The primary and explicit goal of counselors in pastoral ministry is to help Christians solve their problems in a way that follows the message of Jesus Christ Richard Vaughan, SJ finds that while many engaged in pastoral work have a strong desire to help those who come to them for counseling. they are often wanting in the skills needed for this ministry

In this book Father Vaughan provides help for those already engaged in counseling but lacking the formal training for it. He writes This book will offer these people the opportunity to learn about some of the basic counseling skills and techniques that are the foundation of all effective counseling, encourage them to incorporate these skills into their practice. discover and correct faulty counseling procedures they may have developed, and finally, improve their overall effectiveness at pastoral counseling.

Both those aspiring to become counselors in pastoral ministry and those already involved in it will find this book a valuable resource