Orthodox psychotherapist' view on the specifics of their professional activities

Abstract

The article presents the main results of the study of Orthodox psychotherapists' views about the specifics of their professional activities. The empirical analysis is based on publications in Russian psychological literature on the topic of Orthodox psychotherapy, as well as interviews with practicing Orthodox counselors. Significant differences are demonstrated between the theoretical conceptualization of psychotherapy and orthodox views of therapists and practitioners who participated in the study ("vertical gap"). Also there are two different trends in the understanding of human nature and, consequently the objectives and challenges of orthodox psychotherapy in the community of Orthodox psychotherapists ("horizontal gap").

Keywords

• Orthodox psychotherapy
• an Orthodox psychotherapist
• Orthodox anthropology
• the psychotherapeutic process