Let's start with some dictionary terms. (You know I love my dictionary!)

Psychology: "The study of mental problems and behavior."

Religious: "Faithful, devote, belief in a superhuman power."

Spiritual: "Concerned with the soul, the sacred."

I've been wanting to write a column about psychology and religion for quite some time now, mostly because many people believe that psychology and religion are at the opposite ends of the spectrum from one another. Because the study of psychology is rooted in science, some folks feel that a psychologist would have no need for or belief in religion, and, worse, that a person who turns to psychology to help themselves is turning their backs on their spirituality.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Psychology goes hand-in-hand with spirituality; that is, having a concern with the soul. Notice, I did not say "religion," and by discussing spirituality I certainly don't mean to refer to any specific organized religion. This is because in some cases, leaders of certain organized religions have made rules about what is right or wrong behaviour, and what happens to "sinners" when they don't behave as the rules dictate. In my mind, if a troubled person considers himself or herself as spiritual, as a believer in a superhuman or higher power, then, I hope and believe, that they feel supported inwardly. They have a center to hold on to when things go badly. They also may have a pretty healthy idea of how they wish to behave, and what behaviour they wish to continue versus what they may wish to change. Those addicted to drugs or alcohol, for instance, often seek help from a counselor or psychologist, yet at the same time they depend on their inner spirituality to guide and support them.

Good psychology does not deny spiritual beliefs but does hope that people have some inner strength to draw upon as they uncover or discover things about themselves, and make healthy changes with the guidance of a counselor. Without some inner core belief, I feel that a person is hollow, and may be trying to fill that inner hollow with drugs, sex, anger or any number of things which may be dangerous to their lives, or painful for their loved ones. We need a center of strength when we seek to boost our self esteem, stop an addiction, make a life change or deal with grief and loss. A person with low self-esteem, for example, may be lacking that inner core. Prayer and meditation both assist in finding and strengthening the inner core, in what ever religious belief a person has.

The goal of spirituality is to find peace and inner strength; the goal of working with psychology is to find the reasons for unwanted behaviour and to stop it, replacing it with something healthier.

See the connection?

The common thread is that both spirituality and psychology wish to find our life's purpose.

So, if you are confused as to whether or not a psychological counselor would be of help to you if you are a spiritual or religious person, speak to your spiritual leader about how these two ways of dealing with a problem can work together to return you to your purpose.

And, when you talk with a health professional, be sure and tell them about your spiritual beliefs, so that you may work with them rather than against them. Use all your gifts to help yourself.

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