Dr Thema Bryant, APA President (2022-2023), on the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

Initiatives in Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

Overview of Initiatives by Dr. Bryant

• Dr. Bryant expresses gratitude for being part of the Society for the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, highlighting support from division members and past leaders like Dr. Ed Shefranski.

• Emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma, grief, and oppression in light of current societal challenges, particularly those exacerbated by the pandemic.

• Outlines four outward-facing initiatives aimed at disseminating knowledge beyond academia, including a summit focused on culturally informed approaches to trauma and grief.

Community Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination

• Discusses the need for academics to share research findings with the public rather than keeping them confined to journals.

• Plans for a documentary titled "Representation Matters," which will feature psychologists from historically excluded identities discussing their leadership journeys within APA.

Integration of Spirituality in Psychology

• Notes that she is only the second president in APA history to also be a minister, emphasizing the significance of integrating spirituality into psychological practice.

• Advocates for recognizing spirituality as central to understanding individuals' experiences rather than treating it as an ancillary aspect.

The Role of Spirituality in Mental Health

Understanding Spirituality's Impact

• Highlights that mental health professionals often overlook spirituality despite its importance in clients' lives; this can lead to incomplete case conceptualizations.

• Stresses that spirituality is not merely a belief system but a core aspect influencing how individuals navigate their existence.

The Need for Holistic Approaches

• Argues that psychology must incorporate spiritual dimensions to provide truly holistic care, acknowledging diverse definitions and expressions of spirituality among clients.

• Asserts that healing should focus on more than just trauma; it should recognize individuals as inherently spiritual beings with unique ways of accessing meaning and sacredness.

Future Directions in Psychological Practice

Expanding Perspectives within APA

• Encourages further exploration into spiritually oriented psychotherapy as essential for comprehensive mental health treatment.

• Calls attention to ongoing shifts within psychology towards greater inclusivity regarding body awareness, culture, and spirituality.

Understanding Spiritual Inclusivity in Psychology

The Need for Spiritual Inclusivity

• The discussion highlights the current state of spiritual inclusivity and diversity within psychology, indicating that the field is just beginning to address these aspects.

• A significant barrier to addressing spiritual matters in psychology is a lack of training; professionals often feel unprepared to discuss spirituality due to minimal exposure during their education.

• There is a misconception that discussing spirituality equates to promoting a specific religion, which can create discomfort among practitioners.

Historical Context and Challenges

• Concerns arise from historical experiences where individuals have been coerced into religious beliefs, leading to wariness about integrating spirituality into psychological practice.

• The conversation introduces the concept of "post-traumatic spiritual growth," suggesting an opportunity for healing and new perspectives on life.

Future Directions in Psychology

• Emphasis is placed on indigenizing psychology by incorporating indigenous healing practices alongside traditional methods, recognizing the importance of holistic approaches.

• It’s crucial not only to focus on symptom cessation but also on fostering joy, purpose, and identity across all stages of life, including childhood.

Community Collaboration

• There’s a call for widespread societal support as many individuals struggle with mental health issues; collaboration with community partners, including faith-based organizations, is essential.

• Engaging with faith communities can enhance mental health support systems by leveraging existing relationships within those communities.

Addressing Health Disparities

• The speaker mentions involvement in initiatives aimed at addressing maternal health disparities through collaborations between psychologists and faith leaders.

• Highlighting partnerships between mental health providers and faith communities can lead to more comprehensive care without forcing individuals to choose between their faith and mental health needs.

Collective Action Against Mental Health Crises

• Reference is made to Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's call for a whole-community response to combat diseases of despair affecting young adults and teens.

• Collaboration across various sectors—including social media campaigns—aimed at raising awareness about mental health challenges reflects an integrated approach necessary for effective intervention.

This structured summary encapsulates key discussions around spiritual inclusivity in psychology while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Discussion on Integrative Psychology and Spirituality

The Importance of Inclusivity in Psychology

• Dr. Brian emphasizes the significance of addressing marginalized groups, particularly LGBTQ psychologists, and integrating spirituality within psychology to create a sacred space for all.

• The conversation highlights a shift from divisive distinctions in psychology towards a more unified approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of various identities and experiences.

Collective Empowerment in the Field

• Dr. Brian discusses the collective strength of over 130,000 members within the APA (American Psychological Association), stressing the importance of collaboration across different levels of experience.

• The goal is to bridge divides not only in society but also within professional organizations to ensure everyone’s voice is heard at this large table.

Guidance for Graduate Students

• Dr. Brian advises graduate students to embrace their full selves rather than conforming to a "blank slate" professional persona, which can erase personal experiences and wisdom.

• She shares an example where understanding fasting became crucial for a student’s therapy practice, illustrating how personal knowledge enriches professional capabilities.

Addressing Spirituality with Colleagues

• In response to questions about introducing spirituality into discussions with colleagues who may be skeptical, Dr. Brian suggests focusing on meaning-making and community as foundational concepts.

• She explains that recognizing what individuals hold sacred can foster deeper connections and reduce judgmental attitudes among professionals.

The Harm of Dismissing Spiritual Experiences

• Dr. Brian recounts an instance where a mental health provider dismissed a client’s aspirations to become a minister, highlighting how such dismissals can harm clients by invalidating their experiences.

• She stresses that erasing spiritual dimensions from therapy can lead to significant relational costs between therapists and clients.

Final Thoughts on Rest and Restoration

• As the discussion concludes, there is an emphasis on self-care for psychologists during busy seasons, advocating for rest and restoration as essential components of effective practice.