Because of the inability to deal with traumatic and stressful situations it often happens that a person
dissociates. These people then 'move out of the situation', so to speak. The dissociated person can
be spiritually, emotionally and physically handicapped for life. In the long term it often results in
depression, feelings of guilt, relationship problems, social maladjustment, as well as addiction to
medication. Pastoral counselling to this person (as part of a multidisciplinary approach) often results
in a decline of the symptoms and a normalisation of the person's situation.
From the basis-theoretical research it became clear that throughout history God is present in a very
prominent way in the life of the individual. Right from the very beginning at conception, until old
age, He is intensely involved. God created man in His image but through sin this image was
distorted. Because of His love for man, however, He fulfilled His promise of restoration and healing
in and through Jesus Christ.
It appears that knowledge regarding the phenomenon of dissociation dates back to as early as
400 BC. Research since the early 1990's onwards resulted in numerous publications, articles and
books being written on the topic of dissociation. In thls study, emphasis was placed on a number of
such relevant contributions. The specific characteristics of the dissociated person, practical
guidelines for counselling hirnlher as proposed by psychology, as well as pastoral psychologists
were discussed. It became evident that contributions and research in the field from a psychological
perspective seem to be much more advanced compared to what has been done by theologians to
date. For this reason it is imperative that pastoral counsellors become more acquainted with the
theme of dissociation. With regard to methodology, the eclectic approach proved to be the best
option. This will enable the pastoral counsellor in hidher guidance of the dissociated person to draw
on the wealth and variety of contributions and perspectives fiom both the psychological and the
theological domains.
As a result of and flowing forth from the basis-theoretical and meta-theoretical perspectives, practice-theoretical guidelines were formulated according to which pastoral guidance can be
provided to the dissociated person. Special emphasis was placed on a multidisciplinary approach
where full recognition was given to the possible contributions by psychologists, psychiatrists,
medical doctors and others.
As part of the preparation for counselling the dissociated person, attention was given to the
importance of prayer support. With regard to the counselling process itself, the following five
phases appeared to be of significance: introductory prayers, consultation and discussion, prayer as
part of the therapeutic process, the development of life skills, and spiritual growth after the
therapeutic process. Because of the cultic and ritual abuse that some victims have been exposed to,
it is possible that apart from fragmented sub-personalities, demonic influences may also be present.
It is thus of extreme importance to distinguish between these two areas, and the counsellor must be
well equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to handle this complicated issue.
From this study it became evident that there is a special need for pastoral guidance of the dissociated
person by counsellors who are well acquainted with the complexities of this field. Scientific
knowledge, together with a pastoral focus as well as total dependence upon the therapeutic power of
the Holy Spirit, is indeed a 'winning recipe'. / Thesis (M.A. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/123 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Du Plessis, Amanda Linda |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Language | Afrikaans |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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