Prayer and Psychotherapy: Exploring the Intersections of Spirituality, Creativity and Ethics

Prayer and psychotherapy are two distinct yet complementary practices that can significantly enhance mental well-being. While psychotherapy employs evidence-based techniques to address emotional and psychological issues, prayer offers a spiritual dimension that many find comforting and grounding. 

Prayer can serve as a source of hope, providing individuals with a sense of connection to something greater than themselves, which can be particularly beneficial during times of distress. In psychotherapy, clients often explore their beliefs and values, which can lead to a deeper understanding of their lives and the challenges they face. Integrating prayer into this process allows for a holistic approach, emphasizing both the mental and spiritual aspects of healing. 

Numerous studies suggest that individuals who engage in prayer experience reduced anxiety and depression, demonstrating its potential as a supplementary tool in therapeutic settings. Ultimately, combining prayer with psychotherapy fosters a comprehensive healing experience, empowering individuals to navigate their emotions while nurturing their spiritual lives, leading to overall improved mental health.

In this training you will learn the ethical considerations regarding introducing and integrating prayer into psychotherapy. In addition, we will explore various types of prayer traditions, as well as how clients might create their own prayers. This will be an experiential training, so please have a notebook or journal on hand.