Healers - Harmed & Harmful

This book explores the factors that can lead a religious professional either to become depressed or to interact with others in inappropriate ways. ... "Damaged professionals damage others. When damaged clergy are linked to damaged systems, the results can be catastrophic. The portrait of these harmed professionals and those they harm is a dark and convoluted one. This book attempts to bring some conceptual and practical clarity to these convolutions using the tools and theoretical frames of dynamic and analytic psychology."

This accessibly written book will assist clergy, pastoral care professionals, and lay caregivers understand the role of the subconscious as a force in relationships, decision-making, and all aspects of their work. Terms from the field of psychology and psychoanalysis are defined and illustrated; case studies clarify important themes that emerge within the context of congregations and other systems in religious institutions.

More a book on prevention and strategies for understanding the psychological pressures of pastoral ministry, than a guide for pastors already in crisis.