Contents
Preface
Introduction
Part 1
Theory
1. Individual Paradigms: A Question of Focus
2. Chrstian Faith: A Story of Change
3. Dediciency Language: The World of Mental Health
4. Hidden Presuppositions: Old Wineskins
5. Meaning Is Perception: The Constructs That Bind Us
6. Identity Formation: The Process of God's Grace
7. Guiding Assumptions: A Way of Thinking
Part 2
Practice
8. The Counseling Interview: A Framework for Change
9. Listening: A Search for Clues
10. Quesions: Highlighting Change as Meaningful
11. Clarification: A Description of Life without the Problem
12. Feedback: Promoting and Supporting Change
13. Second and Later Sessions: Consolidating Change
14. Bringing It All Together: A Case Example
Part 3
Application
15. The SFPC Model: Further Development
16. Solutions Conversation: Applied in the Life Context
17. Soluion Focused Assessment Tools: T-JTA and M-BTI
18. Counseling Models: Drawing from the Best
19. Mental Illness: Is There Hope?
20. Personal Integrity: Ethical Considerations
Acnowledgments
References
Subject Index
Name Index

This groundbreaking book, now updated and expanded, furthers its original, effective, time-saving approach that benefits pastors overtaxed by counseling demands. Dr. Charles Kollar presents a departure in pastoral counseling, showing that counseling need not be long-term or depend on psychological manipulation to produce dramatic results. In most cases, the solution lies with the counselees themselves. Using the tested methods found in Solution-Focused Pastoral Counseling, pastors, apart from counselors, will be well equipped to help their counselees discover a solution and put it in motion speedily and productively.SFPC is short-term―typically one to five sessions, in which the counselor seeks to create solutions with―not for―the counselee. The focus is on the possibility of life without the problem through an understanding of what is different when the problem does not occur or is less intrusive. The goal is healthy change, sooner rather than later, by helping the counselee see and work on the solution with God’s activity already present in his or her life.The solution-focused approach does not require the counselor to be a highly trained psychological expert. It requires biblically based sensitivity and common sense. Yet this approach also recognizes its limitations and understands that there are situations in which other professional and/or medical help is required.