The social coinonial construction of pastoral therapy in clergy training

[摘要] This thesis participated in the negotiation of a shift from modernism to postmodernismconcerning pastoral therapy and the training of pastoral therapy. This shift, as it is reflected insocial construction theory, poses new challenges to the idea of pastoral therapy, what it is, andespecially to training in pastoral therapy. Pastoral therapy is eo-constructed in training accordingto a postmodern social construction discourse so that it remains intelligible and adaptable withina modernist theological framework.Multiple reflexive conversations were used as a basis of research, resulting in reflexivity and selfreflexivity,engaging trainer, trainees and clients in the social coinoinial (within a specificcommunity) construction of pastoral therapy and pastoral therapy training. Simultaneously theyparticipate in reflecting on the constructing process. As researcher I did not enter the researchas a clean slate. Discourses that have shaped me such as culture, theology, family of origin andprevious training are considered and presented in an alternative column next to the maindiscussion as an inner dialogue or autobiographical reflection.Various worlds are brought together in this study, namely that of social construction, practicaltheology, social sciences, family therapy, pastoral work, and pedagogy. Through a socialcoinonial construction process pastoral therapy is positioned within practical theology. Tangentplanes with discourses in social sciences, family therapy, pastoral work and pedagogy arediscussed. Multiple reflexive conversations within a two year Masters programme as well as atwo year continuing education programme were used to construct pastoral therapy and pastoraltherapy training during the research process. Reading material on the different worlds anddiscourses, interviews, discussions, pastoral therapy processes, as well as family-of-origin workare described as core training practices.

[发布机构] University of the Free State