Spiritual guidance and psychology: opposed or integrated?

Abstract

The relationship between spiritual guidance and psychology is a topic often discussed today. The question of the possibility of uniting these disciplines is often posed. The author maintains the thesis that integration is possible. He expounds the stance taken by the Magisterium on this issue and the Magisterium's inclination toward the integration thesis. As he points out the basic dangers involved in this relationship, he also describes the fundamental criteria for a viable relationship between them and evidence of some already existing integrations. Through his critical evaluation of these integrations he attempts to demonstrate to us the manner in which Jesus offered guidance to the Samaritan woman in the course of their dialogue (John 4, 1-32). The guidance that Jesus offered, which includes both the therapeutic and spiritual mode of guidance, might be labeled «personalised guidance». It is precisely through this personal relationship with Him and through involvement in His school of guidance that a counseller can help a person in an integral way and thus to discover the best possible type of integration.