By the very nature of the discipline of systematic spiritual direction, pastoral counseling is an integral and necessary component. Active Listening will be shown to be a cornerstone of this technique; followed by a solutions-focused counseling approach. By systematically following the chapters of this book, the student of spiritual direction Internship will be guided to a better understanding of the fluid nature of the discipline. In it the reader will learn that in any given session, there are generally three possible movements: 1) the movement to pastoral counseling, 2) the role of a spiritual companion and 3) the trusted role of a spiritual director. All of these are set within the deeply trusted space of internal forum. The ultimate lesson for the cohort is to listen deeply to what the directee brings to them, and proceed prayerfully.
Pastoral Counseling, a Spiritual Director Overview : A Short Course in Pastoral Counseling for Spiritual Directors