Dissociation : Vol. 2, No. 4, p. 231-238 : Understanding and Responding to Religious Material in the Therapy of Multiple Personality Disorder
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Date
1989-12
Authors
Bowman, Elizabeth S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ridgeview Institute and the International Society for the Study of Multiple Personality and Dissociation
Abstract
A review of the literature on religion and (MPD) shows numerous associations between (MPD) and a fundamentalist religious upbringing and demonstrates that primary and secondary personalities differ greatly in God images and religious practices. The suffering and abuse experiences of MPD patients raise religious and existential questions in psychotherapy. Religious questions fall into three areas: God and the existence of evil, anger at God or institutional religion, and spiritual growth questions that accompany psychological growth. The dynamic significance of religious ideation and of five components of God images are explained. Suggestions are offered for eliciting and interpreting religious background and ideation. Pitfalls originating in positive and negative countertransference are identified and a neutral approach to religion is suggested. Examples are given for dealing with religious material that functions as resistance and suggestions are offered for collaborating with clergy in the treatment of religious MPD patients.
Description
p. 231-238