I believe that all counseling is grief counseling. As a pastor, educator, leader, and activist, life can get pretty overwhelming. As it turns out, the only way we can affect a system in a healthy way is to become more healthy ourselves.
What road did I take to get from "stressed to the max" to becoming a non-anxious presence? I read. A lot! I read authors specific to BFST: Roberta Gilbert, Israel Galindo, Peter Steinke, Murray Bowen, and Michael Kerr. Some books that I would recommend include
Friedman's Fables
(written by Ed Friedman) and an outstanding primer on BFST by R. Robert Creech,
Family Systems and Congregational Life: A Map for Ministry
.
This book is a collection of sermons, funeral services, and observations from my point of view as an ordained pastor. Not everything in this book will reflect the views of the congregations I've served or the ELCA. It is a great privilege to walk alongside people as they make their way from this life to the next, and, to assist those who are left behind - to help them pray their goodbyes.