Main description:

Learn how religion can help in treating those suffering from bipolar disorder

The Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Pastoral Counseling introduces a new treatment model based on Quaker ideas and practices that can be used in conjunction with medical and psychological practice for treating manic-depressive illness. This unique book examines the interplay between religion and psychoanalysis, using the latest research on the importance of silence, prayer, and meditation in psychotherapy, the role of community in healing, and the problem of God and suffering. The book includes clinical examples from the author's counseling practice, case studies of bipolar clients, and an extensive bibliography of materials on this crippling disorder that affects more than two million American adults.

With its multidisciplinary approach, pastoral counseling may be the most effective psychotherapy for use with medical and pharmacological treatments. Pastoral counselors can gain valuable insights from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, learning, and family systems theories for a more complete understanding of their clients. The Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Pastoral Counseling examines current understandings of the disorder, including the effects, advantages, and disadvantages of medications, genetic factors, and the search for a mood gene, and looks at current treatment approaches, including object relations, psychoeducational, and narrative psychology.

The Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Pastoral Counseling examines:

the writings of Quaker reformers, their methods of treatment, and the philosophies behind them

key theological ideas of Quakerism that are helpful to pastoral counselors

the ethical implications of pastoral counseling

self-emptying as a way toward health

the client's right to privacy and individuality

the nature of suffering

the public perception of mental illness

theological reflections of mental illness

and much more

The Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Pastoral Counseling also includes case studies of bipolar clients and an extensive bibliography of books, journal articles, and Internet resources. This unique book is an invaluable resource for pastoral counselors and psychotherapists in private practice, as well as chaplains and parish pastors.

Contents:

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1. Current Research into Bipolar Disorder

Defining Bipolar Disorder

Treatment by Physicians

Genetic Factors in Bipolar Disorder

Psychotherapy and Bipolar Disorder

Chapter 2. Current Pastoral Counseling Theory

Case Study

Beginnings

Pastoral Counseling with the Bipolar Client

Treatment Models

Conflict in Pastoral Counseling

The Religious Experience of Suffering

Conclusion

Chapter 3. Quaker Treatment of the Mentally Ill

A Model

The Founders

A Theology of Quakerism?

Silence

Connections and Modern Expressions

Conclusion

Chapter 4. Silence and Psychotherapy with Bipolar Disorder

A Personal Anecdote

Aspects of Silence in Religious Experience

Prayer and Silence

Self-Emptying As a Way Toward Health

Silence and Psychotherapy

Chapter 5. Community in Treatment

Case Study

Community in the Social Sciences

Public Perception of Mental Illness

Theology and Community

Applying Spirituality, Community, and Psychotherapy

Chapter 6. Theological Reflection on Bipolar Disorder

Suffering in Schillebeeckx's Theology

Solidarity and Freedom

Case Analysis

Chapter 7. Conclusions

References

Index