Suundumisi nüüdisaegses hingehoius
Contemporary Developments in the Field of Pastoral Counselling.

Summary/Abstract: The present article gives an overview of the developments in the theory and practice of pastoral counselling in Estonia of the early 21st century. The definition and meaning of the term “pastoral counselling” is discussed. Three development trends are analysed: changes in the meaning of pastoral counselling, convergence of pastoral counselling with psychology, and the emergence of new forms of pastoral counselling. Changes in the meaning of pastoral counselling are reflected in an accelerating shift from religious to profane in the vocabulary describing pastoral counselling. Increasingly common is a systemic pastoral counselling model, in which an individual is viewed as an integral part of the socio-ecological system. Pastoral counselling is converging with psychology when pastoral counselling events are explained using psychological theories, treatment plans are prepared taking into account psychological changes, and psychological language is used in pastoral counselling. Psychologically refined pastoral counselling methods, integrated (holistic) image-of-man-centred pastoral counselling and dealing with new domains, such as internet dependency or bioethical issues, may be mentioned as new forms. Pastoral counselling is an inherently cultural phenomenon. In Estonia the training of pastoral counsellors, the emergence of ecclesiastical pastoral counselling centres, and the chaplaincy services in various governmental structures are seeing considerable improvements.

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