Spiritual Accompaniment and Counselling

We are entering a new era where the presence of spirituality in therapy has moved beyond mere ‘novelty’ status. This book offers revealing insights that clearly demonstrate the maturing of a spiritual dimension found in counselling and psychotherapy. The authors establish without doubt that spiritual accompaniment, while a disciple in its own right, has a vital part to play in the evolution of the psyche/soul in counselling and psychotherapy. – Alistair Ross, Associate Professor in Psychotherapy, University of OxfordA breath of postmodern fresh air and a go-to resource for students and practitioners of spiritual accompaniment and counseling! This text thrills my practitioner’s soul as Gubi and the authors affirm what many of us experience as true – spiritual accompaniment and counseling deal with similar questions of meaning and purpose and utilize skills common to both disciplines. This warmly accessible resource affirms that with deep reverence for the mystery of the human journey – and for the Presence greater than ourselves who journeys with us – both disciplines can instruct and inform each other to the benefit of the clients we serve. – R Jane Williams, MDiv, PhD, Associate Professor, Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Moravian Theological Seminary, PA, USAHow often men and women who practice either counselling or spiritual accompaniment, find that those who come to them need a combination of both to face their problems in a way that honours truth, and helps to heal the whole person. This timely book offers a wide range of articles based on practical experience. It is designed for those who combine their professional counselling with the practice of a personal spiritual discipline. It is also for those who, while primarily devoted to some form of spiritual ministry, can benefit immensely from understanding and exercising, when appropriate, the skills of a counsellor. I can recommend this book wholeheartedly to all who practice, or are interested in the work of counselling and spiritual accompaniment. – Sister Elizabeth Obbard, ODC, Aylesford Priory, Kent, UK

Peter Madsen Gubi, PhD, is Senior Lecturer in Counselling at the University of Chester and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Central Lancashire, UK. He is a BACP Registered Senior Accredited Counsellor, a BACP Senior Accredited Supervisor, and a Person-Centred Spiritual Accompanier in Private Practice. He has two Masters degrees in Applied and Pastoral Theology and is an ordained Minister in the Moravian Church. He is the author of Prayer in Counselling and Psychotherapy, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.