Page 38 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 7

Foundational Discussions in Christian Psychology

Anna Ostaszewska (Poland) Anna Ostaszews-
Comment on ka – psychothera-

“Relational Theology and pist for 30 years,
supervisor, Euro-
Relational Therapy” pean Certificate

of Psychotherapy.
One of the foun-

In the psychotherapeutic world we can observe ders of the Asso-
a great movement towards integration, invol- ciation of Christi-
ving the meaning of relationship and including an Psychologists
spirituality into therapeutic practice. In this in Poland (ACP).
context, Janet Warren’s idea of meeting relatio- 1995 -2009 President of ACP. 2008-2014 Pre-
nal theology and relational therapy seems to be sident of ACP Psychotherapy Section. 2002-
very useful and “on time”. I would like to pre- 2014 Director of ACP Psychotherapy Study
sent some examples of research on psychothe- and ACP Counselling Study. Teacher on the
rapy which show where it is leading. All they are ACP Psychotherapy Study. Since 2007 Secre-
very close to and supportive of Janet Warren’s tary of the Polish Council for Psychotherapy.
ideas. Vice-president of the European Movement
for Christian Anthropology, Psychology and
Integrative psychotherapy develops in many Psychotherapy.
countries in the world. Psychotherapy integra- At present she works as psychotherapist
tion has developed into a mature, empirically in the Integrative Psychotherapy Centre in
supported, and international movement. Mc- Warsaw.
Minn and Campbell, mentioned by Janet War-
ren, integrate psychology and theology. Ken
Evans, the president of the European Associa- thods of adapting treatment to the individual
tion for Integrative Psychotherapy, describes a patient. This adapting includes such patient’s
very relational model of integrative therapeutic characteristics like (among others) his/ her va-
approach (Evans, Gilbert, 2005). Linda Finlay lues, preferences and spirituality or religiosity.
presents relational-centered psychotherapy and Prochaska and Norcross (2013) explore each
relational-centered qualitative research. They system’s theory of personality, theory of psycho-
both underline the role of empathy, openness, pathology and the resulting therapeutic process
non-judgmental presence, inclusion, dialog and and therapy relationship. When writing about
cooperation. Linda Finlay writes on her websi- the future of psychotherapy, the authors point
de: “It is crucial to recognise that presence is not to the integration of religion and spirituality
a technique or tool to be used to manipulate the with therapeutic practice. When writing about
other. It is rather ‘a way of being with, without the integration of psychotherapy, Norcross and
doing to ‘which requires‘ authenticity, trans- Golfried (2005) show a blending of spirituality
parency and humility‘”. It is being involved in with psychotherapy.
an authentic way. From Christian point of view
we could say: love. But the love needs to be used Attachment theory explores the basic meaning
with practical tools like empathy, openness etc. of early relationships. It is the theory best pro-
Good relationships heal. Love heals. There is ved from psychoanalytic concepts and it is
much research on the role of therapeutic rela- already used by every psychotherapeutic ap-
tionships and the role of spirituality. The new proach, including cognitive-behaviour therapy.
edition of the book “Psychotherapy relation- Janet Warren refers also to arguments from
ships that work” (Norcross 2012) provides „two neurobiology. When we speak about neurobio-
books in one“- one on evidence-based relation- logy it is fitting to mention the famous resear-
ship elements and one on evidence-based me- cher Daniel J. Siegel. He is a pioneer in the field

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