STRUCTURES OF EVIL ENCOUNTERED IN PASTORAL COUNSELING

Author: Davis, Marjorie Hall

Source: Zygon, Volume 43, Number 3, September 2008 , pp. 665-680(16)

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Abstract:

This essay explores some relationships between social structures or systems and the internal psychological structures or systems of individuals. After defining evil, pastoral counseling, and structures or systems, I present examples of persons affected by social systems of power who have sought counseling. I present a form of counseling known as Internal Family System Therapy (IFS) and show with an extended example how I have worked with clients using this approach. In this process the client is guided to use “Self-leadership” in healing and transforming inner conflict between various subpersonalities or “parts.” I then compare the IFS approach to one used by mediators in community conflict transformation and peacebuilding.

Keywords: behavioral sciences; conflict transformation; creative transformation; domination systems; evil; healing; internal family systems; mediation; Mennonite; pastoral care; pastoral counseling; pastoral psychotherapy; peace; Plowshares Institute; principalities and powers; Richard C. Schwartz; Self; spiritual transformation; spirituality; systems; Walter Wink

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9744.2008.00947.x

Affiliations: 1: Minister of the United Church of Christ and a Fellow of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Her address is 30 Barn Door Hills Road, Granby, CT 06035;, Email: mhdavis283@aol.com.

Publication date: 2008-09-01