Pastoral Power Beyond Psychology's Marginalization

This book explores the suffering of social class and how traditional biomedical models for mental illness do not adequately account for the stresses of poverty. Turning to mental health user testimonies, this book equips ministers and counsellors to become working class advocates.

I enjoy reading scholarly books that offer different perspectives and new insights. Browning-Helsel's book is one of those that open up new vistas to explore and study, whether for students, pastoral ministers, or educators. this is one of the books that help us engage with the macro-political and economic issues that impact people within and outside of the church. More particularly, it is a book that challenges us to think seriously about class and its relation to mental suffering. (Ryan Lamothe, Journal of Pastoral Theology, Vol. 26 (3), February, 2017)

This book deals with various practical reasons that cause mental illness in which economical issue contribute a lot. The author gives practical suggestions to equip the minsters and thecounselors to deals with economic and social context in which the patients live. In this context, this book is very relevant and useful to the students of psychology and to anyone who intend to help people affected with mental illness. (Paul Sigamony, New Life Theological Journal, Vol. 6 (2), December, 2016)

Autorentext
Philip Browning Helsel is assistant professor of pastoral care and counseling, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry, USA.

Inhalt

Introduction

1. Social Class and Mental Illness in a Neoliberal Era
2. Psychiatric Power and the Limits of Biomedical Diagnosis
3. In their Own Words: Mental Health Consumers, Survivors, and Ex-Patients
4. Pastoral Counseling and Social Class Shame
5. The Counter-Conducts of Pastoral Power
6. An Integrative Vision for Pastoral Power
   Bibliography