As we continue through Lent, Anne Holmes shares a little about her most recent book. While written with those who are engaged in pastoral care of kinds in mind, its insights are helpful for all who are interested in how to effectively engage in self-care.
My book Creative Repair – Pastoral Care and Creativity was published in May 2023 by SCM Press. It gathers the fruits of over ten years of research at Master’s and Doctoral level as well as experience of over 35 years of practice as a group-analytic psychotherapist, psychodynamic counsellor, clinical and pastoral supervisor and spiritual director. Although the research focus was on Anglican clergy in leadership roles, the book is aimed at a wide range of readers. So many people are involved in some form of pastoral care, whether in faith communities, teaching and counselling settings or wherever people seek to be of help to one another. The book explains the importance of replenishing the psychological and emotional resources drawn on for such encounters. Engagement with the creative arts is a key resource, whether enjoyed individually or with others.
It has been endorsed by the Bishop of Oxford, Professor Alistair Ross of the University of Oxford, Sister Paula, Abbess of the Anglican Community of St Clare in Freeland and the Revd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt, Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College, Cuddesdon and Oxford Diocesan Advisor for Spiritual Care for Older People.
It can be obtained here: https://chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9780334061762/creative-repair
– Revd Dr Anne Holmes, Associate Priest for St Giles’ and St Margaret’s
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