The Shadow Side of Spirituality: a Clinical Consideration of the Traumatizing Legacy of…

Catalog description

For many, religion and spirituality is complicated by the legacy of violence and neglect that has been committed in the name of religious/spiritual values. This workshop provides students with an opportunity to explore, from a clinical and personal perspective, the religious dimension of the psyche and its shadow as expressed through collective religious/spiritual abuse, addiction, and trauma. We will discuss religious organizational problems of racism, homophobia, sexism, and other forms of social control, as well attempting to appreciate the origin and psychological function of these devices. Students will examine the post-traumatic effects of religious violence, often clinically manifesting in depression, substance abuse, relational difficulties, personality disorders, self-harm, and sociopathy. Students will also explore the potentially numbing effect of spiritual bypassing which may contribute to turning a blind eye on issues of social justice as well a failing to embrace one’s personal shadow. Participants will explore the issue of spiritual/religious longing, which is sometimes juxtaposed, to feelings of marginalization by the broader religious community. Students will have the opportunity to reflect on methods of validating spiritual longing as well as religious trauma with an eye toward cultivating authentic spirituality, personal and community empowerment.