1. The Pastor as Partner in Therapy
Miriam D. Ukeritis, CSJ, PhD
July 7, 2007

2. 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

3. 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

4. Role of Religion in Life
Positive coping factor
Potential for additional support
Roots of guilt
Roots of depression
Faith tradition provides larger context

5. Life Influences on Spirituality
Developmental stages of patient
Chronologically
Psychologically
Faith-wise
Authenticity
Memory or attribution/experience-based

6. 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”

7. The Pastor/Spiritual Guide
Is s/he presently in patient’s life?
If yes,
Quality of relationship?
Supportive of growth?
Supportive of therapy process?

8. 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

9. 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”?