Psychotherapy And Religion

Francis Bala Aku Akwash

Abstract


Religion and psychotherapy have long maintained separate directions, currently manifested in four viewpoints: orthodox, atheistic, neutralist, and moderate. Although each therapeutic viewpoint is distinct, each contains the seed for rapprochement. This article explores the prospects for therapeutic integration between religion and contemporary psychotherapy. There is a growing trend to seek alternative, complementary and religious healing not only as a reaction to Western theoretical postulations but also to the mindset of ‘‘faith’’. Religious therapy aims to establish harmony and balance within the individual through the interface of the mind and spirit. Through this process religious healing offers a holistic conceptualization of wellness and wellbeing, both within the individual, and between the individual and his or her creator. It has been observed that, Increasing numbers of ministers now receive professional preparation for pastoral therapy. The need for a rapprochement that provides professional psychotherapy capable of addressing religious issues is clearly voiced by laypersons, who are clients or potential clients, and by members of the clergy and psychotherapeutic professions. This paper proposes that It is timely for those in the psychotherapy professions to consider seriously specialized education and certification in religious therapy for secular psychotherapists.

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References


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