As a requirement for our social work licenses, my wife and I have to obtain 20 hours of continuing education credits every year. We attended a workshop/training as part of this, and it was on how to address problematic spiritual issues patients face and internalize. During the training, the trainer would occasionally ask for volunteers to demonstrate the process.

My wife kept poking me to volunteer, but since I'm atheist I didn't want to.

Finally, my curiosity got the best of me and I asked how it could work for atheists. She explained that it had nothing to do with religious beliefs at the core, but would confront our own "inner critic".

The technique was mainly based on gestalt empty chair. I volunteered so I could confront the essence of the Mormon church.

The whole place was in tears. It took about 30 minutes and I gained deep insight into my anger and reactionary parts of myself. It was so incredible.

At one point I even told the church that if I could embody it, I would beat the shit out of it every day...lol

It is good for you to participate. Down the road you may better be able to help others deal with their inner critic.

When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

It sound like that was a great exercise for you to participate in.

wow i'm impressed. i planned on becoming a social worker when i was younger. i found it too emotionally taxing. how do you cope?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/22/2012 12:00AM by Raptor Jesus.

luv it, be well, be healed...