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Title:           Family Communication and Resilience in Dealing with Aging Parents

Presenter:   Martin Rovers, Ph.D.

Address:      St. Paul University

                    223 Main Street

                    Ottawa, Ontario

                    K1S 1C4

Telephone: 613-236-1393 Ext. 2301

E-mail:        mrovers@ustpaul.ca

As parents age, all family members are called upon to find ways in which to assist in their care. One’s family of origin, where aging parents and adult children caregivers lived together over the years, continues to be the primary place where most caregiving continues to happen. Caregiving, like every other interactional dance that happens within a family, has two sides: caregiving burden and caregiving reciprocity. This article reports on the findings of a preliminary research where both aging parents and adult children caregivers were asked to rate their sense of caregiving burden and caregiving reciprocity for each other. Finding indicate that aging parents perceive themselves more of a burden to their caregiving children then their children perceive them to be, while both parties in this family caregiving dance have an equal sense of caregiving reciprocity. What reasons might explain this communication gap between aging parents and adult children caregivers? Creating dialogue and resilience between aging parents and adult children caregivers towards caring and caregiving needs for both parties is the central finding of this research.

Title:          The Spiritual Care Giver’s Guide: Identity, Practice and Relationships

Presenters: Elizabeth Meakes, M.T.S                       Thomas St. James O’Connor, ThD

Address:     KW Counselling                                    Wilfrid Laurier University

                   Charles Street 75                                  University Avenue West

                    Kitchener, Ontario                                Waterloo, Ontario

                    N2L 3C5

E-mail:        elizabeth@kwcounselling.com t              oconnor@wlu.ca

There has been a significant shift in health care institutions and the multi-faith council in Ontario in the last 25 years from the term "pastoral care" to "spiritual and religious care." This shift has sought to be more inclusive of the diverse spiritual and religious needs and practices of Ontario citizens. What is spiritual and religious care? What is appropriate education and training in spiritual care? What is the role of identity, practice and relationships in spiritual and religious care? These questions will be addressed in this workshop through a review of some of the literature along with the clinical experience of the presenters.

Title:           When Students Are Like Corn

Presenter:   Kristine Lund, Ph.D.

Address:     Waterloo Lutheran Seminary

                   75 University Ave. W

                   Waterloo, ON

                   N2L 4L2

Telephone: 519-884-0710 Ext. 2246

E-mail:        klund@wlu.ca

Corn is a highly fibrous vegetable that passes through the human digestive system unaffected. Sometimes we have students who in a similar way resist being affected by the learning opportunities that are offered. As supervisors/teachers it can be frustrating to find meaningful ways to work with such students. We may "write them off" thinking that if they don’t want to learn then that is simply their problem. Or, we can get organized to try particularly hard to influence or affect this student. Either way usually results in a less than satisfactory outcome for the supervisor/teacher, "challenging" student and their peers.

This presentation will focus on the particular pedagogical challenges that such students present. Are their commonalities among these students that give us as supervisors/teachers clues on ways to support and encourage their learning process? A constructivist understanding of learning informs the presentation.

Title:             Doing Culturally Sensitive Assessments with Immigrant Populations: An 

                     Intergenerational and Pastoral Approach to Resiliency.

Presenter:   Desmond C. Buhagar, S.J., Ph.D. (Cand.)

Address:     3048 Guilford Ave., Baltimore, MD, 21218

Telephone: (443) 825-7213 (cell)

E-mail:        hagar30@fastmail.fm

The normal storms and stress of adolescence are even more pronounced in the lives of adolescent immigrants in cultural transition. As a result, many adolescent immigrants can experience clashes of values with parents and grandparents, which are often rooted in intergenerational conflicts because of the different rates of adaptation to the new culture (Baptiste, 1990). The purpose of this paper presentation will be to briefly examine the three immigrant family populations – Asian, Latin American and Eastern European as they struggle to adapt to life in North America.

This paper will focus on the kinds of cultural strengths and weaknesses that are common to these three groups, which provide a basis for assessing areas of resiliency and mal-adjustment within the context of adaptation to life in Canada and the United States. The presentation will emphasize the need to assess the inner-dynamics of the whole family as well as interactions between various subgroups by drawing on therapeutic insights from both family systems and pastoral counseling theory.

Title:               TheTitle:                 Influence of Belief and God Images in the Healing of Victims of Family Sexual      

                                                       Abuse

Presenter:        Karlijn Demasure, STD

Address:          Faculty of Theology

                        Saint Paul University

                        223 Main Street

                        Ottawa, ON Canada K1S 1C4

Telephone:     613 236-1393, Ext 2249

Email:             kdemasure@ustpaul.ca

Abstract

The concept of post-traumatic spirituality builds on emerging research that seeks to account for the fact that some people report positive life changes as the result of trauma or of life crises. Post-traumatic growth seems to be more common than previously acknowledged. Researchers in the field of post-traumatic growth are interested in the health promoting factors that may be called upon when coping with traumatizing events in order to support coping efforts and resilience. Coping can be described as a search for meaning in times of stress. (Pargament 1997) Mental health research on trauma and in related fields would benefit from the complementary approaches of stress-related growth such as spirituality and religion. Religion as well as spirituality can be coined as a search for meaning in relation to the sacred. My research focuses on spirituality, religion and trauma. In this contribution I deal with the trauma of sexual abuse of children and their pastoral care when they become adults. More specifically I deal with the positive and negative influences of God images in the healing and growth process.

Title:              Attachment, Culture, and Pornography Distress

Presenter:     Susan Kim, M.A.

Address:        376 Churchill Ave

                      Suite 305

                      Ottawa, ON

                      K1Z 5C3

Telephone:   613-447-1846

A significant number of women experience distress due to their partner's pornography use. This presentation will look at the key themes that are present for those experiencing distress and why pornography use can present problems for a couple and the family. The attachment system will be viewed as a component that supports the development of a distress dynamic and cultural factors will be reviewed as key components that have roles in establishing interpersonal and relational dynamics of the couples experiencing conflict due to pornography. Clinical considerations and future research directions will be reviewed.

Title:          Beliefs, Values and fit in Marital Counselling: An Exploratory Study

Presenter: Kelvin Mutter, D.Th.

Address:    Heritage Theological Seminary,

                  175 Holiday Inn Drive,

                  Cambridge, Ontario,

                   N3C 3T2.

Telephone: 519-651-2869 Ext. 238

E-mail:       kfmutter@gmail.com

Spirituality plays a significant role in shaping coping strategies. Spiritually oriented clients are more likely to seek counsel from someone who shares their religious values. Spiritually oriented clients may also desire to incorporate spiritual themes within the therapeutic process. Thus, faith-oriented approaches to marital counselling attempt to reflect the spiritual values of the counsellee. While questions related to counsellee perceptions of the counsellor, his/her religious values, and, the relationship of these perceptions to therapeutic engagement are addressed in the literature, little is known about how people of faith perceive the interventions or marital counselling models employed by pastoral counsellors.

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study (n=301) in which a subset of the religious community, evangelical Christians, randomly rated one of five faith-oriented approaches to marital counselling - Howard Clinebell, Jr., Lawrence Crabb, Jr., H. Norman Wright, Everett L. Worthington, Jr., and a pastoral adaptation of Emotionally Focused Couple’s Therapy (EFCT). The paper illustrates that participants differentiated between models of marital counseling. The paper also begins to clarify our understanding of the role spirituality, as well as its limits, in the counselling process. The paper concludes with guidelines for enhancing therapeutic fit with couples for whom spiritual values are important.

Title:          Intergenerational Value Similarity in Polish Immigrant Families in Canada

                   in Comparison to Intergenerational Value Similarity in Polish and Canadian Non-  

                   Immigrant Families

Author:      Joanna Kwast-Welfeld, M.A.

Address:    304-1105, Carling Ave., Ottawa, ON K1Y4G5

Address:    University of Ottawa        University of Ottawa               Harvard University

                  Ottawa, Ontario              Ottawa, Ontario                      Boston, Massachusettes

                                                                                                   USA

E-Mail:      mmeie050@uottawa.ca    jbureau@uottawa.ca

Previous research has shown that role reversal and disorganized attachment patterns are associated with behavior problems in childhood; however, no research has studied this association in adolescence. The current study explored the relationship between observations of attachment behaviors toward mother and conduct disordered symptoms in adolescent using a high socio-economic risk sample of 83 mother-adolescent dyads. The coding for attachment dimensions used the Revealed Difference Procedure in which the dyads were instructed to discuss and resolve a major issue of disagreement. A factor analysis revealed three orthogonal factors (i.e. Warmth, Role Reversal and Disorganization) from 11 attachment dimensions. Results revealed that high scores on the disorganization and role reversal attachment factor significantly predicted conduct disordered symptoms. These results suggest that the mother-child relationship contributes to the development of behavior problems in late adolescent.

Title:         Grieving Processes of Heterosexual and Homosexual Men: A

                  Critical Review of the Literature

Presenter: Rene Vandenberg, M.A.

Address:    Rene Vandenberg Counselling Services

                  39 Robertson Road, Suite 260

                  Ottawa, Ontario

                  K2H 8R2

Telephone: (613) 850-1012

A broad review of the literature on men and grief revealed a paucity of theorizing and exploring the similarities and differences between the grieving processes of heterosexual and homosexual men. Although the literature appears to understand grief as a multifaceted process, while supporting the notion that men can adopt diverse means of grieving loss, it appears to dismiss the need to further investigate each population by seemingly generalizing findings from heterosexual male studies to homosexual men, or by excluding homosexual men from these studies.

Furthermore, the extent of the literature reviewed regarding homosexual men and grieving appeared to emphasize AIDS related deaths, suggesting that gay men die only from AIDS. Thus, the need to review and understand the types of societal stressors and their impact upon the grieving processes of heterosexual and homosexual men, as well as the recognition of the limitations of the literature, are essential to suggesting the need for the development of a unified model of the impact of sexual orientation on the grieving processes of men.

Title:           An Examination of Attachment Styles, Distress, and Oscillation Among Parents Who   

                   Have Lost a Child to Cancer. Description and preliminary findings.

Presenter: Philip Dominigue, M.S.W.

Address:   1841 Burfield ave.

                  Gloucester, On, Canada

                  K1J 6S9

Telephone: 613-864-7594

This study, taking place fall of 2007, will investigate how specific combinations of retrospective attachment styles and of social support in couples who have lost a child to cancer affect marital distress, levels of grief, grief oscillation and emotional distress. The theoretical framework of the study, its hypotheses, and the 7 standardized measures used will be described. Retrospective attachment styles and their hypothesized role on the individual and relational grief process in couples will be described in light of the Dual Processing Model of grief. Preliminary findings and future implications for research and clinical practice will be introduced. The presentation will end with questions from the audience and a discussion.

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Publication Abstracts (2003-2004)

• Eleventh Annual Conference / Onzième Conférence Annuelle (2004)

• Tenth Anniversary SPCR / Dixième Anniversaire (2003)

Eleventh Annual Conference
Onzième Conférence Annuelle

Du 6 au 8 Mai 2004 / May 6 - 8, 2004
Université Saint-Paul University
Ottawa, Ontario

Abstracts/Résumé

Title: Working with Emotions in Conflict Resolution (Keynote address)

Author: Leslie Greenberg, Ph.D.

Dept. of Psychology
York University
4700 Keele St.
Toronto, ON,
Canada M3J 1P3

E-mail: lgrnberg@YorkU.ca

Abstract

People’s relationships with each other are a wellspring of emotional experience. Emotions are of great importance in the everyday life of relationships and in conflict. Emotions tell us the state of our emotional bonds, whether they are in good condition, if they have been disrupted or if they need maintenance. Emotions tell us when something is wrong, they tell us that our needs are not being met, they identify problems for us to solve and rapidly communicate that these are problems. In this address I will discuss the role that emotion plays in both individual and couple conflict and it’s resolution and I will look at which feelings need to be expressed in resolving conflict and which are better dealt with in other ways. I will suggest that in relationships in which reconciliation is the goal that communicating vulnerable feelings in non-demanding ways, can help people resolve conflict. Automatically generated, amygdala based, emergency emotions, at the core of the perception of threat are a key generator of conflict and methods for working with these core emotions will be presented. Major principles of working with emotion and the basic tenets of an empirically supported Emotion-focused approach to the treatment of conflict resolution will be discussed. Emotion coaching will be proposed as an important means for helping people to resolve conflict.

Title: Couple Conflict De-escalation: Tools from Bowen Theory

Author: Martin Rovers, Ph.D

Saint Paul University
223 Main Street
Ottawa, ON K1S 1C4

Email: mrovers@ustpaul.ca

Abstract

Bowen’s concept of differentiation of self describes a state of self-knowledge and self-definition that does not rely on the acceptance of others for one’s beliefs but, rather, encourages one to be emotionally connected to others without the need to defend oneself or attack the other. By giving equal weight to individuation and emotional connectedness, Bowen sets out the necessary characteristics for adult maturity that are essential in couple conflict de-escalation and relationship restoration. Some tools from Bowen theory include differentiation of self, partners of equal differentiation, de-triangulation, genograms and learning about family systems, I-statements about one’s own contribution to the couple interaction. Two case study of couples in serious conflict are presented and implications for therapist are included.

Title Intrapsychic Conflicts, Their Underlying Dynamics and Resolution: An Object Relations Perspective

Authors Augustine Meier, Ph.D.
Micheline Boivin, M.A.

Saint Paul University / 5 Claudet Crescent
Ottawa, Ontario / Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4 / K1G 4R3

E-mail ameier@ustpaul.ca | miche_boivin@hotmail.com

Abstract

Intrapsychic conflicts in terms of their underlying dynamics and resolution were studied from an object relations perspective. According to this approach, a major aspect of conflict resolution is to reclaim and integrate split off desires, needs and wants. The Gestalt Two‑chair dialogue portion of actual interviews from ten clients who resolved intrapersonal conflicts (Resolvers) and from ten clients who failed to resolve such conflicts (Non‑Resolvers) served as the data base. The client interviews were coded using the Client Verbal Response Category System which operationalizes affects, cognitions and needs. Client statements were coded for those emerging from the "Experiencing Chair" and for those coming from the "Other Chair". It was hypothesized that for the Resolvers alone, Need, and Positive Feeling statements predominate immediately prior to the resolution of the conflict, and Judgment, Thought and Negative Feeling statements decrease immediately prior to the resolution of a conflict. Five of the six hypotheses were supported and the findings were discussed with reference to the necessity of simultaneously assessing many aspects of a client's inner experiences when studying the resolution of intrapsychic conflicts. A conceptual model which integrates affects, cognitions and needs in the resolution of intrapsychic conflicts is proposed.

Title Remembering and reflecting on conflict between nurse and chaplain: conversation Analysis

Author Seung-Hee KANG, MPhil & MDiv.

St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton
50 Charlton Ave. East Hamilton,
Ontario, L8N 4A6

E-mail rosakang@hotmail.com

Abstract

This research presents a conversation analysis of how a nurse and a chaplain remember a moment of conflict. Conversation analysis is one of the qualitative research methods used in Family Therapy and it is a method to investigate the construction of the therapeutic realities, by looking at where the turns were in the therapeutic talk, this method is borrowed in the presentation to show perceptions about the sequence, the turning point in the conversation in conflict and the themes embedded in the rememberance and reflection of the conversation. The implication of clinical work and further research will be presented.

Title Acquired brain injury: Aftermath and intrapersonal conflict

Author Susan L. Tasker, Ph.D. (Cand)

Psychology Department
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1

E-mail taskersl@mcmaster.ca

Abstract

To address both theoretical and professional issues related to the meaning making process of a brain injury experience, narrative data was collected over a seven-week period from five adult survivors of brain injury (mean age = 41.4 years; range, 28-53 years). A systematic analysis of content was conducted from which a composite case scenario was derived. Felt-losses and needs are documented, and coping responses to intra- and interpersonal conflicts described from the perspective of the individual. Crucial findings of (1) the importance of a future- rather than a one-day-at-a-time perspective, (2) the contribution of caring relationships, (3) the role of spirituality, and (4) the need to feel understood, are delineated and discussed.

Title Preventive Mediation Through Multifaith Collaboration

Author Brice Balmer, Chaplaincy Director

House of Friendship
P.O. Box 1837
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4R3

E-mail brice@golden.net

Abstract

Reflecting on the past 2 ½ years of Interfaith Grand River (IGR), a coalition of faith communities in the Waterloo Region (Ontario), this paper analyzes how action and dialogue compliment each other and open new vistas for collaboration among faith communities. The Waterloo Region has become significantly multifaith within the last twenty years; there has been reasonable toleration, but many residents are very hesitant to talk with each other about significant faith issues. As IGR has raises the profile of all faith traditions, many residents are moving from toleration to understanding, respect, and collaboration.

Christians need to enter the multifaith work and discussion as equals, not superior because of theology, majority status, or connection to political and social traditions. Ingram, Knitter, Hick and others open new doors and windows to participate in respectful and collaborative multifaith ventures, where all learn individuals and faith communities learn from each other.

Title Satir in the Sandtray: Resolution of Intra-Personal Conflict

Author Susan Ford, MSW, RSW. C.T.S.

67 Ramsgate Private
Ottawa, Ontario K1V 8M4

E-mail scford@rogers.ca

Abstract

This paper describes a therapeutic intervention through which the client resolved intra-personal conflict. Working within the intra-psychic dimension of the conceptual framework of Virginia Satir’s Human Growth Model, aspects of the Parts Party, Satir’s vehicle for integrating the self, were used in conjunction with aspects of Sand Tray World Play Therapy as described by Gisela Schubach DeDomenico. These two techniques were selected because of their complementary nature. Each is experiential, employing the client’s creativity to reveal inner dialogue. Each is a vehicle for identifying intra-personal conflict, whether conscious or less so, thus offering an opportunity for transformational change and resolution of the conflict.

Titre L’imagerie mentale : différents aspects d’un processus menant à la résolution de conflits

Auteur Francine Boulais, MTh (Cand)

581 Malouin
Sherbrooke, Québec
J1J 3B5

E-mail boulaisf@interlinx.qc.ca

Co-auteurs Donald Bouchard, MTh (Cand)
Isabelle Fournier, MTh (Cand)
Marie-Hélène Ouellette, MTh (Cand)
Claire Picard, MTh (Cand)
Marie-Line Morin, Ph.D.

Résumé

L’analyse phénoménologique existentielle d’expériences en imageries mentales permet de constater « comment l’imagerie mentale agit dans la dynamique psychospirituelle ou psychoreligieuse de la personne » : 1) les images suscitent l’attention au vécu profond, aux émotions et aux valeurs qui favorise la prise de conscience des conflits intérieurs, de la structure de la dynamique et de son mode de fonctionnement ; 2) cela crée une ouverture aux changements dans les relations et donne accès à ses ressources en vue de solutions ; 3) les symboles font émerger une nouvelle vision de soi, des autres et de Dieu menant à la résolution des conflits et à un nouveau sens à sa vie.

Titre Résolution de conflits : en prévision d’outils thérapeutiques en counselling pastoral de couples

Auteur Marie-Line Morin, Ph.D.

Faculté de théologie, d‘éthique et de philosophie
Université de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, Québec
J1K 2R1

E-mail mlmorin@courrier.usherb.ca

Résumé

Il n’y a que peu de recherches empiriques portant sur l’étude d’outils thérapeutiques conçus, dans une perspective pastorale (en tenant compte des valeurs spirituelles ou religieuses), pour faciliter la résolution de conflit chez les couples. Un intérêt, pour les chercheurs en counselling pastoral serait de préciser les facteurs à inclure dans la conception de tels outils. Un premier pas dans cette direction nécessite donc une recension des études sur cette question. C’est l’objet de la présente communication. Après avoir exposé les résultats de quelques études associant la résolution de conflits à des variables religieuses comme la prière, les croyances et la pratique religieuse, la compétence des intervenants à rejoindre les réalités spirituelles etc., nous donnons un aperçu de là où en sont les recherches sur l’utilisation de techniques ou programmes conçus pour aider les couples à résoudre leurs conflits.

Titre Perception positive du conflit en milieu professionnel: apport des femmes

Auteur(e)s Christian R. Bellehumeur, Ph.D. (Candidat)
Chantal Beauvais, Ph.D.

Université Saint-Paul
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4

E-mail cbellehumeur@ustpaul.ca | cbeauvais@ustpaul.ca

Résumé

Si la psychologie nord-américaine a mis du temps avant de considérer les aspects positifs du conflit, quelques auteurs contemporains, sociologues et autres, en ont fait mention (Simmel, Coser, Dahrendorf, Marx). En somme, à l’exception de l’intuition de Hegel, l’aspect constructif du conflit semble être un phénomène plutôt contemporain. qui coïncide curieusement avec un autre phénomonène contemporain: l’arrivée en grand nombre des femmes sur le marché du travail. À partir de cette coïncidence, nous envisageons une réflexion sur les différences sexuelles en matière de résolution des conflits. Bien que les données ne sont pas concluantes, des auteurs tels Williams (1984) (qui soutient le style d’identification au groupe plus collaboratif associé aux femmes) et Gottman & Levenson (1988) (qui stipulent la plus grande capacité bio-physiologique des femmes à tolérer les émotions désagréables) suggèrent que les femmes auraient des manières différentes d’appréhender les conflits. Ces considérations, il nous semble, pourraient enrichir non seulement les approches en résolution de conflits, mais aussi la réflexion des mouvements féministes visant une meilleure égalité entre les hommes et les femmes.

Title Faith Based Mediation: An Exploration

Authors Ernie Tannis, B.A. / Melinda MacDonald, M.A. / Richard Manley-Tannis, M.A. L.L.B., C.Med.

The ADR Centre / The ADR Centre / Maya Consulting
City Centre Location / City Centre Location / POB 194
304-880 Wellington St / 304-880 Wellington St. / Nipawin, SK
Ottawa, ON
K1R 6K7 / K1R 6K7 / S0E 1E0

E-mail Ernie G. Tannis ernestgtannie@adrcentre.org

Richard-Manly-Tannis rmmt@perlucidus.net

Abstract

This discussion will focus on the personal stories of the three presenters. Each is a practitioner in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), who has found that their lives have informed their faith journeys. It is this personal revelation that will bind the theme – faith-based mediation.

It is contended that Jesus as a Mediator is more than a metaphysical metaphor. Rather, as the Prophet was fully divine, He too was fully human. In the lesson of this paradox, the practical implementation of ADR principles and processes will be used to explore examples of healthier solutions, management and prevention of conflict, as part of the human condition. Aspiring to a deeper relationship with the Divine, actual third party neutral interventions will be explored, based upon value and faith-based conflict resolution approaches.

The Christ’s emancipating and redemptive love offers us the tools and methods with which to resolve disputes without recourse to violence and disrespect, while also acknowledging potential mistrust. The self-narratives will also explore the conflict within, ultimately offering ADR as a life skill. The panel will encourage the use of practical, Spiritually-based problem-solving to reduce the economic and human costs of conflict from an individual to international level, contextualized in their own personal and professional experiences.

Titre La démarche praxéologique: voie pour réduire les incongruences du conseiller

Auteurs Gilles Fortin, Ph.D. / Judith Malette, Ph.D.

Université Saint-Paul
223 Main Street
Ottawa Ontario
K1S 1C4

E-mail gfortin@ustpaul.ca | jmalette@ustpaul.ca

Résumé

Cette présentation vise à faire connaître la démarche praxéologique de St-Arnaud (1995, 2000) et de Bourassa, Serre et Ross (1999) comme outil de facilitation du processus de réflexion dans et sur l’action. Une telle démarche met en branle un questionnement des postulats, des intentions, des stratégies du conseiller qui peut conduire à la mise au jour des écarts, des contradictions entre son modèle professé et son modèle pratiqué. Ce processus est interpellant surtout lorsqu’il devient évident que la théorie professée ne correspond pas à la théorie pratiquée.

Title Recovering the Integrity of Self in the Conflicts of Technological Culture

Author Daniel Bogert-O'Brien, Ph.D.

92 Corsica Private
Ottawa, Ontario
K1Y 0M1

E-mail dobrien@ustpaul.ca

Abstract

That conflict is understood as a problem to be solved by the learning or application of some special spiritual knowledge, technique or inter- or inner personal skill exposes a peculiar and culturally specific way of understanding the "self". In modern and post-modern technological cultures the human self has increasingly been understood as an endlessly plastic commodity made by the application of various techniques, skills and "special" spiritual or psychological knowledge. In some sense one can speak of this culturally and religiously dominant view as a new species of gnosticism where the ascension to and application of a "secret" or "specialized" form of knowledge or technique will resolve inner and external conflicts by "leaving behind" the given limits of incarnate human experience. This paper will develop the apophatic and contemplative traditions represented by Thomas Merton, the Pudel Circle for Research on Proportionality (CROP), Madhu Suri Prakash, Dr. Jack Cornfield and others as an alternative to technologically shaped responses. Selfhood and conflict will be viewed as "gifts" and opportunities for transformation. The limits and possibility for conviviality in human community and depth of presence are not problems and crises to be solved but signs of the gift and gratuitous nature of human life.

Title Resident’s Learning Experiences in the Residency Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital

Authors Claire Gosselin, MDiv, MTh (Cand) / Thomas St.James O’Connor, ThD

St.Joseph’s Hospital
50 Charlton
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6

E-mail mdclairegosselin@hotmail.com | toconnor@stjosham.on.ca

Abstract

This ethnographic research focuses on how residents learn during a residency program. The residency program at St. Joseph’s is unique in that it emphasizes clinical skills, research, and academics. The residents take courses offered at Wilfrid Laurier University leading to a diploma in Spirituality in HealthCare. This research is based on a questionnaire, personal interview, and related material. The survey addresses supervisory relationship, personal growth, theological growth, professional growth, learning context, and other experiences. One set of interviews directly follows a residency program and the other is a follow up with residents one year after the program has ended. The interviews supplementing the data are transcribed and analyzed to uncover trends and continued growth. The results are compared with the available literature on residencies. Conclusions will be presented and implications for future residencies will be explored.

Title The Experience of Placement in a Long-Term Care Facility

Author Moe Anderson

10-62 South Forster Park Drive
Oakville, Ontario
L6K 1Y7

E-mail dynamoe@sympatico.ca

Abstract

As the population ages and the need for institutionalization becomes a reality for many people and their families, it becomes ever more important to study the experience of placement from the perspective of residents and their families. Conducting one-to-one interviews with residents and their families, participants identified the aspects that they found most challenging and the aspects that they found most helpful in the process. This study also attempted to assess the support from the faith community and images that were helpful during this time of transition.

Title Financial Impact of Pastoral Counselling on Hospital Care

Author Rev. Robert Bond, B.Sc., M.Div., Specialist in Pastoral Counselling, CAPPE/ACPEP

Niagara Health System – Welland Hospital Site
65 Third Street,
Welland, Ontario L3B 4W6

E-mail bbond@niagarahealth.on.ca

Abstract

This retrospective study explores the change in hospital resource usage when patients from across the Welland County General Hospital’s population took advantage of a hospital-sponsored outpatient pastoral counselling practice to further work on "life issues" that came to the fore during pastoral care while hospitalised. Involved in the study were all clients of the 0.25 FTE practice throughout its six years of operation, excepting any whose residency was too short or whose primary hospital-usage was elsewhere rendering impossible a true/reliable ‘picture’ of hospital resource utilisation. Encounter days per year in each of four broad hospital service areas (emergency room, day surgery, inpatient care, psychiatric day hospital) were determined from the hospital’s Admission/Discharge/Transfer system; this data was combined with known average costs in each service. It is thereby found that medical resource costs decreased on average by $875 per patient per year, on an enduring basis.

Title: Crisis Support Team: A New Dimension of Caring and Support

Authors: Adèle Miles, M.Div Maria Cupples, RN

Pastoral Care Consultant Emergency Department
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital / St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
189 Elm Street /189 Elm Street
P.O. Box 2007 / P.O. Box 2007
St. Thomas, Ontario / St. Thomas, Ontario
N5P 3W2 / N5P 3W2

E-mail: amiles@stegh.on.ca | cupples.171@rogers.com

Abstract

This paper describes the results of a quality improvement process developed in response to feedback received from people who have experienced the sudden death of a loved one in the Emergency Department at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. The Crisis Support Team programme was developed, using trained volunteers to support families emotionally, to be their link with Emergency staff, and to provide greater continuity in the midst of a highly stressful event. A significant contribution of the team is their role in defusing potential conflict by attending to basic needs. The result has been an improvement in family satisfaction with care received, and a reduction in stress on Emergency Department staff when working with this population. Key learnings include success factors for the use of volunteers in crisis support.

Title Adulthood—A Missing Perspective: Psychotherapy, Spirituality and Religion

Author John J. Shea, O.S.A., Ph.D., M.S.W.

92 Manet Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
USA

E-mail sheajoj@bc.edu | jshea@fordham.edu

Abstract

The first part of this presentation describes adulthood or an "adult self" as a foundational notion for understanding the process of psychotherapy, for understanding the structure of an integral spirituality, and for understanding the nature of adult religion. With an adult perspective—a missing perspective—in place, the second part of this presentation presents some findings and practical implications for how psychotherapy, spirituality, and religion can be understood in themselves and in relation to one another.

Titre Les formes cliniques du « combat des esprit » et les solutions possibles.

Auteur Claude Mailloux, Ph.D.

Faculté de théologie, d‘éthique et de philosophie
Université de Sherbrooke,
Sherbrooke, Québec
J1K 2R1

E-mail claude.mailloux@Usherbrooke.ca

Résumé

La notion de combat des esprits que nous devons à saint Ignace de Loyola présuppose que la vie spirituelle est le théâtre d’un combat sans merci entre deux tendances qui habitent l’être humain : l’influence de l’esprit malin qui tente de détourner l’âme de l’accomplissement de la volonté de Dieu et de la rencontre avec lui. L’auteur re-visite ces concepts hérités d’un autre âge pour leur redonner une teneur contemporaine. Puis, il met ces concepts en parallèle avec des éléments des cas rencontrés dans sa pratique. Il propose une lecture anthropologique de ce conflit afin de dégager des pistes thérapeutiques pour le travail clinique.

Title A Grief Unobserved: The Birthmother’s Experience Since Relinquishing Her Child for Adoption

Author Mary Jo Patterson, M.Div. M.P.S.

17 Church Street
Jarvis, Ontario
N0A 1J0

Email gtmjpatterson@kwic.com

Abstract

This research proposal investigates the birth mother’s experience since relinquishing her child for adoption. The focus of this study is how the placement of her child has influenced the Psychological, Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Relational aspects of the birthmother either positively or negatively. The data would be collected through personal interviews with birthmothers who have been influenced by the action of relinquishment. The study will be phenomenological in nature and will in particularly look at the relinquishment’s affect as a form of an ambiguous loss or disenfranchised grief.

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Tenth Anniversary SPCR
Dixième Anniversaire

Du 8 au 10 Mai 2003 / May 8 - 10, 2003
Université de Sherbrooke University
Sherbrooke, Québec

Abstracts/Résumé

Title God-representation and spiritual life

Author Ana-María Rizzuto, M.D.

75 Gardner Road
Brookline, MA 02445-4523
USA

God, in Jewish and Christian tradition, is a transcendent being, who exceeds the power of the senses. Human beings are incapable of direct apprehension of God's being or of His communications to them. God himself, in all his power, must submit to means of communication compatible with the human being He is addressing. God's message must suit the means his people have to receive and understand what He is telling them. Any form of God's expression that does not conform with this requirement will not reach the human creature.

Unable as we are to have any sensory experience of God, we must resort to indirect ways of connecting, by means ofdynamically analogical processes,experiences we have with essential people in our lives with the God presented by religion as existing, feeling, desiring and, acting effectively in nonvisible reality. His personal communications to His faithful are mediated, externally and intrapsychically, by the complexities of relational life with others. Spiritual life consist in relational dynamic processes of seeking God and trying to discern His personal communications in the broader pattern of our relation to creation, Scripture, and religious institutions.

Titre L’influence de la dimension sociale sur le counselling pastoral
Auteurs Lise Séguin, M.A. André-Paul Morin, M.A.
Adresse 995 rue Paul Desruisseaux 7577-B, rue Édouard
Sherbrooke, Québec Ville Lasalle H8P 1S8

De façon générale, les milieux de formation en psychothérapie ignorent la composante sociale des problèmes et de l’épanouissement humain. Le Centre de counselling de l’Université Saint-Paul ne fait pas exception. Conscients de cette lacune les auteurs de la présente recherche ont voulu élargir la vision essentiellement psychologique de leur formation en counselling à l’aide de la perspective sociologique. Pour ce faire, ils ont utilisé une méthodologie exploratoire. Partant d’observations empiriques tirées de vingt-cinq dossiers consultés, ils ont établi deux cas-types, selon un outil d’investigation préconisé par Max Weber. L’élaboration de ces cas, représentatifs de la clientèle du Centre, a servi d’appui pour illustrer l’utilisation d’un modèle d’analyse psychologique, en vue d’y introduire des éléments complémentaires d’analyse sociologique.

Pour faire l’étude psychologique des cas-types (appelés Richard et Josée – noms fictifs), les auteurs de cette recherche ont d’abord retracé les influences philosophiques et psychologiques reliées à leur formation, pour extraire les principaux éléments d’une grille d’analyse. Ils ont relevé au passage les traces évidentes du subjectivisme, de l’individualisme et de l’analyse prioritairement intrapsychique, caractéristiques de la psychologie contemporaine.

Ensuite, à partir d’un modèle d’analyse sociologique, ils ont examiné les problèmes préalablement évalués dans l’analyse psychologique. Pour ce faire, ils ont étudié certains paramètres du rapport individu-société, élaborés par les sociologues C. W. Mills et Anthony Giddens, pour ensuite les synthétiser en une grille d’analyse applicable à l’étude des cas-types. Ils ont converti les épreuves personnelles en enjeux collectifs, introduisant ainsi un éclairage social complémentaire à une approche essentiellement psychologique. Cette recherche n’est pas dissociée de l’orientation pastorale de l’Université Saint-Paul et les auteurs ont voulu s’y rattacher en situant leur travail au sein d’une vision chrétienne du monde.

Title Healing and recovery through changing the images of God
Author Brice Balmer, DMin
Address House of Friendship
P.O. Box 1837
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 4R3

Changing images of God from transcendent to immanent is an important healing and recovery process for individuals, who have been abused, traumatized, or addicted. Since many transcendent images of God keep power external to the self, these images are reminders of persons who have been abusive. The person externalizes healing and hope, thinking that there will be a miraculous cure. In the healing process, the individual needs to find internal power. Immanent images are one way to sense power from within the self. The individual begins to sense that "higher power" is present in self-help groups, spiritual direction, coincidental experiences, or observing nature. The higher power is a felt reality; the person reflects on the experiences with this higher power and begins to understand that s/he is not alone. The work of healing becomes internalized.

Titre: Images de soi et de Dieu chez la personnalité narcissique
Auteurs: Judith Malette, Ph.D., C.Psych. et Gilles Fortin, Ph.D.
Adresse: Université Saint-Paul
223 rue Main
Ottawa, On
K1S 1C4

À la lumière des théories objectales, du modèle cognitif de Young (1994) sur les schèmes précoces inadaptés et d’études portant sur l’image de Dieu dont celles de Rizzuto (1979) et de Shaap-Jonker, Eurelings-Bontekoe, Verhagen et Zock (2002), nous tenterons de décrire l’image de Dieu chez la personne ayant un trouble de la personnalité narcissique (TPN). Nous étudierons aussi le lien entre les images de soi et de Dieu ainsi que l’influence de ces images dans les relations avec autrui et avec soi chez le TPN. L’histoire de cas d’une personne affublée d’un TPN et ayant suivi une psychothérapie individuelle sera intégrée à la présentation.

Title Use of Images of God in a Therapeutic Process: A Case Study
Author Martin Rovers Ph.D.
Address St. Paul University
223 Main Street, Ottawa
KIS IC4

Images of God are never far away in the pastoral counselling process, whether utilized intentionally or by the grace of God. This workshop journeys with a client's use of pictures and paints to search out the images of God and their impact on the healing process. With the use of slides and journal entries, we trace the growth process of one client.

Titre Exploration du rapport entre les images mentales et le cheminement spirituel
Auteur Claude Mailloux, Ph.D.
Adresse Faculté de théologie, d’éthique et de philosophie
Université de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1

Suite à la proposition faite l’an dernier de quelques jalons pour le discernement clinique de l’expérience religieuse authentique, je poursuis cette année l’exploration des rapports qui existent entre les images mentales et le cheminement spirituel d’une personne en faisant une étude de cas. Cette recherche montre a posteriori comment une lecture anthropologique des symboles émergeant à la conscience aurait permis de prévoir et de guider l’avancée spirituelle de la personne. Le développement de tels outils de lecture devrait aider à la clinique à mieux identifier la dimension spirituelle et religieuse des personnes en favorisant l’intégration de cette dimension dans les approches pastorales contemporaines.

Titre L'action de l'imagerie mentale dans la dynamique profonde des personnes.
Auteur Isabelle Fournier, M.A. (Cand)
Adresse 900, rue Belmont
McMasterville, Québec
J3G 5M5
Co-auteurs Donald Bouchard,
Francine Boulais
Marie-Hèlene Ouellette
Clair Picard
Marie-Line Morin, Ph.D.

Dans le cadre de notre essai terminal à la maîtrise en théologie, concentration Counselling pastoral de l'Université de Sherbrooke, nous, un groupe de cinq étudiants, nous sommes intéressés à l'approche clinique de l'imagerie mentale en Counselling pastoral. Nous avons formulé ainsi notre question commune de recherche : " Comment l'imagerie mentale agit dans la dynamique psycho-spiritiuelle ou psycho-religieuse de la personne ? ", chacun explorant un champ d'intérêt spécifique. L'auto-expérimentation de douze imageries mentales dirigées et la méthode phénoménologique existentielle nous ont aidés à répondre à notre question.

Title Scriptural Images of the Ethical Challenges in the Pastor-Congregant
Relationship: A Qualitative Study
Author Thomas St. James O’Connor, ThD
Address Waterloo Lutheran Seminaryat Wilfrid Laurier University
75 University Avenue, West
Waterloo, Ontario
N2L 3C5
Co-authors Richard Walsh-Bowers, Ph.D.
Christopher Ross, Ph.D.
Dana Sawchuk, Ph.D.
Maria Hatziphenias, M.A. (Cand)

This paper focuses on one aspect of a qualitative research study that examined the experiences of pastors, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the workshop "Crossing the Boundaries" in light of their practice of ministry. In the in-depth interviews, pastors were invited to share a Scriptural image that captured the ethical dilemmas that they faced in the pastor – congregant relationship. A variety of images were shared and presented in this paper. Interpretations of these images are presented by two of the research team. We will also ask for interpretations from the participants.

Titre Le sacrement de pénitence: lieu privilégié pour une spiritualité thérapeutique.
Auteur Constantin Kazadi, Ph.D. (Cand)
Adresse 1670 Rue des grands monts #305
Ascot, Québec

Lorsqu'on veut mettre ensemble la psychothérapie et la spiritualité, on pense spontanément aux sessions de croissance et aux entrevues comme lieux appropriés. De notre part, nous pensons que le sacrement de pénitence pratiqué dans toute sa complexité peut devenir une réalité à travers laquelle, la thérapie et la spiritualité peuvent trouver un terrain d'entente très fécond.

Pour que le sacrement de pénitence remplisse les fonctions que nous venons de nommer, il est nécessaire de saisir tout d'abord son lien avec la relation d'aide car c'est un symbole qui est essentiellement relation et qui n'utilise ni eau, ni huile, ni sel, ni bougie. Puis, il nous faut faire ressortir les conceptions du salut sous- jacentes à une bonne pratique pénitentielle. Concrètement, en plus de la sotériologie du rachat qui est très connue dans l'Église catholique, on peut aussi prendre en compte la notion du salut comme guérison et selon laquelle le Christ est considéré aussi comme le médecin de l'âme et du corps quand il visite son peuple à travers les sacrements. Ensuite, saisir le lien entre l'option fondamentale de conversion qui sous-tend la pratique du sacrement et le cheminement de croissance en psychothérapie. Ceci revient à dire que le sacrement de pénitence compris comme un processus de conversion doit être mesuré de manière à laisser une porte ouverte à l'accompagnement spirituel du pénitent dans son cheminement. Et de ce fait, si le pasteur est initié aux outils de la psychothérapie, il peut apporter un plus au pénitent dans sa démarche de croissance. Finalement, relever l'importance et les effets guérisseurs des valeurs profondes dans la célébration pénitentielle.

Ainsi, en suivant ce parcours, on ne fait que confirmer la vérité selon laquelle, la foi guérit et elle a un impact sur toute la personnalité. Comme le sacrement de pénitence est actualisation du baptême et de la foi dans la vie des croyants, il est clair qu'une pratique pénitentielle vécue selon les lois de la relation d’aide peut aboutir à une spiritualité thérapeutique.

Title: The formation of adolescents’ image of God: An empirical investigation
(Preliminary report)
Authors Augustine Meier, Ph.D. Molisa Meier
Address Saint Paul University Ottawa, Ontario
223 Main Street K1G 4R3
Ottawa, Ontario
K1S 1C4

This research investigates the relationship of adolescents’ images of God to their images of their parents and themselves. The focus of this study is on the adolescents’ image of God and not on their concept of God. The study is conceptualized within the context of "projection theory" as conceived by Object Relations Theory, a modern form of psychoanalysis. The data were collected by using an instrument designed by Vergote et al. (1969) to study the Concept of God and Parental Images. This instrument produces two scales, a maternal and a paternal scale. This research also studied the relationship of age to the development of a two dimensional God (paternal, maternal). The instrument developed by Roberts (1989) to measure image of God and image of Self was also administered. The data were analyzed using parametric statistics including Analysis of Variance and Correlations.

Title A solution focused pastoral care approach to palliative care: A case study
Author Claire Gosselin, Mdiv
Address Spiritual Care Department
St. Joseph’s Health Care System
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Co-author Al Vanden Boogard, MDiv

Presents a case study of a man in palliative care for whom solution focused pastoral care is utilized by the attending chaplain. Solution focused pastoral care is explained. The various interventions from solution focused pastoral care used in this case study are also presented. Outcome and images of God are discussed.

Title Trauma, attachment, and God: A pastoral counselling perspective on childhood trauma
Author Stephanie Van Deusen, Ph.D. (Cand)
Address 77 Royalty Circle
Owings Mills, MD 21117
USA

Kane, Cheston, and Greer (1993) highlighted the need for pastoral counselors to bring the issue of incest and religion to the same table. Kirkpatrick (1998) challenged his readers to use the framework of attachment theory to understand religious beliefs and behaviors. Rizzuto’s research on the developmental formation of God image brings early childhood development and spiritual formation together in a way that sheds light on how individuals attach to God (Parker, 1999). Rizzuto’s theory is consistent with research findings indicating that an individual’s relationship with God is influenced by his or her childhood attachment to the primary caregiver (Granqvist & Hagekull, 1999; Kirkpatrick, 1998). This paper presents an opportunity to bring an individual’s relationship with God and his or her experience of trauma to the same table in a way that invites clinicians and theoreticians to digest how a pastoral way of being provides an additional clinical perspective and an encounter with grace. Additionally, it is the intention of this paper to illuminate how a pastoral presence offers a good object representation that challenges a God image splintered by psychological defense, thereby inviting the traumatized individual to seek a sense of security from a safe and emotionally available God object.

Titre Les images religieuses des patients avec des désordres psychotiques
Auteur Patricia Murphy, Ph.D.
Adresse Department of Religion, Health, and Human Values
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center
1653 West Congress Parkway
Chicago, Il., 60612-3833
USA

Cette présentation examine la fonction des images religieuses chezdes patients ayant des désordres psychotiques. Aussi, l’exploration vise à clarifier la différence entre les délires et les croyances qui sont acceptés dans certaines cultures. Après l’exploration des contributions extérieures aux délires, par une recension des études transculturelles des délires des patients avec schizophrénie, plusieurs facteurs intérieurs (aspects cognitifs, neurobiologiques et psychodynamiques) sont examinés. Plusieurs études de cas illustrent la partie des images religieuses chez les patients ayant une psychose. Nous espérons qu’une connaissance plus approfondie de la culture religieuse des patients conduira à une meilleure écoute empathique.

Title Operationalizing a theological construct: David Tracey’s analogical tension
Authors Paul Rennick, Ph.D Joanne Greer, Ph.D.
Address 2629 Riverside Dr., W. 12420 Kuhl Road
Windsor, Ontario Silver Spring, MD 20902
N9B 1B4 USA

The psychology of religion continues to explore the possibility of using theology in its study of religious phenomena. Making theological insights available for social science studies is a multi-stage process. The initial stage involves operationally defining the theological concepts for empirical testing. Empirically demonstrated theological variables could then be used as data for generating psychological hypotheses. This paper focuses on the first stage: ways of rendering theological concepts as operationally defined variables. The theological concepts are drawn from David Tracy's theory of the theological imagination. Greeley's use of Tracy for sociological study is reviewed and found wanting. Another method, which indicates the importance of using social science techniques that respect the theological theory from which the concepts are derived, is presented. Even when using appropriate techniques, issues of distortion remain.

Titre L’Inventaire de l’Image de Dieu (IID): version américaine (anglaise) et version québécoise (française)
Auteurs Marie-Line Morin Richard Lawrence, Ph.D.
Adresse Université de Sherbrooke 120 North Front Street
Sherbrooke, Québec Baltimore, MD 21202-4804
J1K 2R1 USA

L’Inventaire de l’Image de Dieu (IID) est un instrument psychométrique à 8 échelles et 156 items, construit par Richard T. Lawrence (1997) et destiné à mesurer l’image de Dieu à des fins cliniques et pastorales. L’IID est établi sur les bases de la distinction que fait Ana-Maria Rizzuto entre le concept de Dieu (qui relève surtout de l’idée rationnelle résultant des enseignements reçus sur Dieu), et l’image ou la représentation qu’une personne se fait de Dieu (à partir de son expérience avec ses parents). Lawrence a sélectionné six échelles de l’IID visant à explorer les trois caractéristiques dominantes suivantes : l’appartenance (échelle de Présence et de Défi), la bonté (échelles d’Acceptation et de Bienveillance) et le contrôle (échelles d’Influence et de Providence). La fidélité de même qu’un niveau préliminaire de validité sont démontrées pour les échelles de l’IID. La standardisation est établie à partir d’un échantillon de 1580 adultes Américains, majoritairement chrétiens. Une version française (du Québec) a été bâtie et remplie par 308 adultes de la région sherbrookoise au Québec. Les résultats des analyses statistiques de cette version sont similaires à ceux de l’instrument de version anglaise (d’Amérique). La fidélité de l’instrument n’est donc pas dépendante de la langue ou de la culture et l’étude de sa validité est renforcée par la similarité dans la standardisation. Un parallèle est présenté entre les résultats relatifs aux deux versions de l’IID. Les bases théoriques sous-jacentes à la construction de cet instrument précèdent la présentation des résultats statistiques.

The God Image Inventory (GII) is an 8-scale, 156 item, psychometric instrument built by Richard T. Lawrence (1997) and designated to measure God image in clinical and pastoral settings with N = 1. The GII is designed on the basis of Ana-Maria Rizzuto’s distinction between the God concept (emerging form rational ideas resulting from the teachings one received about God) the God image or representation that a person has of God (based on one’s experience with parents). Lawrence selected six scales that allow the exploration of the following three dominant God qualifications : belonging (Presence and Challenge scales), goodness (Acceptance and Benevolence scales) and control (Influence and Providence scales). Reliability as well as preliminary validity are found with the God Image Scales. Standardization is established with a sample of 1580 American adults, mostly Christians. A French (Quebec) version has been created and passed to 308 adults in the Sherbrooke region (Quebec). Results of statistical analysis with this version are similar to those of the English (American) version of the instrument. Reliability of the instrument, thus, is not dependant on language or culture and the study of its validity is reinforced by the similarities in standardization. A parallel is presented between the results relative to the two versions of the GII. The theoretical basis underlying the instrument’s construction precedes the statistical results’ presentation.

Title Encompassing spirit and the work of psychotherapy
Author William Schmidt, Ph.D.
Address Loyola University
6525 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, Il. 60626
USA

The work of psychotherapy can be understood as a visible manifestation of a progressive and restorative Energy in the Universe. This Sacred or Encompassing Spirit is present in the universe through the forms of its work, namely, the work of liberation and justice, the generating of truth and beauty, and the work of freedom and love. Psychotherapy is a context and a process whereby this Spirit is made manifest and real in the lives of persons and communities.

Title Patient evaluation of spiritual care in a teaching hospital: What images are emerging?
Author Sylvia Farrel, MDiv (Cand)
Address Spiritual Care Department
St. Joseph’s Health Care System
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Co-authors Jane-Smith-Eivemark, MDiv
Chris Walton, MDiv (Cand)

This paper presents the results of an in-house study using quantitative and qualitative research on patients and staff, evaluating spiritual care. The study takes place in a Catholic acute care teaching hospital in southern Ontario. The data offer various images of chaplaincy and of God. Implications for further research and ministry are discussed.

Title Outcome research on a still birth protocol: What does this say about God?
Author Felli Toledo, MDiv
Address Spiritual Care Department
St. Joseph’s Health Care System
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Co-author Pat Nolan, MDiv

Presents the stillbirth protocol developed by St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton. This includes naming the baby, facilitating the grief of the family, various religious and spiritual rituals and a follow-up memorial service for a number of families who have experienced still birth. Twelve families are interviewed about their experience of the protocol. Findings are presented and reflections on the images of God that emerge.

Title The Roman Catholic Eucharist and relational psychoanalytic theory and practice: Imagery and the body
Author Colin Herring, MDiv
Address 27 Amelia Street
Elmvale, Ontario
L0L 1P0

The presentation focuses on the imagery and physicality of God as found in the theory and practice of the Roman Catholic Eucharist, and relates these to philosophy, psychology and relational psychoanalytic theory and practice. Part of the presentation is theoretical, drawing on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other church documents, and also the works of psychoanalytic, psychology and philosophy theorists such as Ana-Maria Rizzuto, John McDargh, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Frank Lake, Antonia Damasio, Sigmund Freud, Melanie Klein, D.W. Winnicott, Heinz Kohut, Edith Jacobson, and others. The last section of the paper consists of an application of the relationship found between the Roman Catholic Eucharist and relational psychoanalytic theory and practice to case histories.

Title Pastoral images and images of God on a rehabilitation unit
Author Laura Carter, MDiv
Address Spiritual Care Department
St. Joseph’s Health Care System
50 Charlton Avenue East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 4A6
Co-author Elizabeth Meakes, MTS

This paper presents the experience of a chaplain on a rehabilitation unit in a teaching hospital around pastoral images and images of God. The image of the tortoise and hare in a three-legged race along with the image of various kinds of dance are two images that emerge from this experience. Case scenarios are presented. Reflections on the images of God present in this praxis of ministry as well as implications for chaplaincy ministry are also discussed.

Title: "The dialogue with G-o-d": Towards the critical construction of a theological and psychological
listening perspective
Authors Carrie Doehring, Ph.D. John McDargh, Ph.D.
Address Pastoral Psychology Religion & Psychology
Boston University Boston College
BU School of Theology Department of Theology
745 Commonwealth Avenue Carney 418
Boston, MA 02215 Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

A question that continues to challenge research in pastoral counselling is this: how can the pastoral practitioner "listen in" reverently, skillfully and responsibly to a client’s inner dialogue with the God of their understanding in such a way as seriously accounts for the psycho-dynamic, conceptual (i.e., doctrinal/ symbolic) and spiritual dimensions of that relationship. This joint presentation aims to focus a question for discussion and further research by considering the complex ways we might need to understand the inter-relationship of received theological paradigms and the highly idiosyncratic conscious and unconscious appropriation of those doctrines by any given person.

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