THE FAMILY AS A CLIENT OF SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL COUNSELLING

Prof. PhDr. Tomáš HANGONI, PhD.

professor, Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Presov, Masarykova 15, 08001 Presov, Slovakia, tomas.hangoni@unipo.sk, 00421517724729, ORCID: 0000-0001-6291-7939

Abstract

The Orthodox Theological Faculty of the University of Presov is the only faculty in Slovakia that develops the concept of spiritual guidance that seeks to implement the system of social counselling. The paper analyses the precondition for such a concept as well as the possibilities of its application within the professional training of future social workers.

Keywords

Spiritual counselling, social counselling, social work, social intervention

SUMMARY

In the spiritual counselling process it is a demanding communication and persuasion process, which presupposes the mastery of methods and techniques of spiritual counselling. It is an inner liberating moment for the social client and his/her family, which, through the power of spirituality, frees the family from the burden of the problem it shares and thus unblocks the family to find common possible solutions for the elimination of its problem. The role of spiritual counselling is currently a current and almost new method, which in a thin line borders on pastoral counselling. This role is only sporadically presented in today's society and this is due to the absence of professionals in this field. It is the duty of social workers in the society to proceed conscientiously if this form of counselling activity. In view of the social necessity of implementing spiritual counselling in the system of social counselling also for families, a new concept of social counselling is being developed which takes this necessity fully into account. The professionalisation of spiritual and social counselling has already begun, it is necessary to further create optimal conditions for its implementation in practical social work.

(Language: english)

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