A Memoir of a Pastoral Counseling Practice

Download or read book A Memoir of a Pastoral Counseling Practice written by Robert L. Menz and published by Psychology Press. This book was released on 1997 with total page 126 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this collection of humorous and inspirational vignettes and poetry, Robert L. Menz reframes life's situations from a holistic and inclusive perspective. A Memoir of a Pastoral Counseling Practice consolidates the dynamics of theological consistency, psychological insight, wellness, and wholeness issues along with relevant humor. This synthesis results in viewing and understanding life experiences from a unique perspective. You'll see how reframing is used to turn an inoperable Jacuzzi into a Therapeutic Pool. You'll learn how to "shift your paradigm." And you'll read about some "nice" naughty words. As a pastor and counselor, Menz seeks to assist in making life meaningful and fulfilling to others and himself. A Memoir of a Pastoral Counseling Practice takes us back to his service in Vietnam and his decision to join the ministry and brings us up to his recent travels with his wife. Along the way we learn what he thinks about "nice" people, anger, snakes, memory, and stress during the holidays. He offers us such nuggets as: "Sometimes one day at a time is 738 of a day too much." "I think that some come and go and have not been." "I think that you and I are words spoken by God in our own time." An enjoyable and useful read for pastoral counselors, chaplains, and other clergy professionals, as well as psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, employee assistance professionals, and educators, A Memoir of a Pastoral Counseling Practice is perhaps most needed by the general reader who is searching for something meaningful in life. Menz explains, "In a world of fast food and quick fixes, shallow explanations for living and understanding have been offered socially, psychologically, relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. This book attempts to flesh out simple solutions with limited, yet mature and consistent, thinking. Even though the book is filled with meaningful humor, the intent of this work is to provide a critical and serious approach to life's complexities. Any accomplishment of this task, I believe, is strengthening to our local communities as well as to the community of God."