Showing papers by "Allen E. Bergin published in 1992"
01 Jan 1992
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that a rational strategy is not being pursued to develop an authentic spiritual orientation that can take its place alongside the other major orientations to personality and psychotherapy, and suggest that a systematic spiritual approach needs to be developed that contributes uniquely to a conception of human nature, a moral frame of reference, and specific techniques of change.
Abstract: This essay argues that spiritual approaches in personality and psychotherapy are currently not coherent and that a rational strategy is not being pursued to develop an authentic spiritual orientation that can take its place alongside the other major orientations to personality and psychotherapy. It is suggested that a systematic spiritual approach needs to be developed that contributes uniquely to (a) a conception of human nature, (b) a moral frame of reference, and (c) specific techniques of change. In addition, a spiritual approach, if it is to be a viable option in the mental health field needs to be (d) empirical, (e) eclectic, and (f) ecumenical. Finally, specialized aspects of a spiritual strategy can be (g) denominationally specific and thus contribute to homogeneous subgroups within the religious diversity and plurality that exists among the public mental health clientele.
35 citations
34 citations