Alternative or borderline methods and borderline areas of body and soul healing in psychotherapeutic, medical, spiritual guidance, or religious instruction settings

Abstract

This study is based on 51 semistructured interviews with “experts" on alternative or borderline methods and borderline areas in psychotherapeutic, medical, spiritual guidance, or religious instruction settings. Practicing psychotherapists, physicians, and spiritual advisers comment on spiritual, esoteric, Asian, and other methods that are not part of the training and practice of their professions. The study concerns the question which potentially “healing" and “beneficial" methods are perceived by the three professional groups as alternative or borderline methods and how they are appraised by them. Furthermore, the study examines which alternative or borderline methods are requested by clients and patients and how the professionals concerned respond to these requests in their work. Expectations placed in those representing the profession are also described. Finally, the role of religion in the context of body and soul healing is discussed.

Key words:
Psychotherapy; Medicine; Religion; Healing; Body and soul; Borderline areas; Alternative and borderline methods