Spiritualizing Mental Health Issues

Product Description

Overview

The spiritual life is a powerful source of healing and growth, and psychological treatment can also provide great relief from suffering. There may be a temptation to “pray away” certain challenges or use the spiritual life as a defense in the course of psychological treatment. How can a person appropriately utilize both psychological and spiritual resources for healing?  Rev. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and spiritual director, explores the tendency to over-spiritualize and offers practical ways to find appropriate support.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

1. Learn how to distinguish between a spiritual challenge and a psychological problem;
2. Explore the nature of spiritualizing as a defense mechanism; and
3. Identify ways to seek appropriate support and move towards healing.

Who Should Participate

Priests, deacons, men and women religious, lay ministers, and those involved in vocations, formation, or clergy and ministry personnel needs.

Reflection Questions

Questions for reflection and discussion prior to the learning session are provided below.

1. How has mental illness impacted my life (or my family or community) over time, and what was the role of spirituality in that experience?
2. Am I able to draw a distinction between spiritual desolation and symptoms of depression or anxiety?
3. Am I aware of my own defense mechanisms?