Browsing by Author "Van Wyk, Daniel"

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    Pastorale berading as deel van die multidissiplinêre voortgesette behandeling van middelafhanklike persone
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Van Wyk, Daniel; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research investigates the current contribution of pastoral counseling to the continuous care of persons recovering from substance abuse in the Western Cape from the viewpoint of increasing the involvement of pastoral counselors in this regard. Although the treatment of substance abuse can be discussed from a variety of research fields, it is the belief of the researcher that pastoral counseling, within the research field of practical theology, can contribute to the continuous care of persons recovering from substance abuse. People recovering from substance abuse report a negative affect of the disease on their spiritual lives, which often requires them to seek treatment for problems involving themes like forgiveness or a search for meaning and identity. Current literature, as well as empirical findings, suggest that there is a lack of pastoral counseling being provided to persons recovering from substance abuse in the Western Cape, specifically during the phase of continuous treatment. Findings also suggest the need for cooperation between pastoral counselors and other treatment providers like the CAD (Christian Action for Dependence). The researcher does not portray the lack of pastoral counseling as the only reason for a lack of continuous care services in the Western Cape, but views the lack of pastoral counseling as a contributing factor in this regard. The overall aim of this study is to present a practical model that could be used by pastoral counselors within their faith communities to increase the support and treatment provided to persons in the continuous phase of the recovery process of substance abuse. A sample was taken to determine the current climate of continuous care treatment in the Western Cape. Individual interviews were conducted with the directors of four treatment institutions responsible for a wide variety of treatment options available in the Western Cape. This study proved that there is a lack of informed and trained therapists that are able to provide continuous treatment for persons recovering from substance abuse. The study also proved the lack of pastoral counselors that can provide this treatment, even though pastoral counselors are in a good position to do so. Feedback received from the directors of four treatment institutions in the Western Cape would suggest that there is a lack of awareness amongst pastoral counselors as to the true nature of substance abuse as a chronic illness and the needs of the person in recovery. The research also found that pastoral counselors should be made aware of the way in which pastoral counseling can contribute to the continuous treatment of substance abuse, the current needs of persons in recovery that are not being met and the way in which pastoral counselors can work to effect change within their faith communities.