Spirituality and psychotherapy

Eng-Kong Tan

doi:10.9791/ajpanz.2001.02

Eng-Kong Tan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.9791/ajpanz.2001.02

Abstract

This paper enters into the field of spirituality and psychotherapy by first referring to the differences between Eastern and Western psychologies and then comparing the spiritual traditions to psychotherapy. Transference and transcendence are then discussed with reference to major analytic thinkers. The true spiritual journey which could commence as psychotherapy completes is described as development from selfhood to selflessness. Finally, the author attempts to describe what, and when, brief spiritual moments occur in psychotherapy and how the therapist might deal with these special and sacred times.

Author Biography

Eng-Kong Tan

As recorded in 2001.

Eng-Kong Tan is a Consultant Psychiatrist and analytically-oriented psychotherapist, and a practising Buddhist. He is the Director of Metta Clinic, a group private clinic consisting of psychiatrists and psychologists in Sydney, Australia. He is currently Chair, Section of Psychotherapy of the Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and Senior Lecturer/Supervisor of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (ANZAP). He was formerly Chairman of Training to the Psychotherapy Association of Australia (PAA) and Founder President of Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia (YBAM). He is a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Buddhist University Education Foundation of Australia.