• Pastoral care is a holistic approach to helping people that addresses their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• The pastor-care recipient relationship is essential to effective pastoral care.
• Pastoral care is practiced in a variety of contexts, including the church, the hospital, and the community.
• Pastoral care is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that is constantly being shaped by new insights and challenges.

• The living human document: This theme explores the idea that each person is a unique and complex individual who can be understood as a "living human document."
• The pastor as caregiver: This theme focuses on the role of the pastor as a caregiver who provides spiritual, emotional, and practical support to those in need.
• The pastoral relationship: This theme explores the nature of the pastoral relationship and the importance of trust, empathy, and compassion in this relationship.
• The pastoral context: This theme considers the many different contexts in which pastoral care is practiced, such as the church, the hospital, and the community.

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity are essential for effective cross-cultural pastoral care and counseling.
• Cultural misunderstandings can be a major obstacle to effective care.
• Power dynamics can also complicate the cross-cultural pastoral care and counseling relationship.
• There are many resources available to help pastoral caregivers learn more about different cultures and how to provide effective care in these contexts.

• The need for a holistic approach to counseling: Culbertson emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole person in counseling, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. He believes that this holistic approach is essential for effective care.
• The importance of the counseling relationship: Culbertson believes that the counseling relationship is essential for effective care. He argues that the relationship should be characterized by trust, empathy, and compassion.
• The use of different counseling approaches: Culbertson believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling. He argues that the best approach will vary depending on the individual client and their needs.
• The importance of ongoing professional development: Culbertson believes that it is important for counselors to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in counseling and to continually develop their skills. He believes that this ongoing professional development is essential for providing effective care.

• The creation of a safe and sacred space: Patton believes that it is important for pastors to create a safe and sacred space where people can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
• The use of active listening: Patton emphasizes the importance of active listening in pastoral counseling. He believes that this allows pastors to understand the client's perspective and to build trust.
• The exploration of the client's story: Patton believes that it is important to explore the client's story in pastoral counseling. This can help the client to make sense of their experiences and to find meaning in their lives.
• The use of spiritual resources: Patton believes that it is important to use spiritual resources in pastoral counseling. This can include prayer, scripture, and other spiritual practices.
• The referral of clients to other professionals: Patton believes that it is important to refer clients to other professionals when appropriate. This can be done when the pastor feels that they are not able to provide the help that the client needs.

• Pastoral counseling is a ministry of presence and conversation.
• The creation of a safe and sacred space is essential for pastoral counseling.
• Active listening is an important skill for pastoral counselors.
• The exploration of the client's story is an essential part of pastoral counseling.
• Spiritual resources can be helpful in pastoral counseling.
• It is important to refer clients to other professionals when appropriate.

1. African American Pastoral Care & Counseling as Political Processes - Pages 11-30
2. The Parish Context of African American Pastoral Counseling - Pages 31-50
3. Liberation from Oppressive Conversations - Pages 51-70
4. Practicing Authentic Self-Awareness as Public Theologians - Pages 71-90
5. Pastoral Counseling & Critique of Modernity: The Practice of Contextual Self-Awareness - Pages 91-110
6. Challenging Modernity: Pastoral Care & Counseling as Public Theology - Pages 111-130
7. The Formation of a Public Pastoral Theologian - Pages 131-160

1. Chpt 1: The Helping Professions - Pages 1-15
2. Chpt 2: The Solution Focused Approach - Pages 16-31
3. Chpt 3: The Ingredients of Success - Pages 32-47
4. Chpt 4: The Key Assumptions of SFBT - Pages 48-63
5. Chpt 5: The Building Blocks of SFBT - Pages 64-79
6. Chpt 6: The Language of Change - Pages 80-95
7. Chpt 7: The Use of Language in Therapy - Pages 96-111
8. Chpt 8: Questions are Keys - Pages 112-127
9. Chpt 9: The First SFBT Sessions - Pages 128-143
10. Chpt 10: The Helping Relationship - Pages 144-206

• The use of questions: SFBT therapists use a variety of questions to help clients identify their goals, strengths, and resources. These questions are designed to help clients see their problems in a new light and to generate solutions.
• The importance of the therapeutic relationship: The therapeutic relationship is seen as essential in SFBT. Therapists strive to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore their problems and solutions.
• The belief in change: SFBT therapists believe that change is possible and that clients have the ability to solve their own problems. They focus on the present and future, rather than the past, and they help clients identify small, achievable goals.

• SFBT is a strengths-based approach that focuses on what the client is doing well, rather than what they are doing wrong.
• SFBT is a brief therapy that typically takes 1-12 sessions.
• SFBT can be used to treat a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and addiction.
• SFBT has been shown to be effective in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and community agencies.

• Shaking Hands - Pages 1-15
• Entertaining Angels Unawares - Pages 16-30
• Learning to Pray - Pages 31-45
• Can We Be Friends? - Pages 46-60
• So You're a Minister - Pages 61-75
• Crumbs from the Table - Pages 76-90
• Made Better than I Am - Pages 91-105
• What Shall I Call You? - Pages 106-120
• I Was Looking for the Pastor, But You'll Do - Pages 121-135
• Casting Out Demons - Pages 136-150
• Expertise & Wisdom - Pages 151-165
• A Cast of Thousands - Pages 166-180
• The Calling Church - Pages 181-195
• Married to the Minister - Pages 196-210
• Money Off the Shelf - Pages 211-225
• Palm Sunday - Pages 226-240

• From Problem Solving to Solution Building: Pages 1-18
• Solution Building The Basics: Pages 19-38
• Skills for Not Knowing and Leading from One Step Behind: Pages 39-60
• Getting Started How to Pay Attention to What the Client Wants: Pages 61-80
• How to Amplify What Clients Want The Miracle Question: Pages 81-104
• Exploring for Exceptions Building on Client Strengths and Successes: Pages 105-130
• Formulating Feedback for Clients: Pages 131-152
• Later Sessions Finding Amplifying and Measuring Client Progress: Pages 153-176
• Evidence Base: Pages 177-192
• Professional Values and Human Diversity: Pages 193-212
• Agency Group and Organizational Practice: Pages 213-232
• Applications: Pages 233-252
• Theoretical Implications: Pages 253-272
• SolutionBuilding Tools: Pages 273-294
• References: Pages 295-314

• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a strengths-based approach to therapy that focuses on helping clients identify and achieve their goals.
• SFBT therapists believe that clients have the resources and abilities to solve their own problems.
• SFBT therapists use a variety of questions to help clients identify their goals, strengths, and resources.
• SFBT therapists focus on the present and future, rather than the past.
• SFBT is a brief therapy that typically takes 1-12 sessions.

• Miracle question: This question asks the client to imagine a miracle has happened and their problem is solved. The therapist then asks the client to describe what would be different in their life if the miracle had happened.
• Scaling questions: These questions ask the client to rate their progress on a scale of 1 to 10. The therapist can then use these questions to track the client's progress over time.
• Exception questions: These questions ask the client to describe times when the problem was not happening or was less of a problem. The therapist can then use these questions to help the client identify their strengths and resources.
• Reframing: This technique involves changing the way the client sees their problem. For example, the therapist might reframe a problem as a challenge or an opportunity for growth.

• Generation to Generation: Family Process in Church and Synagogue.Chapter 1: The Family as a System (pages 3-17)
• Chapter 2: Differentiation of Self (pages 18-36)
• Chapter 3: Anxiety and Conflict (pages 37-53)
• Chapter 4: Leadership and the Family (pages 54-71)
• Chapter 5: The Family and the Larger System (pages 72-90)
• Chapter 6: The Minister and the Family (pages 91-108)
• Chapter 7: The Synagogue and the Family (pages 109-126)
• Chapter 8: The Minister's Own Family (pages 127-144)
• Chapter 9: The Family in Transition (pages 145-162)
• Chapter 10: The Family and the Future (pages 163-178)
• Epilogue: The Family as a Spiritual Journey (pages 179-190)

• Family systems theory: Friedman applies family systems theory to the study of congregations and denominations. He argues that congregations can be seen as families, with their own unique dynamics and patterns of interaction.
• Differentiation: Friedman emphasizes the importance of differentiation in family systems. Differentiation refers to the ability to maintain a sense of self while still being connected to others. He argues that congregations that are well-differentiated are more likely to be healthy and effective.
• Enmeshment and cut-off: Friedman discusses the concepts of enmeshment and cut-off, which are two unhealthy extremes of family dynamics. Enmeshment occurs when family members are overly involved in each other's lives, while cut-off occurs when family members are emotionally distant from each other. Friedman argues that congregations that are characterized by enmeshment or cut-off are likely to be dysfunctional.
• Triangles: Friedman discusses the concept of triangles, which are three-person relationships. He argues that triangles are a common way for families to manage conflict. However, he also argues that triangles can be destructive if they become too rigid or if they prevent family members from resolving their conflicts.
• The role of the leader: Friedman discusses the role of the leader in a congregation. He argues that the leader should be a differentiated person who can help the congregation to become more differentiated. He also argues that the leader should be aware of the family dynamics of the congregation and should be able to intervene in a way that is helpful and constructive.

• Congregations can be seen as extended families, with their own unique roles, boundaries, and patterns of communication.
• The health of a congregation is influenced by the level of differentiation among its members.
• Well-differentiated congregations are able to manage conflict effectively and to promote individual and collective growth.
• Enmeshed congregations are characterized by excessive closeness and dependency, while cut-off congregations are characterized by emotional distance and isolation.
• Triangles are common in congregations and can be either constructive or destructive.
• The leader plays a key role in the health of a congregation. The leader should be a differentiated person who can help the congregation to become more differentiated.

• The Nature of Pastoral Care: 2-3
• The Practice of Pastoral Care: 4-7
• The Care of Persons in Crisis: 8-11
• The Care of Persons in Transition: 12-50
• The Care of Persons in Suffering: 50-75
• The Care of Persons in Relationships: 76-90
• The Care of Persons in Community: 91-190
• The Care of Persons in the Church: 191-220
• The Care of Persons in the World: 221-272

Gerkin, Charles. The Living Human Document: Re-Visioning Pastoral Counseling in a Hermeneutical Mode. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1984. [219 pages].

• Introduction: 1-8
• The Living Human Document: A Hermeneutical Perspective: 9-22
• The Hermeneutical Mode: A Model for Pastoral Counseling: 23-34
• The Pastoral Care Process: 35-46
• The Care of Persons in Crisis: 47-58
• The Care of Persons in Transition: 59-70
• The Care of Persons in Suffering: 71-82
• The Care of Persons in Relationships: 83-94
• The Care of Persons in Community: 95-106
• The Care of Persons in the Church: 107-118
• The Care of Persons in the World: 119-215

Giles, Cheryl, and Willa Miller, eds. The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications, 2012. [368 pages].

Hunter, Rodney, ed. Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990. [1,346 pages].

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Bereavement
• Death and dying
• Depression
• Family therapy
• Forgiveness
• Grief
• Illness
• Intimacy
• Loss
• Meaning
• Mental illness
• Pain
• Peace
• Prayer
• Problem solving
• Relationships
• Self-esteem
• Spirituality
• Suicide
• Therapy
• Trauma

McGoldrick, Monica, Randy Gerson, and Sueli Petry. Genograms: Assessment and Intervention, 3rd Edition. New York: W. W. Norton & Co., 2008. [416 pages].

Genograms: Assessment and Intervention