Abstract
This essay argues that spiritual approaches in personality and psychotherapy are currently not coherent and that a rational strategy is not being pursued to develop an authentic spiritual orientation that can take its place alongside the other major orientations to personality and psychotherapy. It is suggested that a systematic spiritual approach needs to be developed that contributes uniquely to (a) a conception of human nature, (b) a moral frame of reference, and (c) specific techniques of change. In addition, a spiritual approach, if it is to be a viable option in the mental health field needs to be (d) empirical, (e) eclectic, and (f) ecumenical. Finally, specialized aspects of a spiritual strategy can be (g) denominationally specific and thus contribute to homogeneous subgroups within the religious diversity and plurality that exists among the public mental health clientele.
Recommended Citation
Bergin, Allen E. and Payne, I. Reed
(1992)
"Proposed Agenda for a Spiritual Strategy in Personality and Psychotherapy,"
Issues in Religion and Psychotherapy: Vol. 18:
No.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/irp/vol18/iss1/3