Written in order to further practice and understanding about what it means to work with the spiritual dimension of being human, this book explores the theoretical and practice knowledge that can be shared and exchanged between counselling and psychotherapy on one side, and Spiritual Accompaniment and Spiritual Direction on the other.The contributors, who each work with spiritual issues, either explicitly as spiritual directors or accompaniers, or as an implicit part of their therapeutic work, offer a psychologically-informed approach to Spiritual Accompaniment and Direction, and to working with others on a spiritual level more generally. They explore what it means to be attuned to the spiritual progress of another, discuss what makes an effective relationship in Spiritual Accompaniment and counselling, and consider how best to work with spiritual crisis, spiritual abuse, and pain. The unconscious process informing the work, forgiveness, changing spiritual needs over the life-span, and models of supervision that can inform the practice of Spiritual Accompaniment are also explored. A case study is presented, providing psychological and theological insights into the accompaniment process.Grounded in work with the spiritual dimension of others and aspiring to improve encounters at a spiritual level, this concise book has important implications for the practice of counsellors, psychotherapists, and spiritual accompaniers and directors.
Foreword. Canon Professor Elaine Graham, Grosvenor Research Professor in Practical Theology, University of Chester, and Canon Theology, Chester Cathedral. Introduction. Dr Peter Madsen Gubi, Senior Lecturer in Counselling, University of Chester. 1. The importance of relationship. Dr Peter Madsen Gubi. 2. Touching the depths: Spirituality and therapeutic process. Dr Philip Goss, Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Central Lancashire. 3. Forgiveness. Dr Peter Madsen Gubi. 4. Working with spiritual crisis. Professor William West, Visiting Professor in Counselling and Spirituality, University of Central Lancashire and Chester University, Reader in Counselling Studies, University of Manchester, 5. The spirituality of pain and suffering. Ruth Bridges, Visiting Lecturer in Counselling, University of Chester. 6. Life-span development and spiritual needs. Dr Peter Madsen Gubi and Dr Philip Goss. 7. Accompaniment through grief. Dr Peter Madsen Gubi. 8. The importance of Supervision. Lynette Harborne, BACP Spirituality. 9. Working safely with Spiritual Abuse. Dr Lisa Oakley, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Dr Kathy Kinmond, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University. Contributors. References. Subject Index. Author Index.
How often men and women who practice either counselling or spiritual accompaniment, find that those who come to them need a combination of both to face their problems in a way that honours truth, and helps to heal the whole person. This timely book offers a wide range of articles based on practical experience. It is designed for those who combine their professional counselling with the practice of a personal spiritual discipline. It is also for those who, while primarily devoted to some form of spiritual ministry, can benefit immensely from understanding and exercising, when appropriate, the skills of a counsellor. I can recommend this book wholeheartedly to all who practice, or are interested in the work of counselling and spiritual accompaniment.
