Abstract

This essay explores some relationships between social structures or systems and the internal psychological structures or systems of individuals. After defining evil, pastoral counseling, and structures or systems, I present examples of persons affected by social systems of power who have sought counseling. I present a form of counseling known as Internal Family System Therapy (IFS) and show with an extended example how I have worked with clients using this approach. In this process the client is guided to use “Self‐leadership” in healing and transforming inner conflict between various subpersonalities or “parts.” I then compare the IFS approach to one used by mediators in community conflict transformation and peacebuilding.

Keywords

Mennonite, domination systems, evil, pastoral care, spirituality, behavioral sciences, Walter Wink, internal family systems, healing, pastoral psychotherapy, mediation, peace, Richard C. Schwartz, pastoral counseling, spiritual transformation, principalities and powers, creative transformation, Plowshares Institute, conflict transformation, systems, Self

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