“Speel" as hulpmiddel in die pastorale berading van kinders wat geboelie is

Abstract

The theme of this study is: "Play" as an auxiliary tool in the pastoral counselling of children who have been bullied. Osmer‟s pastoral theological model is used as a basic point of departure in this study and his Descriptive Task is applied in chapter two. This chapter emphasizes a description of therapeutic play within the discipline of play therapy as well as the possible interaction with the pastorate. The importance of the relationship between the child and the therapist is also been dealt with as well as the unique process regarding each individual child. Furthermore, the Gestalt approach in play therapy is also discussed in this chapter as well as various play therapy techniques which could supplement the counselling of the bullying victim. The Interpretative Task according to Osmer, will be discussed in Chapter 3 with the emphasis on research results from neighbouring sciences. Traditional bullying as well as cyber-bullying are addressed along with a discussion regarding the importance of cooperation and assistance from the victim‟s parents, the school and also the church. Various programmes that could be implemented at schools are also discussed as well as different perspectives from social and sociological points of view concerning each child‟s unique situation. The special task and role of the pastoral counsellor is also discussed in this chapter with a particular focus on the child‟s identity in Christ as well as the way in which Christ dealt with bullies. Peer group counselling together with the role of a pastoral support group also proved to be important in this case. Osmer‟s Normative Task is emphasized in Chapter four and this is realized through the exegesis of some relevant Scriptures. Several important pastoral guidelines regarding the spiritual guidance of the bully-victim are also identified and discussed.

Chapter 5 addresses the Pragmatic Task according to Osmer. In this chapter, an integrated strategic-theoretic model is compiled from the results of the preceding Descriptive, Interpretative and Normative Tasks with regard to "play" as an auxiliary tool in the pastoral counselling of children who have been bullied.