Pastoral Psychology : A Study in the Care of Souls

Originally published in 1951, unlike most books dealing with psychology and pastoral work at the time, this work is not concerned solely with the application of psycho-therapeutic principles to the work of the minister. It is dominated by the need for the pastoral care which the normal member of the Church needs. The author’s foremost aim is to show that pastoral psychology should find its own techniques; even if it uses the experiences of psychotherapy, it is to be considered as an independent form of personality treatment.

His introductory chapter deals with the relationships between psychology and the care of souls and gives a historical survey. He then deals with the help that medical psychology can give pastoral psychology and gives an excellent chapter on methods of treatment. The problem of scepticism which Bergsten says can often be considered as a neurotic symptom, and the problem of real and apparent guilt are treated exhaustively and in a particularly fresh manner. He is very critical of the Freudian doctrine of sublimation. In his treatment of the dream problem Bergsten stresses the similarity between dream and drama and compares the dream with an old mystery play, which shows the way out of the actual conflict. Finally, he deals with Mental Illness and Religion and gives advice for the relatives of those who are mentally ill.

Pastoral Psychology deals thoroughly with every aspect of the subject in a fresh and vivid manner. At the time it was a book from which the professional psychiatrist was thought to gain as much as the Minister or Pastor.