Holistic counselling is respectful of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual qualities of the client. Some schools of psychology have tended to either ignore or deny the spiritual dimension of the human being. Professor Sheila Greene of Trinity College, Dublin observes: “mainstream psychology has been stuck in a positivist time-wrap.” Many counsellees have expressed their concern about an apparent neglect of the spiritual dimension in the counselling and psychotherapeutic processes.
Spirituality, Counselling and Psychotherapy
Br. Michael Heffernan cfc., M.A., M.Sc., I.A.H.I.P
Dates: 2 October (Part I) and 9 October (Part II) 2014 from 7.30 – 9.00 pm
Margaret Alyward Centre for Faith and Dialogue, Glasnevin
Cost €10
These workshops (two sessions) will address the foundational aspects of spirituality, especially Christian teaching and tradition, and will engage workshop participants in identifying the critical influence of these theories in the development of psychology. Issues such as the meaning of life, how free or determined are we by life’s circumstances, and whether or not some people are irredeemably flawed are common challenges for counselling and spirituality.
The workshops will be of interest not only to counsellors, psychotherapists and spiritual directors but also to those who are interested in the relationship between psychology and spirituality.
Michael Heffernan cfc trained as a psychotherapist. He lectures on the Theories and Practice of Counselling in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He holds a Master Degree in Mathematical Physics from UCG. He has studied at the Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley, and Regis University, Denver. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Christian Adult Education and is currently engaged in research with a view to publication of the interrelatedness of spirituality and psychology and that between faith and science.
Margaret Alyward Centre for Faith and Dialogue is situated in Holy Faith Convent and School Grounds in Glasnevin, near the Bon Secour Hospital and opposite Irish Meteorological Service, Glasnevin. There is adequate parking at the Centre.
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