Virtual Grand Rounds: Uncanny Coincidences and Telepathic Dreams: On the Use of Spirituality, Intuition and Synchronicity in Clinical Practice
Presented by:
Anna Yusim, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, Yale Department of Psychiatry
CEO, Mind Body Spirit Institute
Although science and spirituality have long been studied as separate fields, there is a growing evidence base supporting their integration in the clinical care of patients.
Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, considered the belief in God and religion to be delusional, while Carl Jung, founder of Jungian analysis, saw spirituality as a central feature of human experience. Albert Einstein sought to reconcile these opposing viewpoints, stating that “science without religion is lame, and religion without science is blind.”
Numerous studies have shown that spirituality enhances physical health, mental health and subjective well-being while reducing addiction, distress, and suicidal behaviors. Belief in God or a higher power can serve as a positive and secure relationship in one’s life and can compensate for the lack of other positive attachments. Being a member of a supportive religious or spiritual community provides consistent and positive connection and a sense of a higher purpose for oneself.
For clinicians, acknowledging and attending to patients’ spiritual needs can enhance medical healing, foster positive human connections, and provide a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. When faced with a cancer diagnosis, being part of a spiritual community was associated with less distress and better quality of life, regardless of how threatening cancer was to the participants’ lives. People who attended church weekly were less likely to be hospitalized for any reason, and when they were, they spent less time as inpatients than those who went to church less frequently. Against the backdrop of a significant portion of the American population identifying with spiritual beliefs, with approximately 77% professing belief in God according to the Pew Research Center, this presentation critically examines the intersections of various facets of spirituality in clinical practice.
Educational Objectives
As a result of participating in this activity, learners should be able to:
- Describe the interconnectedness of spirituality, intuition, and synchronicity in clinical practice
- Discuss how intuition operates on various levels and influences therapeutic dynamics
- Review how to critically examine and address spiritually-informed complexities within the therapeutic setting, from unconscious communication and thought transference to the potential pitfalls of toxic spirituality, psychic addiction, and religious OCD
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom webinar.
Accreditation Statement: Silver Hill Hospital is accredited by the Massachusetts Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation Statement: Silver Hill Hospital designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
NASW/Connecticut Statement: This program has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Education Credit Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, CT and meets the continuing education criteria for CT Social Work Licensure renewal. Approval also meets the continuing education criteria for CT LMFTs, LPCs, and licensed psychologists.
New York Social Worker Statement: Silver Hill Hospital is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0728. This program is approved for 1.5 contact hours.
New York Psychologist Statement: Silver Hill Hospital is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0227. This program is approved for 1.5 contact hours.
Disclosure: No one in control of content has indicated a relevant financial relationship with an ACCME defined commercial interest.