Spirituality & Mental Health
Thoughtful reflections on religion, spirituality, clinical care, spiritual emergencies, cultural humility, and whole-person healing.What is the future of psychotherapy? This post shares a personal vision for a more spiritual and holistic approach to healing, advocating for the use of meditation to explore consciousness , the destigmatization of psychedelic-assisted therapy , and a new way of working with psychosis for growth, not just suppression.
As a therapist, I'm required to diagnose according to the DSM, but what if some "symptoms" are actually a spiritual emergency? This post is a personal reflection on the line between pathology and spiritual awakening, and the real-world challenges clinicians face in a system that doesn't always make room for the soul.
Growing up, I was taught to judge spiritual practices that were different from my own. This post is a personal reflection on deconstructing those beliefs by exploring what Indigenous cultures can teach us about the true meaning of "spirit" and the vital importance of giving back to the Earth in any healing practice.
Is it psychosis, or a spiritual awakening? The way a therapist answers this question can change a client's life. This post explores the importance of identifying Spiritual Emergencies and the vital role of family in "containing" the crisis.
Spirituality isn't just about what you believe; it's about what you do. This post explores the Jewish concept of "deed over creed" and the Mitzvah to heal. I discuss how action-based spirituality can be a powerful resource in mental health recovery.
If a person is too depressed to think logically, is suicide still a "sin"? This post explores the difficult intersection of Islam, Mental Health, and Suicide. I ask whether religious communities would be more forgiving if they understood the biology of depression, and how therapists can navigate the guilt of religious clients.
When does a "charismatic group" become a cult? This post discusses the red flags of spiritual abuse, isolation, financial pressure, and excessive devotion, and the challenge of helping a client who doesn't think they need saving.
I once had a teenage client who was losing their faith, and I didn't know how to help. This post explores my journey from avoiding religious conversations to embracing "Spiritual Emergencies." I discuss why we need to stop medicating spiritual crises and start helping clients integrate them.
Is your therapist spiritually safe?
If a clinician ignores your faith, they might be missing the most important part of your healing. This post explores the dangers of the "secular bias" in psychology and why spirituality must be treated with the same respect as race or gender.
Is your faith flexible? Inspired by the Dalai Lama, this post explores the power of changing your mind. I share how I moved past the "only way" mentality of my childhood to embrace the beauty of diverse spiritual paths.
Is your anxiety a chemical imbalance, or an energetic blockage? This post dives into the mechanics of Reiki in a clinical setting, explaining how practitioners use universal energy to balance chakras and release the deep-seated blocks that talk therapy alone might miss.
When the body is wounded, the spirit is too. This post explores the Indigenous concept of the "soul wound," challenging the Western focus on physical healing and calling for a deeper, more spiritual approach to recovering from trauma.
Is it schizophrenia, or is it something else? This post explores the striking parallels between modern mental health diagnoses and ancient descriptions of spirit possession. I reflect on a client of mine whose symptoms defy simple explanation and ask how our cultural lens shapes the way we treat mental illness.
Does the fear of Hell keep people alive?
This post explores the intersection of Animism, Christianity, and suicide prevention. I reflect on how a worldview of "oneness" can be a source of healing, but also a potential risk factor for high-risk clients who are looking for an escape.
Go beyond talk therapy to explore the world of Psychotherapeutic Reiki, a practice that combines traditional counseling with energy healing. This post breaks down how Reiki addresses the energetic root cause of mental health issues by balancing the body's chakras. Learn how this holistic approach works to release blockages, reduce symptoms, and create long-term wellness.
Is a cure for symptoms the same as true healing? This post argues that for many, the answer is no. Discover the powerful, evidence-based case for integrating spirituality and religion into modern psychotherapy. From improving emotion regulation to reducing depression, learn why addressing a client's core beliefs is the key to healing the whole person.
How do different cultures view death? This post explores three profound perspectives—from Christianity, the Yoruba tradition, and traditional China—and shares a personal journey of moving from one belief system to a more expansive, inclusive spiritual understanding.