Overview

The main purpose of counselling is intended to help the person to become balanced and integrated with healing of any hurt and finding fulfilment in life. In this process, the spiritual experience of the person is considered as an important component. The aim of the author's present research is to explore the therapist's perceptions of the role of spirituality in counselling services. This book reports the findings of interviews with counsellors to ascertain the answers to questions such as how comfortable they feel discussing spirituality in therapy and what level of caution they should have in discussing spirituality with the client. Critical examination of the recent edition of APA manual DSM-IV-V code (62.89) is attempted due to its caution to the therapists in dealing with spirituality for proper diagnosis and effective therapy. The findings indicate therapists' need to include the spirituality of the client in a therapeutic setting for diagnosis and treatment. The findings also emphasise the need for an integrated approach taking into consideration the contextual factors within counselling and similar mental health professions. Implications for practice and theory are discussed. Further themes for research are also proposed.

Full Product Details

9781782226475

Table of Contents

Reviews

This excellent study fills the void between theory and practice in allowing spiritual questioning to be part of the therapeutic encounter. It offers strong support for those of us who already follow this path, but it also encourages other practitioners to trust in this healing process. Dr. Marie A Mills PhD, BSC (Hons). C.Psychol, AFBPsS, CSci, MBACP. Snr. accred. UKRC, BPS. Registered Psychologist Specialising in Psychotherapy - Senior Practitioner Status. The author emphasizes the role of spiritual experiences to diagnose and treat complex as well as challenging behavioural and mental health issues. This captivating research by the author, who has achieved lasting professional and spiritual success, is a significant milestone in the ever developing field of Psychological therapies. Dr. Caroline Von Mullai M.B.B.S, M.D, D.A Thirty years in general practice makes this thesis reveal how much I had missed on this subject. Full marks to the author for tackling this hot potato, scientifically and with zest. Dr. C D Rhodes MB.BS, MRCOG, DCH. The findings of this excellent study identify the need for a systematic and holistic approach, that includes a general and specific knowledge of the spiritual and religious experience, for those seeking counselling. The study is a valuable contribution to desired future developments. Dr. Rev. Harry Heijveld BTh, MSc, PhD. Within the educational context, there is some understandable anxiety amongst professionals about any linkage between counselling and discussion of spirituality, even though in many cases, the spiritual ethos of an institution is foregrounded publicly and the importance of spiritual integrity is often emphasised to students. Avoidance of discussion of spirituality within this counselling context is problematic, so this research is to be welcomed, as it allows some of the connections between spiritual, personal, and mental health development to begin to be explored, however cautiously. This study is a helpful foray into the whole world of connections between mental well-being and spiritual health. Dr. James Whitehead M.A., M.Phil., Ph.D., FRSA. The author has delved deep into a very complex and under researched subject. It is an area that is of huge importance but requires the utmost care in turning into mental health diagnoses. I hope those concerned will read it as a useful contribution to what is an extraordinarily difficult and delicate balance in the human mind. Martin Perry CBE The role of spirituality in counselling has largely been an unopened box for rational human scientists. Marianathan has dared to open the box and rummage inside. He discovers an enormous research and clinical area, which must be extended dramatically beyond his own specialism, beyond a single religion and into areas of spirituality outside religions. The development towards medical treatment targeted towards the individual is here given a parallel in the counselling field. Prof Peter Howard, Bournemouth University

Author Information

Darline Joseph Marianathan is a practising Counselling Psychologist presently doing a Doctorate (DCPsych) in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University, London. He holds master's degrees from British Universities: MSc Psychology of Education (BPS) from Bristol University and MSc Psychology from Exeter University. In India he was awarded an MSc in Psychology where he also gained three bachelor's degrees in economics, theology and philosophy. He has written over 50 short articles in local newspapers on a variety of contextual themes concerning national and global interests. His Stations of the Cross book, entitled 'Follow Me' and written in poetic style, was published in 2012. He has also written and published several books on neuropsychology and poetry in the Tamil language. He is a Roman Catholic priest in the order of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (msfs). He is presently serving in the Parish of Okehampton and Chagford in the Plymouth Diocese, Devon, England.

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