by Richard Dayringer
page 1-2
by Gail M. Barton and Lawrence L. LaPierre
page 3-21
Combat veterans experience severe physical, psychological and social consequences as a result of their involvement in life-threatening or other horrific phenomena. They also endure a great deal of trauma to their spiritual selves as well. This article reports on a group led by the co-authors of this paper that was desidnged to focus on the spiritual dimension of the experience of a group of seven Vietnam combat veterans. We observed a number of very specific ways in which they were traumatized as spiritual persons and we conceptualize much of this spiritual damage as loss to their spiritual selves. Thus, facilitating a process of grieving for the spirtiual self that was would seem to be an important aspect of treatment. We recommend inclusion of the spiritual dimension in therapy by other healthcare professionals.
by Roger Kruger
page 23-54
A model is proposed which examines the nature of temporality used in the construction of self-narratives. Presuppositions about the nature of time are examined and a theory of time as relationship developed. The model, which resulted from a qualitative study of Fowler-like faith-stage interviews, argues that the complexity of temprality increases in accordance with the number of orienting relationships. At each self-narrative temporal level it is possible to distinguish qualitative differences in the distinctness of identity, the complexity of causality, the breadth of perspective, and the nature of self-efficacy. Each temporality also is exemplified by characteristic divine symbols and the nature of faith function.
by Bert Kae-Je
page 55-65
Language is an important part of self-concept. Counselors need to be especially aware of how they use language and how they judge others' language use. Language is influenced by geographic region, cultural identity, gender, age, religious identity, and professional identity. These influences combine to affect conversational style, including pronunciation, diction, involvement, and politeness. Counselors need to be sensitive to how their words might be perceived by others. In characterizing counseling as a "helping" profession, in urging couples to learn how to "fight fair" - in these and other expressions we may be giving the wrong message.
by Viktor Frankl
page 67-70
Transcribed by Emma McCulloch
22 November 1999