Elements of Counselling: An Essential Tool for Pastoral Ministry

by Letters Editor · Published February 26, 2018 · Updated February 25, 2018

Sr Marie Andre Mitchell SND, Johannesburg – As someone who attended the launch last month of the 3rd edition of Elements Of Counselling, co-authored by Dr Joan Schön, Fr Vic Kotze and Lauren Gower, I find that this edition, like each of its predecessors, is a valuable tool for all who find themselves called to offer care and counsel to young and old in South Africa.

It would be an essential tool for priests, deacons and teachers, pastoral workers as well as social activists.

In his address at the launch, Hanif Vally spoke of the damaged society we live in — damage not only caused from years of apartheid but from the 20+ years of poor governance we have experienced at the hands of the ANC. Our society has many victims of trauma, suffering from depression and a sense of helplessness.

This 3rd updated and expanded edition of Elements Of Counselling has come at a very propitious time in our history. Dr Vally cited many more categories of people who would benefit from it in his address at the launch.

The book is available from the Jesuit Institute in Johannesburg, at R350 per copy (contact admin@jesuitinstitute.org.za)