MHM Magazine

20 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | Issu3 2 | 2022 MHM INTRODUCTION Spirituality is a vital variable in treating anxiety and depression, as documented in various clinical studies. Despite this, there is still a hesitancy for both patients and clinicians to integrate spirituality into the treatment regime. In this article, I will explore, from a Judeo-Christian perspective, philosophical considerations impacting how we think about spirituality and healing and then explore a constellation of case studies. I write from the perspective of a counselling psychologist also trained in post-graduate theology, Christian psychology and as a lay minister in the Methodist Church. DEFINING SPIRITUALITY When talking to our patients, many say they are spiritual but not religious. Many are moving away and rejecting institutional religion, while some still embrace the value of traditional religion. In this shift, spirituality does not require any organised attachments or obligations. Spirituality as a state of transcendent relationship with a higher power is relevant to most of our patients. Most patients would identify as religious or spiritual in a predominantly African clinical context. IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUALITY The Royal College of Psychiatry describes spirituality as ‘a sense of seeking the best relationship with ourselves, with others and with what may Dr Stanley Arumugam Christian Counselling & Community Psychologist Sandton, Gauteng stanley.arumugam@gmail.com INCLUDING SPIRITUALITY IN ANXIETY & DEPRESSION TREATMENT