Description
Book SynopsisIn The Skillful Soul of the Psychotherapist, master clinicians reflect on their core spiritualvalues, beliefs, experiences, and the role these play in psychotherapy. Reflections by Nancy McWilliams,David Wallin, and Salman Akhtar are responded to by scholars representing a substantial range of psychological, spiritual, religious, and theological perspectives. The ensuing scholarly, clinical dialogue advances the idea that a psychotherapist's formative spiritual experiences and core values both deeply influence and are simultaneously influenced by the therapeutic relationships and healing work that constitute his or her clinical practice. Through this addressing of the interplay between these master clinicians' inner wisdom and the therapeutic process, readers will see demonstrated firsthand the vital importance of the psychotherapist's spiritual life for creative and effective clinical work. This volume will also provide the opportunity for both experienced and training psychotherapi
Trade ReviewIn this one-of-a-kind text, Stavros invites master clinicians (and respondents) to reflect on how their religious backgrounds impact their approach to therapy. By taking a hermeneutic approach, this book places religion on par with culture, ethnicity, race and gender and reminds the reader that the history and person of the therapist matters. This book will be a delight to all therapists with religious or spiritual leanings and useful to those working with patients with religious and spiritual commitments. -- Brad Strawn, PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology
Stavros builds a clinic on sacred ground and opens the front door to Spirit, creating opportunity for deeper healing and more profound growth. Benefiting from the wisdom of our ancestors, he asks how religion can guide the human psycho-spiritual journey. Experienced therapists will envision new horizons for treatment, and students will now form careers from a foundational view of spiritual life. For respecting the past, Stavros has innovated, with a true breakthrough. This book is very much needed by our contemporary culture of psychotherapy. -- Lisa Miller, PhD, Columbia University
Table of ContentsForeword Chapter 1: The Skillful Soul of the Psychotherapist George Stavros and Steve Sandage Chapter 2: Reflections on the Effects of a Protestant Girlhood Nancy McWilliams Chapter 3: The Welcome Return of the Suppressed: Religion and Psychoanalysis in Dialogue Marie T. Hoffman Chapter 4: Religion—“It’s Complicated!”: The Convergence of Race, Class, and Sexuality in Clinicians’ Reflection on Religious Experience Phillis Isabella Sheppard Chapter 5: A Therapist’s Psycho-Spiritual Autobiography with Clinical Implications, David J. Wallin Chapter 6: Immanence and Intersubjectivity Daniel Shaw Chapter 7: Shared Histories. Emerging Horizons: The Jewish Search for Spirituality and the Psychoanalytic Ethos Celia Brickman Chapter 8: Three Pillars of Therapeutic Attitude Salman Akhtar Chapter 9: Response to “Three Pillars of Therapeutic Attitude” Salman Akhtar, Chris R. Schlauch Chapter 10: Evocations Thomas J. Cottle Conclusion Merle Jordan Index About the authors
