Spirituality in psychology has evolved from a concept tied to organized religion to a deeply personal experience that transcends institutional boundaries. This article examines key differences between spirituality and religion, then describes counseling techniques that incorporate spiritual elements: concentration, prayer, forgiveness, and meditation. These methods help counselors address the spiritual dimensions of clients' lives. The article advocates for an integrative, individualized approach to spiritual care in psychological counseling.
A single case study of a 36-year-old man in France who reported ghostly encounters after playing the horror game Doki Doki Literature Club! tested the Haunted People Syndrome model, which describes such episodes as arising from people with heightened sensitivities, paranormal belief, and perceptual contagion. The participant showed slightly below-average haunt intensity, above-average recognition patterns for the syndrome, and scores indicating high transliminality, paranormal belief, and stress. His narrative aligned with the proposed process, and he experienced depersonalization, derealization, and dissociated identity, with aftereffects of situational enchantment. His understanding of the experiences evolved through active sense-making.
The rising use of psychedelic substances in modern psychology stems from a focus on symptom management rather than holistic healing. The true cause of mental distress is a widespread 'crisis of meaning' that has led religion to be replaced by psychology, blurring the line between the psychological and the spiritual. Modern societies have lost a sense of the sacred. Entheogens cannot substitute for a true 'science of the soul' that offers a more satisfying conception of reality and a fuller understanding of humanity. A properly integrated approach to healing must draw on the deeper wisdom of the world's spiritual traditions.