Robert Fludd, The Faculties
Although the psyche in psychology means "soul," it is not very frequently the case that spirituality enters into therapy or that therapist's are trained in the spiritual dimensions of being. Psychology as it was conceived in the 20th Century was meant to be a scientific discipline and even today the vast majority of psychologists are trained primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy. Jung was the major figure of the period to bring soul into psychology, and in the sixties and seventies the development of the humanistic and transpersonal schools marked a newfound synthesis of the spiritual and the psychological aspects of life. We seem to be in a period now where this integration will continue as more and more people become spiritually awake. Below are a variety of internet sites in this area that provide therapist referrals, information, training, conferences, public programs, and other resources. Most of them are based in California.
Institute for Spirituality and Psychology
http://www.instituteforspiritualityandpsychology.com/
A new organization whose mission is to ease suffering, promote peace, and support spiritual awakening by bringing together the wisdom traditions of spirituality and psychology. Audio of talks and discussions, therapist directory.
Spiritual Emergence Network
Started by Stanislov and Kristina Grof, this is one of the first groups ever to try to deal with spiritual conditions that might normally be pathologized, such as Kundalini Awakening, psychosis, near death, or alien abduction experiences. Provides therapist referral and support to people dealing with difficulties in psychospiritual growth. Also has a useful book list.
Spiritual Emergency Resource Center
http://www.spiritualcompetency.com/se/resources/senciis.html
Associated with SEN above, a graduate student of the California Institute of Integral Studies responds to each caller and helps them with referrals.
The Association for Transpersonal Psychology
A great resource with therapist listings, a newsletter, events, links, articles, and audio and visual resources.
Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
The site for a graduate school in transpersonal psychology but with audio/visual resources and a bookstore that might be of interest to the general public.
Insttitute of Imaginal Studies
The site for a graduate school in psychology that bases its curriculum on the idea that the language of the soul is images. Very interesting public programming, which comes from the knowledge domains that make up the curriculum: spiritual traditions, indigenous wisdom, mythology, creative arts, literary & poetic imagination, somatic practices, deep ecology, and social critique.
University of Santa Monica
http://www.universityofsantamonica.edu/
A graduate school in soul-centered psychology. Also has seminars and special events for the general public.
Contemplative Psychotherapy
http://www.contemplativepsychotherapy.net/
Worldwide directory of therapists who combine Buddhism and psychology in their practice.
The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy
http://www.meditationandpsychotherapy.org/
Trains mental health professionals in the integration of mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy. Also has an extensive bibliography on mindfulness as employed in the treatment of various diseases.
The Center for Mindfulness and Psychotherapy
http://www.mindfulnessandpsychotherapy.org/
Mindfulness education for mental health professionals but also offers programs in Buddhism and psychology for the general public. Also has samples of the writings of the organization's founders.
C. G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles
Therapist education and referrals, a working clinic, classes, and public programming.
The Institute of Noetic Sciences
Major research institute for the study of consciousness. Membership program (Shift in Action) that provides gifts, newsletters, magazine subscription, and access to a vast audio archive of interviews. One project, Living Deeply, is a study of transformative practice by three psychologists.
The Integral Institute
http://www.integralinstitute.org/
The living institute that works out the integral map of consciousness, which is largely psychospiritual, applying it to all areas of life. Conducts seminars and trainings in Integral Psychotherapy.
Sufi Psychology Association
Based in California, they have an annual conference, retreats, and a list of recommended reading.
Society for Christian Psychology
Devoted to the integration of Christianity and psychotherapy.
Yoga and Mental Health
http://www.yogapsychology.org/
A site designed to promote the conversation between yoga and psychology. Has a number of archived articles and lists upcoming educational events.
International Association of Yoga Therapists
Has the mission of establishing Yoga as a recognized and respected therapy, including for mental health issues. Therapist directory, list of educational programs, bibliographies, and articles.
Comments