Claire Salisbury

• What did Perls mean, when... by James W. Patterson, Ph.D., 5/3/98
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    • Misdirected? by James W. Patterson, Ph.D., 5/6/98
      
      

Ed and James, I think I used the words 'spiritual ego' not as an accusation from this dialogue. I used it as I see this as an area in which to be wary. For example, I don't know exactly what is meant by a higher self. I see us each as having a very personal view of what and who we are. For certain some of these views are limiting, and I look for a therapist to be open to as much of themselves as possible.

And....I like to think that any practitioner that I would value, has the ability and interest in finding out about those parts of themselves that are undeveloped. It is impossible I think, for anyone of us to be totally rounded in every sense, and we all have different strengths and weaknesses. The danger is when the therapist is unable to allow a difference and tries to stop the experience, feelings or questions. Perhaps in the area of spirituality, the danger might be to put all distressed feelings down to childhood etc. I suppose what I am saying is I am unsure where human experience ends and spirituality begins. Perhaps we all have different words for the same thing.

• Spiritual Ego/Intellectual Ego by Ed Riemann LCSW, 5/12/98