Care of Mind/Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction

I am beginning my second reading of this book. Chapter one is about the History and integration of psychology and religion. Until Freud, churches blamed possession and/or sin on people's outrageous behavior, when many of these cases were actually psychiatric problems. People like me and millions others suffered needlessly because Protestant and Roman Catholic Church leaders were looking in the wrong place for causes of some people's problems. We have much to thank Freud and Carl Jung for their willingness to help people. Psychology is less than 125 years. The Church has been around for over 2000 years. In short, we need both."Although secular psychology addressed a great deal about how we come to be the way we are and how we might live more efficiently, it can offer nothing in terms of why we exist or how we should use our lives," writes Gerald May in this classic discussion of the nature of contemporary spiritual guidance and its relationship to counseling and psychiatry. For millions turning for answers to the world of the spirit, May shows how psychiatry and spiritual direction are alike, how they complement one another, and how they ultimately diverge." (Amazon.com review)I am a cradle Catholic and spent over a decade in Protestants churches and often sensed that Church wasn’t doing enough. It is my hope that all Christian Church leaders read this book. However, if, like me believe in Christ and feel that something else is missing, check out this book. My experience is that most Christian Churches only want to show the "light" side of living. Joel Osteen is one of the preachers that offer this style of religion. He and other preachers talk like their members don't get angry, don't suffer from depression or other mental health disorders.A major plus of this book is that author Gerald May, offers additional books to read concerning the care of our minds and care of our spirit.

I used this book in a training program for spiritual direction taught by the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality. The training focused heavily on spirituality. We read this book to deepen our understanding of psychological and psychiatric issues a spiritual director might face when offering direction. It was extremely helpful because in spiritual direction we do encounter people who come for spiritual direction who are facing psychological issues. Since most of us are not trained in psychology/psychiatry, this book helped to make us aware of issues when it would be best to consult with a professional in mental health. These issues might include depression, substance abuse, anger, and psychiatric disorders.Several of the people in the spiritual direction training program were mental health professionals and they also helped us to see the importance of consultation with someone trained in mental health for situations we might face.

One of my favorite reads during my study of Spiritual Direction. The author does a great job clarifying the fine lines between counseling and direction and also the many qualities/states of people to be aware of. This will be a foundational book for me in my practice.

A bit heady at first, but down to earth after the intro work. I have a better understanding now of what's expected.

May is gifted in articulating distinctions and discernments in a clear and understandable way. As a reader of much and varied spiritual literature, I find May to be extraordinary in his capacity to elucidate the mysterious with practical language and examples. May has keen insight into the human technical systems that have evolved over time to help us heal and grow. His artful descriptions clarify issues and questions that I have always recognized at a deep level, but could never articulate. You can't go wrong with this book.

Recommend to all spiritual directors. Its easy to read for anyone without much psychiatry background, and also brings great balance to the different psychological and spiritual currents out there.

The book was like brand new. However, the print was too small. I had purchased this book, I think back in July and lost it. The first copy was in slightly larger print.

good information. May does a good job of giving basic advice. Mary had a little lamb, little lamb little lamb. there required words entered

The late Dr Gerald May combines the insights of psychology with the wisdom of spiritual transformation to produce excellent guide-lines for therapists and spiritual directors and shows us ways that the human and Divine are meant to work together.