This workshop offers a fascinating, collaborative conversation about the relationship between psychotherapy and spirituality. As both a Rabbi and a Priest define religion, spirituality and rituals that pertain to their own traditions, we will process the role that spirituality can play in clients’ lives and in their healing work.
We will discuss whether or not clinicians should broach the subject of spirituality in psychotherapy, and if so, how that can best be handled. We will explore scenarios where the inclusion of spirituality might be counter-productive, and also process the ways in which therapists can work collaboratively with clergy, defining the roles that clergy should play in the process. We will also focus on the dynamic of rituals both as a potential resource for healing, as well as the misuse of ritual both in therapy and within religious contexts.
Special attention will be paid to the ways in which different religions define the “soul” and how the concept of a soul can be used by therapists and clergy to help clients transcend negative and distorted views of themselves.
Many case examples will be explored, modeling both the value of integrating therapists and clergy into treatment, as well as the adverse effect of incorporating clergy who are not “spiritually responsible.” Participants will be encouraged to process cases that touch on issues of grief, loss, death and dying, physical illness, personal trauma, and experiences of betrayal that often challenge clients’ core spiritual beliefs.
12:45 – 2:15 pm
2:15 – 2:30 pm BREAK
2:30 – 4:00 pm