Presence as a theological-psychological paradigm for pastoral psychotherap

The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a theological-psychological paradigm of presence for use in pastoral psychotherapy derived from three sources: the theology of Jurgen Moltmann, the self psychology of Heinz Kohut, and the clinical case study of "Kay." Each chapter unfolded in similar fashion by exploring the historical antecedents, the concept of self, and the concept of presence germane with each contributor.;Chapter two presented Jurgen Moltmann's theology of presence. Moltmann delineated between presence as epiphany and promise. He opposed the Parmenidean concept of eternal presence because it countered the biblical witness and failed to address the God of the exodus and the resurrection. For Moltmann, revelation must be addressed in terms of eschatology.;Chapter three addressed Heinz Kohut's self psychology and his contributions to the concept of presence. Kohut's psychology focused on the formation and development of the self and the significance of empathy and selfobjects. Kohut theorized that selfobjects provided the psychological nutriment for every person's life and have been crucial in the successful maturation of the self. Kohut's concept of presence primarily emerged from his employment of empathy and his theory of the self-selfobject relationships.;Chapter four, examined presence from the perspective of the case study of "Kay." From the case study, Kay's concept of presence was closely affiliated with relationships. Her history of relationships with her family and community of faith were woven into the tapestry of her self. The therapy process facilitated Kay's discovery and disclosure of deepening levels of presence; from the more external and formal level to the deepest foundational levels of presence.;Chapter five represented the interface and dialogue between the three contributors of presence as contributors in the paradigm of presence. From the perspective of the paradigm of presence, a human being has been defined in terms of multiple and inter-connected relationships. Emphasis has been placed on human embodiment and wholeness.;The paradigm defined presence as a life force which has sustained and nurtured human and biological life on the planet. Presence was a crucial nutriment in the formation and development of a healthy self. Presence possesses relational qualities which have been lived out in community. Community accurately reflected the significance of each member. Empathic responses encouraged the formation of powerful psychological bonds. The Holy Spirit has been the creator of community, drawing persons into fellowship with God and with one another.;Since presence has shared a close alliance with the self, presence has assumed the historic and biographical qualities similar with human development. Finally, the paradigm of presence has been further shaped by the boundaried and expansive, fluid spaces of presence.