Course description

General information

Instructor Daniel Brkič, PhD

Course title Pastoral Counseling
Study Programme University Graduate Programme in Protestant theology
Type of course Mandatory
Year of study Second
Number of credits ECTS credits 4
and class hours Class hours (L+E+S) 2+1+0

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
1.1. Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are:

1. to introduce students to the historical development of pastoral counseling, and the basic
concepts and tasks of pastoral counseling;
2. develop the skills to recognize and implement new ideas and solutions within contemporary
pastoral counseling;
3. make substantial contributions to a better fulfillment of the duties of a pastoral counselor.

1.2. Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course.

1.3. Learning outcomes at the Study Programme level

1. Objectively evaluate scholarly literature in the field of theology.

2. Design and discuss various theoretical and practical formulations within the ecclesial practice
and social engagement of the Church.
3. Identify and analyze the interdisciplinary relevance of theology.
4. Create and combine different models of practical action in the Church and evaluate their
applicability in handling specific situations in ecclesial practice and the social engagement of
Christians.
5. Critically and objectively evaluate the applicability of theological knowledge in a constructive
contribution to the quality of ecclesial life and Christian engagement in the contemporary
society.
6. Critically explore the existing pastoral practices and suggest and design the appropriate
models of pastoral action in specific situations.
7. Communicate the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge and encourage engagement
in congregations and the society at large.
 8. Jointly develop scholarly research projects and practical application in the existing and new
contexts.
9. Create and combine different models of practical action in the Church and evaluate their
applicability in handling specific situations in ecclesial practice and the social engagement of
Christians.
10. Lead and motivate people in achieving common goals.

1.4. Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. define the categories, the place, and the resources of pastoral counseling in its service to
God and humanity;
2. describe the models and methods of pastoral counseling within the historical development of
Church and society;
3. utilize the practice of pastoral counseling within the perspective of the world of the future;
4. identify the role of pastoral counseling in its relationship with other sciences;
5. identify the interconnectedness of theory and practice in the presentation of contemporary
pastoral counseling;
6. evaluate the necessity of pastoral counseling for humanity;
7. perform pastoral counseling interventions.

1.5. Course Content:

1. Introduction to the course: the concept and history of pastoral counseling

2. The profile and features of a pastoral worker
3. Pastoral psychology
4. Difficult and special pastoral situations
5. Pastoral counseling for marriage, open relationships, families, the young, the ill, the elderly,
the dying, singles, the homeless, migrants, refugees, prisoners, addicts, vulnerable groups …
6. Prevention of violence and conflict
7. Relationship between the pastoral worker and the participant/client
8. Basic principles of logotherapy and other forms of psychotherapy
9. The differences and the appropriate relationship between spiritual guidance and
psychotherapy
10. The healing power of sacraments and liturgy
11. Pastoral counseling for pastoral counselors
12. Confession
13. Pastoral counseling in Croatia and the world
14. Current disputed issues and interventions (pastoral incubator)
15. Exercises 1
16. Exercises 2
17. Course assessment

x homework
1.6. Modes of Teaching x lectures
assignments
 x seminaries ☐ multimedia and
and internet
workshops ☐ laboratory work
☐ exercises ☐ mentored work
x remote ☐ other
learning _________________
☐ field __
teaching
1.7. Comments
1.8. Course Requirements

Active participation in class. The students are required to write a term paper. The subject of
the paper needs to be approved by the instructor.

1.9. Course Assessment1

Active
Class
participati Term Experimental
attenda 2
on in paper work
nce
class
Written Oral
2 Essay Research
exam exam
Written Practical
Project Quizzes
report work
Portfolio
1.10. Grading structure during lectures and on the final exam

Term paper and final exam.

1.11. Mandatory Resources

1) M. SZENTMÁRTONI, Osjetljivost za čovjeka, Pastoralna psihologija, Zagreb, Glas koncila,

2009.
2) V. RELJAC, Pastoral braka i obitelji na iskušenju, Zagreb, Salesiana, 2011.
3) I. ŽIVKOVIĆ and S. VULETIĆ, Posljednji trenutci prije vječnosti. Teološko-bioetički naglasci
shvaćanja smrti i psihološko-duhovne intervencije namijenjene umirućima i ožalošćenima,
Zagreb, Hanza Media d.o.o., 2016.

1.12. Additional Resources

1) S. PFEIFER, Bodriti slabe, Dušobrižništvo i suvremena psihijatrija, Zagreb, Stepress, 1996.

1
IMPORTANT: Along with every mode of Course Assessment an adequate number of ECTS credits needs to be given, so that the total number of ECTS credits
matches the number for the course. Empty fields can be used for additional activities.
 2) Đ. LJUBIČIĆ et al., Depresija i duhovnost, Rijeka, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet
Rijeka, 2010.
3) Đ. LJUBIČIĆ et al., Suicid i duhovnost, Rijeka, Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet Rijeka,
2010.
4) M. ŠAKIĆ, Samoubojstvo kao društveni problem: rasprava iz sociološke perspektive, in:
Amalgam, (2011.) V.
5) C. A. KOLLAR, Solution Focused Pastoral Counseling, An Effective Short-Term Approach for
Getting People Back on Track, Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 1997.
6) S. KIDDER, Making Confession, Hearing Confession (A History of the Cure of Souls),
Minnesota, Liturgical Press, 2010.
7) D. LYALL, The Integrity of Pastoral Care, London, SPCK, 2001.
8) M. L. S. CARSON, The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems, London,
SPCK, 2008.
9) D. WILLOWS and J. SWINTON, Spiritual Dimensions of Pastoral Care, London –
Philadelphia, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2000.
10) F. J. BUCKLEY, Growing in the Church, From Birth to Death, Lanham-New York-Oxford,
University Press of America, Inc., 2000.
11) C. ROWLAND, J. ROBERTS, The Bible for Sinners, Interpretation in the Present Time,
London, SPCK, 2008.
12) C. DOEHRING, The Practice of Pastoral Care, Louisville, Westminster John Knox Press,
2006.
13) J. SWINTON, Resurrecting the Person, Friendship and the Care of People with Mental
Health Problems, Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2000.
14) J. SWINTON, Spiritual and Mental Health Care, Rediscovering a “Forgotten“ Dimension,
London – Philadelphia, Jessica Kingsley Publisher, 2001.
15) D. LESTER, The Angry Christian, A Theology for Care and Counselling, Louisville – London,
Westminster John Knox Press, 2003.

1.13. Number of copies of mandatory resources relative to the number of students currently enrolled
Number of
Title Number of students
copies
Resources are available to students in
electronic form.
1.14. Modes of quality control that ensure acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences

Discussions with students during class, term paper, and final exam.