Thick Listening at Thin Moments: Theoretical Groundwork in Spiritual Care Practice

Clark and Bellous provide a theoretical landscape for spiritual care practitioners. The book includes perspectives on human spirituality, worldview development, the concept of faith and an approach to encountering otherness that allows practitioners to come alongside people through the complex competency of thick listening at thin moments. Coming alongside is possible due to embodied social engagement that every person can rely on for connecting well with others. Throughout the book, they urge readers to reflect intentionally and mindfully on personal and social implications of caring for the human spirit.

While the book focuses on theory, it is rich with scenarios that demonstrate ideas conveyed in each chapter. Its theoretical groundwork is balanced by comprehensive descriptions of clinical implications for spiritual care practice based on theories presented throughout its pages. It will be a welcome manual for chaplains, pastors and spiritual caregivers in any context.