Spirituality and Psychology

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education credit for psychologists. The Seminary maintains responsibility for these programs and their content. Social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors in Pennsylvania can receive continuing education credits for courses from continuing education providers approved by the American Psychological Association. Martha Robbins, Joan Marshall Associate Professor of Pastoral Care at PTS, and Jon Spiegel, psychologist in private practice, are co-advisors to the program.

The Neural Basis of Mindfulness and Human Well-Being (1112-38)

Philippe R. Goldin, Ph.D., Research Associate, Department of Psychology, Stanford University
The experiences of anxiety and depression are frequently difficult to treat with traditional medications. More and more, help is being sought through cognitive approaches and spiritual practices such as mindfulness. This event, including presentation and experiential work, will focus on the growing body of knowledge from neuroscience studies that illuminate the impact of meditation on human psychological and physical health. / Mon., May 7, 2012 / Full Session:  10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Lecture Only 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. / Full Session:  $95; Lecture Only:  $15;  Student Rate Full Session:  $67; Student Rate Lecture Only: $10 / 6 CE credits for psychologists, social workers, and therapists.

Brochure and Registration Form                    Online Registration

Completed Offerings in 2011-2012

Islamic & Jewish Mysticism and the Practice of Compassion (1112-13)

Jon Spiegel, Ph.D., Psychologist in private practice; and Safdar I. Chaudhary, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
This course will provide a basic introduction to the profound mystical traditions of Islam and Judaism, exemplified in the 13^th-century Islamic poet, Rumi, and the Jewish Kabbalah school of study. Participants will examine what they share in common and how they differ. Discussion will emphasize the implications of ethics and the practice of compassion for good clinical practice. / Mondays, 7:00-9:00 p.m. / Oct. 10 – Nov. 14, 2011 / $175 / 10 CE credits for psychologists, social workers, and therapists.

Brochure and Registration Form                   

Spiritually Focused Meditation for Cancer Patients: A Unique Healing Approach for Use in Clinical and Pastoral Settings (1112-19)

Brenda S. Cole, Licensed psychologist in private practice and Clare M. Hopkins, Associate Dean and Director, School of Nursing, Carlow University
This class will share research data from two studies at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, comparing secularly and spiritually focused meditation for people coping with cancer. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be discussed, and the presenters will suggest implications for providing pastoral and psychological care for people confronted by this difficult disease and treatment process. / Fri., Nov. 18, 2011 / 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. / $70 / 4 CE credits for psychologists, social workers, and therapists.

Brochure and Registration Form