A theoretical framework for the use of mindfulness meditation in the practice of pastoral counseling from the perspectives of transpersonal psychology and process theology

This dissertation argues that mindfulness meditation is a valuable tool for pastoral counsellors in their efforts to further the psychological and spiritual healing and growth of their clients. Teachers of mindfulness meditation assert that this discipline is particularly effective in facilitating psychological and spiritual healing and growth. Clinical evidence supports this claim. In order for this tool to be adopted by pastoral counsellors, they need a framework that is inclusive of both theological and psychological perspectives and is thereby able to address both psyche and spirit.;This dissertation presents a theoretical analysis and discussion of the implementation of mindfulness meditation in pastoral counselling. The discussions on: (1) an evolutionary view of reality, (2) Gods presence and action in creation, (3) the nature of human growth and development, and (4) the nature of pathology and healing, demonstrate how process theology and transpersonal psychology support and complement each other. Together, these schools of thought provide a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of mindfulness meditation and how it can further psychological and spiritual healing and growth.;Specifically, this work argues that mindfulness meditation is able to enhance awareness. Enhanced awareness enables people to move from habitual patterns of behaviour, to respond creatively to experience, and to actualize the best of the possibilities before them. God's persuasive call is for entities to enjoy increased intensity of experience, which is facilitated by increased breadth and depth. Psychological and spiritual growth is understood as a process whereby consciousness evolves to encompass increasing breadth and depth. Pathology results from the self's becoming stuck at various developmental levels. Mindfulness meditation facilitates increased awareness and allows individuals to move through identification, differentiation, transcendence, and reintegration, thereby facilitating healing and promoting growth.;In conclusion, suggestions are made as to bow mindfulness meditation may be incorporated into pastoral counselling, for both the counsellor and the client. Suggestions are also made concerning when mindfulness meditation may be counter-indicated.