A practical theology case for integrating pastoral counselling into student counselling services at South African universities

Abstract

Student counselling services (SCSs) for consistency are integral to South African universities. Nevertheless, the comprehensive needs of students, including spiritual assistance, which are frequently neglected, indicate a deficiency in pastoral care within a theological anthropology that considers the entirety of the individual. Pastoral counselling, rooted in spiritual care traditions, offers a useful but underutilised support system to solve this theological deficiency. This study, rooted in practical theology, seeks to present a theological rationale for the inclusion of pastoral counselling within student services. It advocates for a comprehensive treatment that honours students’ spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being via the lens of African Theology and theological anthropology. This research utilised a qualitative methodology, specifically employing Osmer’s practical theological framework to direct thematic analysis. The methodological framework utilised was a practical theological methodology, incorporating thematic analysis of academic literature related to pastoral counselling in higher education. The research performed a thematic literature evaluation based on practical theology, utilising existing material to identify themes pertinent to pastoral counselling. The findings indicate that incorporating pastoral therapy promotes comprehensive student welfare by addressing spiritual, emotional, and psychological issues. It emphasises how African Theology, Ubuntu ethics, and cura animarum principles can transform counselling practices through contextual awareness and theological profundity. The use of pastoral counselling can enhance comprehensive assistance for students by addressing current service deficiencies. Universities ought to adopt a comprehensive strategy to improve their SCSs.
Contribution: This study offers guidance to universities to incorporate pastoral counselling into student support programmes, connecting practical theology with the human sciences. It illustrates how theological engagement can promote comprehensive student development and shape an institutional support environment. This facilitates an ongoing study of pastoral counselling in diverse higher education environments, encouraging additional exploration of its impact on student wellbeing.