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Moravian Theological Seminary students, alumni, faculty, and staff were pleased to welcome Dr. Robert Dykstra on February 25th for the Psychology and Spirituality Lectures, “Artistic Expressions in Counseling & Pastoral Care.” Dykstra is the Charlotte W. Newcombe Professor of Pastoral Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary, an ordained Presbyterian minister, and author. His recent publications include Losers, Loners, and Rebels: The Spiritual Struggle of Boys (Westminster John Knox Press, 2007) and Images of Pastoral Care: Classic Readings (Christian Board of Publication, 2005). Drawing upon personal anecdotes as well as those of contemporary artists ranging from Ihtzak Perlman to Robin Williams, Dykstra’s central theme focused on the ways in which pastoral counselors derive hope from even the most hopeless scenarios.
Throughout the day, Dykstra provided practical solutions and inspiration for the attendees, many of whom have experience in counseling or are preparing for a career within the field. The afternoon session culminated in a case study demonstrating “solution-focused” rather than “problem-focused” therapy. Dykstra guided attendees through a taped session between a seemingly hopeless client and Steve de Shazer, a prominent psycho-therapist and co-founder of Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
“[Robert Dykstra] reinforced for me the joy and terror of being a counselor,” said Rev. Dr. Jane Williams, Director of the MAPC Program and Associate Professor of Pastoral Counseling at MTS. “He spoke of the courage it takes to be a counselor—we get to do what others can’t or don’t do and we must do what others don’t want to do. He gave voice to what I know as a pastoral counselor, but what I rarely verbalize or recognize myself.”
This year’s lecture was combined for the first time with the MAPC Internship & Job Fair, providing students an opportunity to meet and network with representatives from local agencies.
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