Spiritual Therapy A New Direction For Psychology?

Forget the talking cure… Psychologists are increasingly embracing the spiritual cure. The expanding field of transpersonal psychology suggests it may be the missing piece of the mental health puzzle.

- Robyn Maclarty

I can’t actually remember what happened. Even now when I read in my journal about that session, I wrote, “I don’t know what was happening, it’s like I was watching a movie.” Yet I felt shifts take place that no amount of talking could ever resolve.’

Roxanne, who is 33, experienced her first family constellation therapy session when a friend of hers, training to become a facilitator, suggested she try it. ‘At first I participated in a supporting role, but then I decided to constellate my relationship with my mother, a relationship I feel was estranged since the day I was born. I didn’t mention it to my mother, and I can’t recall how long after the constellation I could see or feel a change – I kind of just let life happen as it does. But small things changed. I felt my mom’s behaviour towards me was different; she was more affectionate; she spoke to me differently; we were able to talk to each other without shouting. I felt lighter inside; I didn’t have so much anger towards her anymore. What I do recall is, perhaps six months after the constellation session, I expressed my gratitude towards her and apologised for what I had put her through in life, something I never would have done before. It’s now one year and five months after that constellation and, while our relationship isn’t perfect, it’s so much better than it was.’

Roxanne has participated in many sessions, and credits the therapy with bringing her greater peace and confidence. ‘I feel I’m softer, kinder. Many people comment on how I have changed, and I do believe that this healing therapy has assisted me in a huge way.’