From Rogers to Clinebell: Exploring the History of Pastoral Psychology

This essay explores the recent history of pastoral psychology by examining the transition from Carl Rogers’s client-centered therapy as a dominating force to the emergence of Howard Clinebell’s growth counseling. The theory and application of each approach is explored, including an analysis of how the cultural milieu of World War II and the shift to neofreudian thought influenced both Rogers and Clinebell. Finally, this essay demonstrates how Clinebell modified Rogers’s client-centered therapy by combining confrontation with unconditional positive regard.