Clinical Pastoral Education - Coming Home to Self

This book is centred around an interesting reflection on Clinical Pastoral Education, a methodology now entering the conclusion of its first century in existence.

Charting the history from humble beginnings in Boston, this book then moves to explore some of the now key elements of contemporary CPE – narrative therapy, theological reflection, self-development and joy.

This book is revolutionary in that it advocates for a movement away from the old style of CPE, to one that is more focused on using softer and newer teaching styles and methodologies. There is a call to harness greater joy and laughter for instance, to help support the learning process within the classroom. This is with the hope of encouraging and enabling self-awareness and self-revelation.

It is revolutionary too in its style and approach. For instance, the use of Brené Brown’s paradigm for wholehearted living (courage, compassion, connection) is explored here as a means for triggering the crafting and direction of pastoral relationships.

This book provides a reflective and engaging exploration of Clinical Pastoral Education and is a must have for anyone with more than a passing interest in it, in pastoral (practical) theology and ministry, as a whole.