The curriculum began as a pilot program coordinated by three master’s level chaplain interns last summer. Shaped by this experience, this psychoeducation group is now integrated into the treatment plan at the Princeton, Hamilton, and North Brunswick outpatient sites to help patients cultivate a sense of peace.
“Spirituality encompasses the broad search for meaning and connection,” explains the Reverend Amy Seat, MDiv, Staff Chaplain and Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education at Princeton House and creator of the curriculum. “It’s different from religion, which is a formal set of beliefs and practices that give shape and guidance to spirituality. The spirituality group provides patients with the space to explore questions that are important to them about meaning, existence, and the human spirit.”
Weekly sessions at each site focus on three dimensions of spirit:
- INWARD CONNECTION relates to self-compassion and the exploration of values
- OUTWARD CONNECTION focuses on forgiveness, loneliness, and the struggle to connect with others
- UPWARD CONNECTION explores connecting with a higher power or something bigger than oneself
The curriculum also helps patients build a toolkit of practices and tactile items that nourish the spirit and help patients connect with what’s most important to them. For some, this may include time in nature, reflective music, or intentional journaling. Others may choose items specific to their faith tradition, like sacred texts, symbols, or pictures.
"Tending to the spirit is an important element of healing and recovery,” adds Rev. Seat.
“In facing up to our pain and struggles, we discover the part of ourselves that seeks to grow, connect, and thrive. Spirituality helps give language to these concepts, acknowledging that there’s more to life than our narrow experiences in the moment. It complements the other components of therapy beautifully.”
For more information about outpatient services, visit princetonhouse.org or call 888.437.1610.
Article as seen in the Fall 2019 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.
