Description
Topics: Religion and Spirituality, Trauma.
The Soul in Anguish: A Depth Psychological Approach to Suffering
Dr. Lionel Corbett guides us in an examination of the problem of suffering, the effects of suffering on the personality, and a variety of approaches to suffering found in depth psychology, looking at ways to find meaning in suffering, occasions when suffering can be seen as an initiatory process into a new level of consciousness, and the process of radical acceptance of suffering in situations in which it cannot be changed. He also explores some of the traditional spiritual approaches to suffering and contrast these with a psychological approach.
States of mind such as envy, hatred, grief, and loneliness cause enormous suffering. Many such forms of mental pain are difficult to put into words. Corbett identifies some of the sources of these painful emotions, and suggests ways in which they may be approached from a depth psychological point of view. He considers the problems of cruelty to others, torture, and the psychology of the torturer, as well as the suffering produced by self-inflicted pain in masochism, religious asceticism, and sacrifice. Corbett ends with a discussion of the vital role of the witness when helping others who suffer. It was recorded on December 8, 2017.
Learning Objectives
You will be able to:
1) Contrast traditional religious approaches to suffering with a depth psychological approach;
2) Recognize the psychological basis of painful states of mind such as hatred and envy;
3) Describe the psychology of cruelty and the psychology of those who torture.