Casebook Spirituality in Psychotherapy and Psychiatry

For some years now, patients' religious or spiritual beliefs and behaviors have met with growing interest in psychotherapeutic treatments. Beliefs can be harmful and part of a psychological disorder. However, certain forms of spirituality can also protect and support healing processes. In the 20 therapeutic case vignettes presented, a wide range of faith forms in a variety of life situations emerge. The patient stories tell of the pathogenic or healing influences of faith in the course of life. Each brief case history is commented on by a professional colleague. The introductory chapter presents the current state of knowledge on the significance of religiosity and spirituality in psychotherapy, and the concluding chapter draws conclusions for psychotherapeutic practice.