What are the benefits of spiritual therapy and psychotherapy?

What are the benefits of spiritual therapy and psychotherapy?  Dr. Dean Ornish is certainly one of my favorite resources for the psycho-spiritual therapy that I do in my private practice.   His books are always a fountain of wisdom and practicality.  Here is his answer to a question about the benefits of spiritual and psychotherapy.


http://www.sharecare.com/question/what-benefits-spiritual-therapy-psychotherapy

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   Dr. Dean Ornish Answered:
   "At best, spiritual practices and psychotherapy complement one another. Meditation, for example, may increase your awareness of disturbing feelings or ideas; a good therapist can help you understand the developmental and emotional issues that may be underlying those thoughts and feelings..."
   
   
   "Spiritual practices and psychotherapy are particularly valuable in exploring issues related to intimacy. For example, therapy can help define boundaries and a well-developed separate sense of self; spiritual practices can help expand that awareness from the separate self to the universal Self. "
   
   
   "... one must first have a well-defined separate self in order to transcend it. Recognizing only our separateness leads to loneliness and suffering; recognizing only our Oneness makes it difficult to function in the world. Combining psychotherapy and spiritual practices can help maintain a vision of both the diversity and unity of life."
   
   
   What are the benefits of spiritual therapy and psychotherapy? I agree fully with his statements above.  I hope that you will take a look at his brilliant work and dive in to the exploration of your self. It is a fascinating, transformative journey.