking as it has a definite Christian backing and 'strategy' that includes the spiritual aspect of a person. What's more, it's the spirtual that includes God, Jesus and reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance when counseling a parishioner, patient or client. I think this book should be like a 'bible' or textbook for beginner pastoral counselors. Certainly, it would be a useful asset.
David G. Benner, the author, helpfully explains differences between pastoral ministries, pastoral care, pastoral counselling and spiritual direction. He continues to expound why he strongly suggests 5-session counselling session limits of an hour each and for pastors to know their limitations and not be reticient in referrring a parishioner to appropriate professionals with greater experience and knowledge that is beyond him, keeping the good and benefit of the person under his initial care in mind.
Benner touches on advantages of pastoral care and counselling, strategy and stages in phasing in and easing out of the 5 sessions and includes a couple of cases as examples. He finishes off with some "ethical considerations" of which the wise counselor would take note.
~Reviewed by ERC August 2023~
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