Johan Ferreira, Ph.D.
During twenty years of therapeutic work, I have become increasingly aware of the desperate need of most clients to acquire a positive, functional and integrated psychological and spiritual map for their lives. It was during this personal process of searching for the more positive elements and emotions in psychology that I became interested in the topic of wisdom as an executive function in personality style and the relevance thereof for the spiritual components in the lives of clients.
The following statement by Carl Jung directed my psychological focus towards the Bible:
“We must read the Bible or we shall not understand psychology. Our psychology, whole lives, our language and imagery are built upon the Bible.”
The importance of the interface between psychology and religion is stated by Wulff, more than 20 years ago, and in my opinion, as relevant today:
“No other human preoccupation challenges psychologists as profoundly as religion. Whether or not they profess to be religious themselves – and many do not – psychologists must take religion into account if they are to understand and help their fellow human beings.”
As the need for a greater understanding of the religious and spiritual needs of clients becomes clear, psychologists and counselors in practice will have to develop a greater respect, and use more effectively, the spiritual resources of the client. Spirituality has been defined within religious and ecclesiastical contexts or with regard to issues pertaining to the soul. Practical wisdom implies the correct use of reason in day-to-day choices from the therapist.
Biblical Wisdom and the Therapist
Within counseling, a central theme to practical wisdom is ethical judgment. Wisdom can ensure that ideas are ethical and to the universal good of mankind rather than being merely beneficial for the individual. The virtue of wisdom and knowledge needs certain cognitive strengths to function well.
Creativity in thinking of new and creative ways to do things
Curiosity and interest in the world in exploring and discovering the world
Judgment and critical thinking in evaluating issues and examining them thoroughly, grasping paradoxes and reconciling contradictions
Love of learning in mastering new skills.
Ability to provide wise counsel to others
There is the notion that the principles of positive psychology have the potential to lead to transformation of the world. Positive psychologists, such as Martin Seligman, are of the opinion that positive psychology as an approach to psychopathology could possibly reduce the incidence of major depression by 50%. Positive emotions increase people’s perception that life is significant. Wisdom holds great potential as psychologists focus their attention on positivity and distinction in human behavior. A person has to find meaning in his life, which will in turn lead to the decrease of psychological tension. Positive psychology per se will not transform anything, but Christ can surely use positive psychology as He transforms the world.
Toward a Christian Positive Psychology
Traditionally, the discipline of psychology, with its emphasis on observable and measurable behavior, has often been regarded as an opposite of religion, with its emphasis on faith. However, could it not be that the answers to life’s questions provided by both disciplines are quite similar? I choose to see that the movement of positive psychology has served to highlight the similarity. The separation and distancing that has existed between mental health professionals and religion has come to an end for those who choose to work with both modalities.
When reading and evaluating research in positive psychology of religion and spirituality, it is clear to me that there are so many areas to explore, especially the compatibility of the disciplines and their relevance and functionality in a therapeutic context. So many psychologists and counselors contend that therapists should come to an understanding of the psychological bases of religious belief, experience and behavior, so that this knowledge can be applied for the good of people.
The role of religion and spirituality has often been ignored by psychologists as a domain of study. The examination by positive psychology of positive states and temperament highlights the parallel in focus of religion and positive psychology. It has been stated that future directions in research should be aimed at training psychologists in an effective and accountable manner so that they can use biblical and theological material in an informed way. To effectively integrate a biblical theology foundation for psychology the following goals for Christians working within the field of psychology should be specified:
Christians should work towards an accredited body of knowledge within the broader field of psychology consistent with high standards of psychological research and knowledge
Christians should work toward a uniquely Christian understanding of the general field of psychology and counseling that would lead to a therapeutic approach that is increasingly consistent with scripture and Christian belief
Avoiding Possible Misuse of Spirituality in Practice
Christian therapists should also be voicing their concerns regarding possible misuse of spirituality in practice. They should point out the dangers of coercion of patients by practitioners because of the powerful position that they may have in a client’s life, the possibility of invasion of privacy of the client’s spiritual needs and the threat of religious discrimination due to the imposing views from the professional.
Talk Back: How have you incorporated spirituality and faith to meet your client’s needs?
Johan Ferreira, Ph.D., heads up the team of Psychologists at Wholeness@Mosaiek, a multi-professional team at a church based Wholeness Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. As a registered psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa Dr Ferreira is involved in individual and relationship therapy, the internships of psychologists and counselors and he lectures and writes on various clinical and counseling topics. His main area of research is within the field of positive psychology and spirituality, with a focus on practical wisdom. He is a member of HPCSA, PSYSSA, AACC and IPPA. His email address is johanf@mosaiek.com.