Mastering Pastoral Counseling Utilizing Temperament
Published by the National Christian Counselors Association, this
textbook is used throughout the United States to train pastoral
counselors in the application of temperament theory and therapy.
Temperament theory is based on an individual's unique composition and
expression of needs in the areas of inclusion, control and affection.
According to temperament theory, all people possess both expressed and
wanted aspects of these three areas of need. From the standpoint of
psychopathology, especially with regard to issues related to
spirituality, the stressors of life will affect individuals in varying
degrees, depending upon unique temperament composition. Temperament
theory uses the FIRO-B, developed by Will Shutz, to analyze temperament
and to design therapeutic intervention programs.
Mastering Pastoral Counseling incorporates four main topics in its
coverage of theoretical applications of temperament. First, Luton, Arno
and Arno present a discussion of how stressors lead to physical,
emotional and spiritual decline. Using the temperament model of
intervention, treatment programs are developed according to individual
needs. The programs are based on biblical principles, most of which are
derived from the personal ministry of Jesus as recorded in the New
Testament Gospels.
After presenting an analysis of stress, the authors discuss how church
congregations can become caring communities. Such a caring community
can provide vital reinforcement to pastoral counseling interventions
and support. A detailed description of family relations and a complete
program of crisis intervention outline additional topics covered in the
text. Each topic is diligently applied to the ministries of pastoral
care and counseling.
Mastering Pastoral Counseling is based on the temperament theories
developed by Richard G. Arno and the National Christian Counselors
Association. The framework and most of the educational content was
derived from an earlier study conducted by John W. Luton and reported
in a Doctor of Ministry dissertation presented to the faculty of
Evangelical Theological Seminary in Dixon, Missouri. The textbook, now
in its fourth edition, is used in seminary and pastoral
counseling settings around the world as a required part of the NCCA's
advanced licensure program.