Pastoral Psychotherapy

About the Book

The Pastoral field of pastoral psychotherapy is coming of age; yet there are growing pains. If one looks at the training programs offered by colleges and universities, as well as the few books available on the market, one will note a paucity of psychodynamic understandings and clinical skills being taught. The emphasis is either on biblical-based counseling, or general pastoral care. While there is nothing necessarily wrong with this, the lack of psychological focus is evident. Pastoral Psychotherapy: An Introduction to the Clinical Practice fi lls this gap by presenting a psychodynamic understanding and approach to the specifi c psychological challenges people often have, and offers a practical spiritual guide to assist one in life’s journey.

About the Author

Steven J. Kaplan is the Dean of the Graduate Theological Institute in Margate, Florida. A State classifi ed Chaplain, holding a doctorate in psychology, he is additionally an ordained rabbi who has taught both Jewish studies and psychology at the college and university levels. Dr. Kaplan has been engaged in pastoral psychotherapy for thirty-fi ve years.