Abstract
In recent decades meditation has been studied in the psychotherapy literature and incorporated into psychotherapy treatments (see Walsh & Shapiro, 2006, for review). As therapists who find meditation compatible with our Christian-based treatment approach, we have struggled to describe the integration of meditation and psychotherapy. In this article we first describe what meditation is, then consider its mechanisms of change, use in therapy or as a complement to therapy, and utility for therapists. The authors believe, consistent with Richards and Bergin’s (1997) view, that meditation is a spiritual intervention that can be used in theistically framed therapy. Ongoing research continues to explore the role of meditation in bringing emotional healing (Hamilton, Kitzman, & Guyotte, 2006) and in encouraging openness to spiritual truths, values, and connection with God (Wachholtz & Pargament, 2005).
*This article includes minor corrections from the print edition.
Recommended Citation
Hansen, Kristin L.; Nielsen, Dianne; and Harris, Mitchell
(2008)
"Meditation, Christian Values and Psychotherapy,"
Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy: Vol. 32:
No.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/irp/vol32/iss1/5
Included in
Counseling Commons, Psychology Commons, Religion Commons, Social Work Commons