This best-selling volume has been fully revised and updated to take account of the latest thinking about the theory and practice of pastoral counselling. As reviews of the original edition demonstrate, this is a book that no Christian minister or lay counsellor can afford to be without. 'Michael Jacobs has written a book which in terms of realistic and sound understanding, of sensitivity to the real needs of people, of a proper encouragement and humility, could not be improved upon. I can think of no better book to recommend to those who are beginning to take the counselling task seriously....

'Letting Go' holds a central place within the pastoral literature for carers of the dying or bereaved. Since publication of the first edition, research and new multi-professional approaches to care require more than ever that those in ministry develop a good grasp of current understanding and models of grief, while retaining their own identity as the 'holy person' within a secular setting. As well as outlining the latest research and current thinking about grief and bereavement, this new edition covers specific developments such as the role of the hospice, advance directives, near death...

Instead of first learning some theology and then applying it to the questions of pastoral care, it is better to start from practical experience, and by reflection arrive at a theology. Ministers and trainee ministers are guided in this book towards a way of integrating theology, pastoral activity and personal faith. Since it was first published, the new 'discipline' of practical theology has grown into importance, and we are now much more aware of how groups function. These changes are reflected in this new, largely rewritten edition.