ABSTRACT
This essay addresses the question of what kind of pastoral response may be appropriate in the face of a tragic situation which affects a church community, what pastoral care is needed, and what counselling and psychotherapy may have to offer in such circumstances. It explores considerations of the responsibilities of office holders and the challenges of assessment of pastoral need in the face of disasters, before focusing on the particular needs of those providing pastoral care, particularly in terms of rest, support, avoidance of secondary traumatisation and supervision.
