Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Pastoral Counseling
A Short-Term Approach
Dr. William Roozeboom
Fuller Theological Seminary
Lijo George | Section C, Fall 2023

1) How are you different as a pastoral caregiver as a result of this course? This course has expanded my toolkit as a pastoral caregiver. The exposure to various perspectives, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), narrative therapy, and feminist pastoral care, has broadened my understanding of effective counseling approaches. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of creativity, cultural sensitivity, and brief intervention strategies in pastoral care.

Books that Impacted me: 

“Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling: An Effective Short-Term Approach to Getting People Back on Track” “Engaging with ‘Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling’ by Charles A. Kollar, I learned that the power of pastoral care lies not just in addressing problems but in guiding individuals towards their envisioned futures. The emphasis on future orientation and goal setting resonated with me, reshaping how I approach spiritual counseling. The book became a mentor, teaching me to seek exceptions, amplify strengths, and deliver brief, impactful interventions—all within the framework of positive, faith-based solutions. It’s not just knowledge; it’s a transformative guide, enriching my pastoral practice with hope and resilience.

SFBT is an approach that focuses on solutions rather than problems, emphasizing a person’s strengths and resources to create positive change.

Key elements of Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling, as discussed in the book

1. Future Orientation
2. Goal Setting
3. Exception Seeking
4. Amplifying Strengths
5. Brief and Solution-Focused Interventions

“The Handbook of Solution-Focused Therapy” by Bill O’Connell and Stephen Palmer:

• This is more than a handbook—it’s a companion in my journey. It doesn’t just cover aspects; it illuminates my path with practical tools and real-life examples. This book isn’t on my shelf; it’s etched into the fabric of how I navigate and apply Solution-Focused Therapy across diverse settings.

“Handbook of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: Clinical Applications” edited by Thorana S. Nelson and Frank N. Thomas:

• Upon reading this book I felt Thorana S. Nelson and Frank N. Thomas was unlocking a treasure chest of clinical wisdom. It’s not just a manual; it’s my guide in applying SFBT to diverse therapeutic landscapes. Through its pages, I’ve discovered practical insights that have not only shaped my clinical approach but have become integral to my personal evolution as a pastoral caregiver.

“Solution-Focused Practice: Effective Communication to Facilitate Change” by Jeffrey Guterman:

• This book became my compass in SFBT. Navigating its pages, I discovered not just techniques but a personal evolution in communication. It’s not just a book; it’s a transformative companion in my pastoral journey, enhancing my ability to facilitate positive change through effective communication.

“Handbook of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy” by Scott D. Miller, Mark A. Hubble, and Barry L. Duncan:

• This book was a personal revelation. It wasn’t just a guide; it was a journey alongside leading minds in the field. Their insights not only shaped my understanding of SFBT but illuminated my path as a pastoral caregiver, infusing my practice with wisdom from the forefront of research and application.

“1001 Solution-Focused Questions: Handbook for Solution-Focused Interviewing” by Fredrike Bannink:

• This book profoundly enriched my pastoral caregiving journey. This resource has been a beacon in honing my questioning skills, offering a vast array of solution-focused questions that transcend theoretical understanding and manifest into practical application. The personalized impact lies in the moments when I found myself faced with individuals seeking guidance and support. Drawing from the wellspring of questions provided in the book, I felt more adept at steering conversations toward solutions, strengths, and future possibilities. The questions became not just tools but companions in fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic space. In those interactions, I sensed a transformative shift. The questions, crafted with precision and insight, allowed me to explore the nuances of individuals’ experiences, aspirations, and resilience. The book became a catalyst for more meaningful and solution-oriented dialogues, guiding both myself and those I was assisting towards positive change.

 

“Narrative Therapy: The Social Construction of Preferred Realities” by Michael White and David Epston:
I learned that narrative therapy revolves around the power of storytelling in shaping individuals’ experiences. The book introduced me to foundational concepts, emphasizing how the social construction of meaning influences the narratives people create about their lives. This approach recognizes the importance of language and narrative in understanding and transforming one’s lived reality.

 

“Narrative Therapy in Practice: The Archaeology of Hope” edited by Gerald Monk, John Winslade, Kathie Crocket, and David Epston:

I learned about the practical applications of narrative therapy across diverse settings. The book presented valuable case studies and examples, offering insights into how narrative therapy can be effectively implemented in real-world scenarios. This enriched my understanding of the versatility and impact of narrative therapy in guiding individuals towards transformative change within their unique contexts.

“Feminist and Womanist Pastoral Theology” edited by Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore and Brita Gill-Austern:

I learned about the rich intersection between feminism and pastoral care. The collection offered diverse perspectives, providing a comprehensive overview of how feminist and womanist frameworks shape and inform pastoral theology. This deepened my appreciation for the importance of gender perspectives in pastoral caregiving.

“Introducing Feminist Pastoral Care and Counseling” by Nancy Gorsuch:

I gained a foundational understanding of feminist approaches within the pastoral context. The book delved specifically into how feminist perspectives shape and contribute to pastoral care and counseling, enriching my awareness of the importance of gender-sensitive and inclusive practices in my caregiving approach.

 

“Women Out of Order: Risking Change and Creating Care in a Multicultural World” edited by Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner and Teresa Snorton:

I learned about feminist perspectives on pastoral care within a multicultural context. The book illuminated the challenges and opportunities associated with applying feminist approaches to caregiving in diverse and inclusive settings. This enhanced my understanding of the nuanced considerations required for effective and culturally sensitive pastoral care.

2) How has your practice shifted as a result of this course? The incorporation of SFBT principles has brought a more solution-oriented and future-focused dimension to my pastoral counseling practice. I’ve become more intentional about exploring clients preferred futures and helping them identify practical steps toward positive change. Additionally, a narrative therapy lens has enriched my understanding of the power of storytelling in the therapeutic process.

• Books Impacted Me:
  • “Interviewing for Solutions” by Peter De Jong and Insoo Kim Berg.
  • “More Than Miracles: The State of the Art of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy” by Steve de Shazer and Yvonne Dolan.
  • “Solution-Focused Brief Therapy: A Multicultural Approach” edited by Johnny Kim.

3) How has your ministry overall shifted? My ministry has become more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of individuals. The emphasis on cultural sensitivity, as highlighted in books such as “Introducing Feminist Pastoral Care and Counseling,” has deepened my commitment to understanding and addressing the unique experiences of those I serve. This course has fostered a more holistic and adaptable approach to pastoral care within the larger ministry context.

Books Impacted Me:

• “Introducing Feminist Pastoral Care and Counseling” by Nancy Gorsuch. I learned to embrace a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach in my ministry. The book deepened my understanding of feminist perspectives, encouraging me to address the unique experiences of individuals with greater empathy and awareness.
• “Justice Matters: Spiritual Care and Pastoral Theological Imaginations in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic” edited by Kyunsig Samuel Lee and Danjuma G. Gibson. This book broadened my theological imaginations and equipped me to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic. It emphasized the transformative role of spiritual care during crises, influencing my ministry to become more adaptable and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

4) What are your greatest strengths as a pastoral caregiver? My strengths lie in creating a safe and empathetic space for individuals to share their stories. I value active listening and the ability to establish rapport, foundational elements in effective pastoral care. The integration of various therapeutic approaches, including SFBT and narrative therapy, has enhanced my ability to tailor interventions to individual needs.

• Book: “Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide” by John Patton.
  I honed my strengths in creating a safe and empathetic space. The book emphasized the importance of active listening and rapport-building in effective pastoral care, aligning with my approach. Patton’s insights broadened my perspective on integrating diverse therapeutic approaches, enhancing my ability to tailor interventions and provide holistic support to individuals on their spiritual journey.”

5) What are your areas of growth or vulnerability in terms of the practice of pastoral counseling? I recognize the ongoing need for growth in adapting to diverse cultural contexts. While the course has broadened my awareness, I acknowledge the importance of continued learning to ensure cultural competence. Additionally, there’s room for improvement in navigating complex issues such as grief, as highlighted in “Grief: Contemporary Theory and the Practice of Ministry.

• Book: “Grief: Contemporary Theory and the Practice of Ministry” by Melissa Kelley. I deepened my understanding of grief dynamics and its intersection with pastoral care. The book provided nuanced insights into contemporary theories, enriching my ability to navigate and offer support to individuals experiencing grief within the context of ministry. It became a guiding light in comprehending the complexities of grief and honing my skills in providing empathetic pastoral care.

 

6) What lingering questions do you have about pastoral counseling? I am curious about the evolving landscape of pastoral counseling, especially in the context of contemporary challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as discussed in “Justice Matters: Spiritual Care and Pastoral Theological Imaginations in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic.” I am interested in exploring innovative approaches to virtual pastoral counseling and understanding how technology impacts the therapeutic relationship.

Books

• “Justice Matters: Spiritual Care and Pastoral Theological Imaginations in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic”edited by Kyunsig Samuel Lee and Danjuma G. Gibson.  I gained profound insights into the intersection of spiritual care and pastoral theology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book expanded my understanding of the evolving challenges and the innovative approaches within the landscape of pastoral care. It sparked reflections on justice, spirituality, and the transformative role pastoral caregivers can play in times of crisis.
• “Technotherapy: Mind, Bodies, and Society in the Internet Age” by Michael Arntfield and Marcel Danesi:
  • I gained a nuanced understanding of how technology intersects with mental health. The book illuminated the challenges and opportunities in virtual therapeutic interventions, prompting me to reflect on the evolving landscape of counseling in the digital age. It broadened my awareness of the intricate relationship between technology, mental health, and the potential shifts in counseling practices.

“Online Counselling and Guidance Skills: A Practical Resource for Trainees and Practitioners” by Jane Evans:

• I gained practical insights into the realm of online counseling. The book equipped me with essential skills and considerations for fostering effective virtual therapeutic relationships. Navigating its pages, I discovered a valuable resource that not only demystifies the intricacies of online counseling but also enhances my ability to connect meaningfully with those seeking pastoral care in the digital space.

“The Handbook of Online and Social Media Research: Tools and Techniques for Market Researchers” by Ray Poynter and Navin Williams:

• This book broadened my understanding of online research methods. Although not counseling-focused, the insights provided are applicable to virtual pastoral counseling. I learned to leverage technology to comprehend human behavior, enriching my approach to offering spiritual guidance in the digital realm.

“The Digital Age on the Couch: Psychoanalytic Practice and New Media” edited by Alessandra Lemma and Luigi Caparrotta:

• This book explores the intersection of psychoanalytic practices and technology. Although not directly focused on pastoral care, it can provide insights into the broader implications of technology in therapeutic contexts.

“Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide” by Kenneth S. Pope and Melba J. T. Vasquez:

• I deepened my grasp on the ethical nuances of virtual counseling. The practical guide equipped me with insights into addressing ethical issues and dilemmas specific to online counseling settings. It became an essential compass, guiding me in navigating the ethical landscape of providing pastoral care in the digital realm.

“Handbook of Distance Counseling” edited by George A. Hacker and John A. Mancini:

• I gained a holistic understanding of virtual counseling. This comprehensive guide not only delves into ethical considerations but also provides insights into assessment and techniques for effective distance counseling. It became an invaluable resource, enhancing my capacity as a pastoral caregiver in navigating and enriching virtual counseling experiences.