Explorations in Counseling and Spirituality Philosophical, Practical, and Personal Reflections

by Faiver, Christopher M.; Ingersoll, R. Elliott; O'Brien, Eugene M.; McNally, Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780534575823
• ISBN10: 053457582X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-11-21
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

This book provides a basic foundation that readers can use to draw practical and personal conclusions regarding the interface of counseling and spirituality. Readers will have a unique opportunity for both didactic and experiential investigation of spiritual and religious beliefs in relation to the counseling process. The authors provide important information on issues and concepts regarding spirituality, as well as examples of specific interventions related to the topics.The authors have made a conscious attempt to provide readers with information not addressed in other counseling and spirituality texts. The text is divided into three domains, the philosophical, the practical, and the personal. It is the authors' premise that a holistic model of counseling and spirituality that integrates the scholarly and philosophical with the practical and personal must be used. This book provides a rich introduction to the topics, drawing on various disciplines, and presents the information in a user-friendly manner.

Table of Contents

Preface	xiii
Introduction	1	(17)
Spirituality Versus Religion	2	(1)
Exoteric Versus Esoteric Expressions	2	(1)
Nontheistic Stances and Spirituality	3	(1)
Counseling and Spirituality: A Part of Each Other or Apart from Each Other?	4	(4)
Reasons to Integrate Counseling and Spirituality	8	(1)
The Psychological Fact of Interest	8	(1)
Questions from the Mind/Body Problem	9	(1)
Postmodern/Multicultural Considerations	10	(1)
Existential Considerations	11	(1)
The Experience of Evil	12	(1)
Transpersonal Considerations	12	(1)
The Commitment to Truth	13	(1)
Conclusion	14	(1)
Questions for Reflection	15	(1)
References	15	(3)
Archethemes That Unite Counseling and Spirituality: The Pilgrim's Journey	18	(23)
What Is an Archetheme?	18	(1)
Counseling Practice as a Spiritual Discipline	19	(1)
The Hero's Journey	19	(1)
Common Archethemes in the Stages of the Hero's Journey	20	(18)
Departure: What is the Hero Seeking?	20	(5)
Initiation: The Pilgrim and Polarities	25	(9)
Return: Treasures of the Pilgrimage	34	(4)
Conclusion	38	(1)
Questions for Reflection	38	(1)
References	39	(2)
Evil and Counseling	41	(21)
The Problem of Trying to Eradicate Evil	42	(1)
Our Position on Evil	43	(1)
Background: The Nature of Evil	44	(1)
Three Categories of Evil	44	(11)
Metaphysical Evil	45	(3)
Natural Evil	48	(2)
Moral Evil	50	(5)
Responses to Evil	55	(1)
Taking the First Step	55	(1)
Fostering and Using Support Networks	56	(1)
The Archethemes Revisited	56	(3)
Hope	56	(1)
Virtue	56	(1)
Sacred Ground	57	(1)
Polarities	57	(1)
Facing Oneself	58	(1)
Compassion and Love	58	(1)
Meaning and Transcendence	59	(1)
Conclusion	59	(1)
Questions for Reflection	59	(1)
References	60	(2)
The Story of Job and Human Suffering	62	(12)
Suffering and Prospering ``American Style''	62	(1)
Polarity and Suffering	63	(1)
The Book of Job: Background	64	(1)
The Story: An Early Case Study in Suffering	65	(2)
Some Analysis	67	(2)
Themes for Counselors	69	(3)
Affirming Suffering	69	(1)
Balancing Activity and Receptivity	69	(1)
Honoring Ambiguity	70	(1)
Hope for the Spiritually Abused	70	(1)
Job and Addiction	71	(1)
Job as a Patron Saint	71	(1)
Conclusion	72	(1)
Questions for Reflection	72	(1)
References	72	(2)
Guilt and Mental Health	74	(16)
Religion and Guilt	75	(3)
The Effect of Guilt on Mental Health	78	(2)
Guilt in the Judeo-Christian Tradition	80	(3)
Implications for Practitioners	83	(3)
Conclusion	86	(1)
Questions for Reflection	86	(1)
References	87	(3)
Discernment to Epiphany: Inclusion of Religion and Spirituality in the Assessment Process	90	(27)
Approach to Religious/Spiritual Issues in Assessment	90	(1)
The Assessment Process---Religion/Spirituality Included	91	(3)
Aspects of Assessment	91	(2)
Discovering the Client's Spirituality	93	(1)
Religious or Spiritual Problem: A New Diagnostic Category	94	(3)
Types of Religious Problems	97	(5)
Change in Denomination or Conversion to a New Faith	97	(1)
Intensification of Practices or Adherence to Beliefs	98	(1)
Loss of or Questioning of Faith	98	(1)
``Toxic Faith'' as a Religious Problem	98	(4)
Types of Spiritual Problems	102	(7)
Mystical Experiences	102	(1)
Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)	103	(1)
Spiritual Emergence or Emergency	103	(1)
Meditation-Related Issues	104	(1)
Terminal Illness	105	(1)
Dark Night of the Senses/Soul	105	(1)
Cults and Cult-Like Dynamics	106	(1)
Compliance with the Group	106	(1)
Dependence on the Leader	107	(1)
Devaluing Outsiders	108	(1)
Avoiding and Stifling Dissent	108	(1)
Recommendations for Referral	109	(2)
The Importance of ``Friendly Clergy''	109	(1)
Finding Friendly Clergy	110	(1)
Religious/Spiritual Aspects of the Counseling Process	111	(2)
Questions for Reflection	113	(1)
References	114	(3)
Interventions	117	(13)
Where to Begin?	117	(1)
Categories of Spiritual Interventions	118	(1)
Specific Interventions	119	(9)
Assessing	119	(1)
Blessing	120	(1)
Confessing	121	(1)
Disputing	121	(1)
Forgiving and Releasing	122	(1)
Giving	123	(1)
Guiding	123	(1)
Praying and Meditating	124	(1)
Referring	125	(1)
Relating	125	(1)
Ritualizing	126	(1)
Supporting	126	(1)
Teaching	127	(1)
Consider the Children	128	(1)
A Cautionary Note	128	(1)
Questions for Reflection	128	(1)
References	129	(1)
The Spirituality of the Twelve Steps	130	(21)
A Spiritual Treatment Program	131	(1)
Beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous	132	(1)
Importance of the Oxford Group	132	(3)
Founding of Alcoholics Anonymous as a Separate Organization	135	(1)
The Spiritual Program of the Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous	135	(4)
Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous	136	(2)
Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous	138	(1)
Women in the Early Growth of Alcoholics Anonymous	139	(2)
Problems for Women and Minorities in A.A. Recovery	141	(3)
Alternatives to Alcoholics Anonymous	142	(1)
Success of Alcoholics Anonymous for Many	143	(1)
Conclusions for Counselors	144	(2)
A Case Study	146	(2)
Questions for Reflection	148	(1)
References	149	(2)
Counselor Belief System Self-Assessment	151	(11)
The Format	152	(1)
Case Study: A Life in Process	153	(6)
Introductory Statement	153	(1)
Life Theme	154	(1)
Life Influences	155	(1)
Life Lessons	156	(3)
Personal Conclusions	159	(1)
In Sum	159	(1)
Questions for Reflection	160	(1)
References	160	(1)
Additional Reading	160	(2)
The Journey Continues: Some Final Thoughts	162	(5)
Unspoken and Verboten: The Limitations of Venues and of Words	162	(1)
From Whence We Come	163	(1)
What Now?	163	(1)
``Star Children''	164	(1)
Thanks	164	(1)
Questions for Reflection	165	(1)
Reference	165	(2)
Appendix A Mantras and Meditations for Counselors and Other Therapists	167	(7)
Appendix B The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous	174	(2)
Appendix C Client Assessment Form	176	(2)
Appendix D Spiritual Competencies of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Couseling	178	(3)
Appendix E Counselor Self-Assessment Exercise	181	(2)
Appendix F Related Web Sites	183	(2)
Appendix G The Spiritual Wellness Inventory	185	(10)
Index	195