Pastoral Responses to Mental Health Issues (DP9025S)

Content

The unit explores the nature of mental illness, in particular, the spiritual dimension of mental illness and the nature of spiritual care. The issues raised will be critically examined in order to develop an understanding of the inherent dignity of the individual living with a mental illness and how they find meaning and purpose within this context. Through reflection, case study and group interaction the unit aims to increase participants’ working knowledge of current issues and integrate approaches to mental health and spirituality within practice. The unit provides an alternative pastoral view to the current medical paradigm that is consistent with spiritual care and healthcare practice. The course will develop skills in assessing the spiritual needs of the person through the listening process and then enable reflection on an appropriate pastoral response. A critical familiarity with current thought and research in this field is explored throughout the unit and there will be a special focus on critical responses to the publication of DSM 5.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

One foundational unit in Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Pedagogy

As the emphasis is on active participation, interaction and discussion, teaching methods will offer: lecturer input, group discussion and reflection, leading guided imagery, supervised role playing, guiding responses to stories, exploration of poems and music and the of the use of related resources and activities.

Indicative Bibliography

• Clarke, I. Psychosis and Spirituality: Exploring the New Frontier. London: Whurr Publishers, 2001.
• Cobb, M, Puchalski, C. & Rumbold, B. (eds), Oxford Textbook of Spirituality in Healthcare, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.
• Gardner, F. Critical Spirituality: A Holistic Approach to Contemporary Practice. Farnham: Ashgate, 2011
• Gordon, T., Kelly, E., Mitchell, D. Spiritual Care for Healthcare Professionals: Reflecting on Clinical Practice. London: Radcliffe, 2011.
• Kelleher, R. A Voice at the Table: An Integrated Model for Pastoral Care in Aged Mental Health. Mulgrave: John Garrett Publishing, 2011
• Koenig, H. Faith and Mental Health: Religious Resources for Healing. Philadelphia,PA: Templeton, 2005
• Louw, D., Ito, T. and Elsdorfer, U. Encounter in Pastoral Care and Spiritual Healing: Towards and Integrative and Intercultural Approach, Berlin: LIT Verlag, 2012
• McSherry, W., & Ross, L. (eds) (2010). Spiritual assessment in healthcare practice. Keswick, M&K Publishing
• Roberts, S. (ed.) Professional, Spiritual and Pastoral Care: A Practical Clergy and Chaplain's Handbook, Woodstock, Vermont: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2012
• Swinton, John. Spirituality and Mental Health Care: Rediscovering a ‘Forgotten’ Dimension Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2001
• Vanier, J. Seeing Beyond Depression, London: Harper Collins, 2001

Assessment