PC016-508 - Foundations of Pastoral Care for Those with Mental Illness

  • 1,856 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 8
    Credit Points
  • 0.083 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC257.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of pastoral care for those with mental illness, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Recognise key disorders in mental health

2. Demonstrate Foundational skills in providing pastoral care for those with mental illness.

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on pastoral care for those with mental illness

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives and skills from ‘Foundations of Pastoral Care for those with Mental Illness’ to ministry contexts

Content

  • The common forms of mental illness (mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma & stress related disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, addictions, eating disorders)
  • Responding to the stigma attached to mental illness (in society and the church)
  • The mental health system in Australia
  • Common treatments for mental illness
  • The experience of mental illness for sufferers and carers
  • Theological principles informing pastoral care of those suffering mental illness
  • Key pastoral skills in providing care for those suffering mental illness
  • The role of the church in providing friendship and support
  • The role of the Bible and prayer in effective pastoral care
  • Referral to professional services
  • Promoting mental health in church settings
  • Professional conduct for the pastoral carer
  • Self-care for the pastoral carer

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Bloch, S., Understanding Troubled Minds: A Guide to Mental Illness and its Treatment Updated ed. (Carlton, VIC: Melbourne UP, 2011)

Bloem, S. & R., Broken Minds: Hope for Healing When you Feel Like You’re “Losing It” (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2005)

Clinton, T., A. Hart & G. Ohlschlager, Caring for People God’s Way: Personal and Emotional Issues, Addictions, Grief, and Trauma (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005)

Cross, M. & C. Hanrahan, Changing Minds: The Go-To Guide to Mental Health (Sydney: ABC Books, 2016)

Greene-McCreight, K., Darkness is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness Rev. ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2015)

McGilvray, J., God’s Love in Action (Brunswick, VIC: Acorn, 2009)

McRay, B.W., M.A. Yarhouse & R.E. Butman, Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal 2nd ed. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2016)

Simpson, A., Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2013)

Stanford, M.S., Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2008)

Swinton, J., Resurrecting the Person: Friendship and the Care of the People with Mental Health Problems (Nashville: Abingdon, 2000)

van Deusen Hunsinger, D., Bearing the Unbearable: Trauma, Gospel, and Pastoral Care (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2015)

Vanier, J. & J. Swinton, Mental Health: The Inclusive Church Resource (London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2014)