Page 21 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 11

Romuald Jaworski (Poland) Romuald

Comment to Jaworski,

“That which comes from dr. hab., psycho-
logist, psychothe-
the Lord who is the Spirit” rapist, supervisor,
catholic
priest,
professor at the
Janet Warren‘s text on the presence of the Holy Cardinal Stefan
Spirit in psychotherapy was first read with inte- Wyszynski Uni-
rest and then with growing recognition for the versity in Warsaw,
author‘s competence and courage. Apparently, for several years
the Holy Spirit accompanied her in the formu- president of the Association of Christian
lation of important and transparent theses. Psychologists (ACP) in Poland.
The approach to the problems of psychotherapy He is the author of several books and articles
and counseling, taking into account the spiritu- in the field of psychology of religion and pa-
al context, is becoming more and more popular. storal psychology.
A strictly materialistic paradigm ubiquitous in
20th century psychology that takes into account romualdjaworski@wp.pl
the exclusive somatic context of a mental life
with a total or significant omission of the spiri- Articles by Romuald:
tual sphere is losing its importance. Not only in http://emcapp.ignis.de/1/#/34
serious scientific research, but also in popular http://emcapp.ignis.de/1/#/46
psychological journals (eg „Psychology today“ http://emcapp.ignis.de/3/#/4
or „Characters“) we meet more and more often http://emcapp.ignis.de/2/#/116
with the issues of meaning and purpose of life,
world of values, spirituality, references to religi-
on and philosophy of life. Earlier, this question
was asked: Is omitting the spiritual sphere in psychotherapy. In addition to the relationship
psychological analyzes justified? Is this not - as a) psychotherapist - patient there are relation-
V. V. Frankl claimed - castration of this sphere ships: b) psychotherapist - Holy Spirit, c) pati-
of life, which is the most specific element of his ent - Holy Spirit, and d) psychotherapist - re-
existence? Today this question is more often as- lationship between the patient and Holy Spirit,
ked: How does one study and interpret the con- e) patient - the relationship between the psy-
nections between the psychological sphere and chotherapist and the Holy Spirit and finally f)
the spiritual sphere? Holy Spirit - relationship between the psycho-
therapist and the patient. This richness of rela-
E. J. Warren‘s article is a short but essential (in- tionship broadens and deepens the possibilities
tense) approach to this important issue. He also of building a meaningful life, overcoming dif-
responds to my experience as a theologian, psy- ficulties and multifaceted development. Con-
chologist and Christian psychotherapist. I am sideration of these relations fosters a dialogical
satisfied with the satisfaction of my beliefs and approach in communication and, because of its
experiences with the theses contained in this mystery, inclines to opening up to others as a
text, but I want to emphasize the importance of secret and not distancing itself from them when
some of the author‘s statements. they are treated as a problem or source of the
problem (see G. Marcel). The strategy of ac-
Perception of psychotherapy and counseling companying a man experiencing difficulties is
as a meeting in a triad: The paraclete, patient not so much to explain a problem, but he seeks
and psychotherapist (Adams 1973) opens up to participate in its mystery. It is in this context
new important aspects of the relationship for that I understand the role of a psychotherapist

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