DESCRIPTION
ASSOCIATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS
TREATMENT
CASE EXAMPLE
The DSM-IV definition of spiritual problems states that they are related to questioning of spiritual values. The clinical literature documents cases in which therapy is focused on the experience of loss of a sense of spiritual connection. Barra, Carlson and Maize [1] conducted a survey study and also reviewed the anthropological, historical, and contemporary perspectives on loss as a grief-engendering phenomenon. They found that loss of spiritual connectedness,
whether in relation to traditional religious affiliation or to a more personal search for spiritual identity, frequently resulted in individuals experiencing many of the feelings associated with more "normal" loss situations. Thus, feelings of anger and resentment, emptiness and despair, sadness and isolation, and even relief could be seen in individuals struggling with the loss of previously comforting religious [or spiritual tenets and community identification]. (p. 292)
Loss of faith is specifically mentioned in the DSM-IV definition of a religious problem, but as Barra et al. note, the same sequalae can result from the loss of spiritual connection:
- anger
- resentment
- emptiness
- despair
- sadness
- isolation
ASSOCIATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS
This specific type of spiritual problem was introduced by the Task Force on DSM-IV and was not part of the original
proposal that we submitted to them. Although it certainly is a type of spiritual problem that can intensify into a spiritual emergency, there is no literature on specific associated clinical problems.
TREATMENT
Some of the clinical literature in the field of
transpersonal psychology addresses the development or renewal of a sense of spiritual connection. Techniques such as meditation, guided imagery,
breathwork are used by transpersonal therapists and discussed in the:
Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology
by Bruce W. Scotton, MD and Allan B. Chinen, MD (Editors)
One technique that transpersonal therapists use more than cognitive-behavioral and psychoanalytic oriented therapists is bibliotherapy. The books used are ones that speak to spirituality, e.g., Course in Miracles, and Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life.
The creation of a new personal mythology as described in Lesson 7 is a psychotherapeutic priority in working with people who have experienced a loss of spiritual connection.
CASE EXAMPLE
Emma Bragdon describes her personal crisis which involved questioning of spiritual values.
Separating From a Spiritual Teacher can lead to a loss of spiritual connection as the individual questions and then severs the social support for that belief system and set of practices.
REFERENCES
1 Barra, D., Carlson, E., & Maize, M. (1993). The dark night of the spirit: Grief following a loss in religious identity. In K. Doka & J. Morgan (Eds.),
Death and spirituality. Amityville, NY: Baywood. 
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