Modern Psychotherapies embracing ancient Spiritual traditions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is regarded as a third-wave cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). When I first encountered this model, it resonated deeply with my spiritual beliefs. I discovered a framework that honoured both psychology and spirituality, allowing me to see how they could coexist harmoniously.

In ACT, the focus is on nurturing inner awareness and cultivating a sense of 'vigilance' or 'watchfulness' over our thoughts. This practice encourages us to accept uncomfortable feelings instead of suppressing or projecting them onto others. By embracing acceptance and the concept of 'letting go', we can learn to master our emotions rather than allowing them to control us. This skill leads to what ACT refers to as greater 'psychological flexibility'.

I believe this has been the essence of prayerful, contemplative practices embraced by monks and sages long before modern psychology emerged. It dates back to figures like St. Anthony of Egypt and the early desert fathers within the Christian tradition. The goal is to act according to the spirit rather than being ensnared by patterns of thinking and feeling that hinder our pursuit of a rich, fulfilling life—what Jesus referred to as 'abundant life'.

Stephen Hayes, the founder of ACT, explored various spiritual traditions to understand how we can manage difficult thoughts and feelings, reducing their power over us. He concluded that the essential skills to develop are what ACT calls 'Mindfulness skills' and 'Values clarification'. Mindfulness is a universal concept that transcends specific faiths or spiritual traditions; it has gained acceptance in secular contexts.

By cultivating mindful awareness of our inner thoughts, sensations, and feelings, we can learn to 'observe' them rather than becoming entangled in them. We develop a 'witnessing' or 'observing' self that can step back from thoughts and compassionately hold painful feelings. Instead of reacting impulsively, we can use our values to guide our actions. Living a life rooted in values rather than reacting to difficult thoughts and feelings leads to a richer, more meaningful existence.

ACT is an evidence-based practice that has proven effective in treating stress, anxiety, and depression. Here is a great video explaining it by Dr. Russ Harris.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-MsgNri_tA

Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients

In the book Faith-Based ACT for Christian Clients by Joshua J. Knabb, four Greek words are explored that helped me integrate the ACT model from a Christian perspective.

1. Hesychia: This word signifies cultivating inner stillness to become aware of God's presence, paralleling ACT's emphasis on contacting the present moment.

2. Nepsis: This concept refers to 'watchfulness' or 'vigilance' over our thoughts, enabling us to defuse from them.

3. Nous: This term encourages viewing things from the 'eye of the soul', akin to the 'Observing Self' in ACT.

4. Hupomone: This means to endure with hope, aligning with the acceptance of feelings in ACT. Life can be challenging, and we do experience pain. Yet, we can endure these difficulties with the hope that Christ instills within us, anchoring our souls amid life's storms.

   
   

Cultivating these four attributes—Hesychia, Nepsis, Nous, and Hupomone—can be achieved through silence, stillness, meditation, and contemplation on the Gospels. These spiritual practices become habitual, nurturing the character of 'Mary' within us, the one who sat at Jesus' feet. In contrast, 'Martha', the one who served, embodies acting on values and taking committed action. Both 'Martha' and 'Mary' are essential and can be developed within us.

ACT focuses on values that are self-determined and subjectively chosen—the things that matter most to me. However, this perspective may require some revision for Christians, who often draw on values modelled by Jesus as a compass in life. We might also consider living virtuously, referencing Aristotle's four cardinal virtues: justice, courage, fortitude, and temperance, alongside the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) by Richard Schwartz

IFS is an empowering psychotherapy that embraces ancient spiritual traditions. It is particularly suited for those seeking a greater sense of wholeness and unity within themselves.

IFS teaches us that we all possess an 'internal family' of individuals known as 'parts'. These parts are essentially subpersonalities; they do not represent the real 'authentic' you. By accessing the SELF, we can build relationships with these parts.

The Self in IFS is the seat of our consciousness, the pure essence within each of us—the spiritual self. The 'Self' cannot be harmed or destroyed. Regardless of the psycho-social damage or trauma we may carry, there exists a deeper part of us that remains untouched. Accessing the Self is crucial for healing. When individual parts engage with the Self and their positive intentions are understood, they can gradually release their protective functions, allowing the Self to lead.

In IFS, we encounter different types of parts. Some are protective 'managers' that strive to keep us stable and prevent us from experiencing painful emotions. These might manifest as behaviours like perfectionism, people-pleasing, or conflict avoidance. Others, known as 'firefighters', aim to extinguish emotional pain and shield us from vulnerable parts, often leading to drastic behaviours like addiction or self-harm. 'Exiles' are the parts that carry the wounds of our childhood, holding feelings of fear, shame, anger, sadness, and abandonment. They were banished to protect the 'child' within us, while 'managers' were created to enable survival.

We may mistakenly identify with a part, believing it defines us. However, the real you resides in the Self. The Self embodies eight C qualities: Caring, Compassionate, Confident, Calm, Curious, Courageous, Clarity, and Creativity. It also possesses five P qualities: Patience, Perspective, Presence, Persistence, and Playfulness. When we live from the Self rather than a part, we can express the person we aspire to be deep within our hearts.

To achieve this, we must grow in awareness of our parts, understanding their thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and beliefs. This journey allows us to find freedom from the burdens they carry. Ultimately, when the parts are seen, soothed, and made safe by the Self, they can take a back seat, allowing the Self to take the wheel and guide our lives.

IFS and Christian Clients

There are clear parallels between IFS and a Christ-centred spirituality. Christians believe they are in union with Christ. As new creations in Him, the old self has passed away, and the new has come. Thus, the real self is centred in Christ. It’s easy to see how the IFS concept of SELF can be viewed through the lens of Christ within us, embodying the authentic life we aspire to live, complete with all the 8 C and 5 P qualities—and so much more.

At Humanwise, both of these therapies are available, regardless of faith tradition, spirituality, or secular viewpoint. Personally, I have found them immensely beneficial.

In this journey of self-discovery and healing, I invite you to explore these therapeutic approaches. They may offer you the tools to navigate your inner landscape, fostering profound personal growth and inner peace.