Session 6 Spiritual Formation Part II

Theological Foundations, Spiritual Formation and Psychotherapy : 

Theological Foundations, Spiritual Formation and Psychotherapy Spiritual Formation Part II Session 6

What is ‘Spiritual’? : 

What is ‘Spiritual’?

Spiritual Formation : 

Spiritual Formation What is FORMATION? The result of experiences, choices Who/What we have become at the depths of our being “Spiritual formation, without regard to any specific religious context or tradition, is the process by which the human spirit or will is given a definite ‘form’ or character” (p. 19)

The Model: Six Dimensions : 

The Model: Six Dimensions

Spiritual Formation : 

Spiritual Formation “Each constituent of the human being …is but one element in an interlocking whole” (Willard, p. 141)

The Model: Six Dimensions : 

The Model: Six Dimensions

Slide 7: 

Psychotherapy Transformation PROCESS

Transformation of the Mind : 

Transformation of the Mind Dimension of being Locus of thoughts and feelings Renovation occurs first here

Transformation of the Mind : 

Transformation of the Mind Knowledge Representation Knowledge Levels

Transformation of the Mind : 

Transformation of the Mind

The Method: Spiritual Disciplines : 

The Method: Spiritual Disciplines Inward Disciplines Meditation Prayer Fasting Study Verbal Non-verbal Outward Disciplines Simplicity Solitude Submission Service

Conceptual Blending : 

Conceptual Blending

Transformation of the Mind : 

Transformation of the Mind Patterns of interpretation A “symbolic reality” that is superimposed upon material reality Heuristics: ways of organizing thoughts and perceptions Ideas are usually beyond definition, yet we are continually trying to define them People usually do not identify governing ideas, they are just reality to them

Transforming Governing Ideas : 

Transforming Governing Ideas I am damaged, I am worthless, The world is not a safe place, I must be perfect, People can’t be trusted, I must be in a relationship to feel I am alive

Transforming Governing Ideas : 

Transforming Governing Ideas I am damaged, I am worthless, The world is not a safe place I must be perfect, People can’t be trusted, I must be in a relationship to feel I am alive I am whole I am valuable The world is a safe place People can be trusted I am imperfect, yet accepted by God I need relationships with others and am sad when I feel lonely IDEAL SELF

Transformative Images (Phil. 4:8) : 

Transformative Images (Phil. 4:8) Images are always concrete or specific Images mediate the power of ideas into the real situation of ordinary life Images concretize ideas In Christian formation, the Image of the vacant cross

Transformative Feelings : 

Transformative Feelings Feelings as Reactions Feelings as Mood States Feelings as a way of life Feelings as the basis of decisions

Transforming Feelings : 

Transforming Feelings Focus on underlying conditions Gain some perspective regarding feeling and action Learn to self observe Learn to identify and name feelings Develop constructive responses Vision, intention, means become the process

Transformation of Will : 

Transformation of Will

Duplicity and Fragmentation : 

Duplicity and Fragmentation

Duplicity Trap : 

Duplicity Trap

Process: Transforming the Will : 

Process: Transforming the Will Surrender Abandonment Contentment Participation in accomplishing God’s will in the world The will becomes the CEO or center of agency of the person RATHER than feelings

The Method: Spiritual Disciplines : 

The Method: Spiritual Disciplines Inward Disciplines Outward Disciplines Corporate Disciplines Confession Worship Guidance Celebration