
Spirituality in Mind
Psychiatry in a Post-Secular Age
Christopher C. H. Cook(Author)
Cambridge University Press
Will be published approx. on 11. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
180 pages
978-1-009-62917-1 (ISBN)
Description
Spirituality in Mind offers a unique, personal, and critical perspective on the complex entanglements between psychiatry, spirituality, religion, and theology. Drawing on over four decades of experience, the author explores how spirituality, despite often being overlooked or undervalued, is central to holistic, patient-centred psychiatric care. Through compelling case studies and interdisciplinary insights, the book challenges conventional symptom-focused models and advocates for a shift toward meaningful recovery. It engages with the concept of "clinical theology," highlighting the ordinary theological concerns of patients and the need for psychiatry to be more spiritually attentive. By integrating perspectives from the critical medical humanities, this book demonstrates that spirituality is not an optional extra but a core concern of psychiatry, psychiatrists, and patients alike. Spirituality in Mind raises vital questions about the nature and purpose of psychiatric practice, offering a new vision for mental health care.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
Worked examples or Exercises
Weight
283 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-009-62917-1 (9781009629171)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Christopher C. H. Cook is the Emeritus Professor in Spirituality, Theology & Health within the Institute for Medical Humanities at Durham University. A past chair of the Spirituality & Psychiatry Special Interest Group at RCPsych, he has a background in addictions psychiatry, as well as a PhD in theology. He was awarded the Canterbury Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 2020 for his interdisciplinary work on theology and psychiatry and he was the 2021 recipient of the Oskar Pfister Award from the American Psychiatric Association. With over 40 years of experience in the field, he has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on spirituality, theology and psychiatry as well as 6 single author books, and 7 edited volumes.
Content
Introduction Psychiatry in a Post-Secular Age; 1. Entanglements of Psychiatry with Spirituality; 2. The Spirituality of the Psychiatrist; 3. Patient Centred Spirituality; 4. Psychiatry and Theology; 5. Spiritual Voices; 6. Demon Possession; 7. Prayer, Mindfulness, and Silence; 8. Psychiatrists and Spirituality; Conclusions Psychiatry with Spirituality in Mind.