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The Pastor as Partner in Therapy. Miriam D. Ukeritis, CSJ, PhD July 7, 2007. Overview . Value of exploring spirituality (religion, God relationship) Relevant factors in considering a patient’s relationship with religion Role of “pastor/spiritual guide” in treatment Closing thoughts.
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The Pastor as Partner in Therapy Miriam D. Ukeritis, CSJ, PhD July 7, 2007
Overview • Value of exploring spirituality (religion, God relationship) • Relevant factors in considering a patient’s relationship with religion • Role of “pastor/spiritual guide” in treatment • Closing thoughts
Religion/Spirituality & Therapy • Patient History • Reluctance to explore religion, spirituality, relationship with God • Role of religion in childhood, currently • Relationship with God • Therapist Attitude: Non-judgmental
Role of Religion in Life • Positive coping factor • Potential for additional support • Roots of guilt • Roots of depression • Faith tradition provides larger context
Life Influences on Spirituality • Developmental stages of patient • Chronologically • Psychologically • Faith-wise • Authenticity • Memory or attribution/experience-based
Considering Presenting Issue • Direct connection with religious schema • E.g., grief, loss, relationships • Tangential • E.g., means of acting-out authority issues • Clear or unclear? • E.g., “recovering Catholic”
The Pastor/Spiritual Guide • Is s/he presently in patient’s life? • If yes, • Quality of relationship? • Supportive of growth? • Supportive of therapy process?
Contact May Be Useful If: • Apparent conflict between treatment and religion exists • Person could be ally in treatment • Spiritual guidance could shed light on treatment process • Patient is engaging in splitting behavior
Closing Thoughts • What is your level of comfort in addressing issues of religion/ spirituality? • What are your assumptions re: role of spirituality/religion in one’s life? • What opportunities can you make to meet other “clergy”?