Reception of the experience of psychology in the practice of pastoral counseling (on the example of helping spouses in an interpersonal crisis)

Abstract

The article deals with the problem of reception of the experience of psychology in the practice of pastoral counseling to help spouses in an interpersonal crisis. The main vectors of divergence and points of contact between psychology and pastoral counseling are highlighted, areas of psychological knowledge available and promising for involvement in pastoral practice are identified. The absence of generally accepted criteria for attracting knowledge of psychology into the practice of the spiritual care of the Russian Orthodox Church is stated, some criteria proposed by researchers for the selection of this knowledge are indicated. The history of teaching psychology in theological schools is briefly covered. The difference in goals, structure, objects and subjects and other aspects of pastoral care and practical psychology is described. The areas of productive borrowing of psychological knowledge in the context of pastoral counseling are indicated: knowledge of markers of psychopathologies and neuroses, empirical data on family ontogenesis, crisis stages, causes of crises and divorces. In addition, knowledge is highlighted by the knowledge of the psychological conceptual apparatus for the use of pastoral instruction in the conditions of psychologization of modern society.

Keywords:

practical theology, psychology, marital crises, pastoral counseling, social ministry in Christianity, modern pastoral practice