Religion That Heals, Religion That Harms: A Guide for Clinical Practice

From James L. Griffith, well known for his work on harnessing the healing potential of religion and spirituality, this book helps clinicians to intervene effectively in situations where religion is causing harm. Vivid examples illustrate how religious beliefs and practices may propel suicide, violence, self-neglect, or undue suffering in the face of medical or emotional challenges. Griffith also unravels the links between psychiatric illness and distorted religious experience. He demonstrates empathic, respectful ways to interview patients who disdain contact with mental health professionals, yet whose religious lives put themselves or others at risk. The book incorporates cutting-edge research on the psychology of religion and social neuroscience.

About the Author

James L. Griffith, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology and Associate Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, DC. He also is Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program and Director of the Psychiatric Consultation–Liaison Service at George Washington University Hospital. As an educator, Dr. Griffith has developed a program of psychiatric residency training that balances biological and psychosocial therapies in the treatment of patients within their family, community, and cultural contexts. Currently, he provides psychiatric treatment for immigrants, refugees, and survivors of political torture at Northern Virginia Family Services in Falls Church, Virginia. He is a recipient of the Human Rights Community Award from the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, the Margaret B. and Cyril A. Schulman Distinguished Service Award from the George Washington University Medical Center, the Psychiatrist of the Year Award from the Washington Psychiatric Society, the Distinguished Teacher Award from the George Washington University School of Medicine, and, most recently, the Creative Scholarship Award from the Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture.