Spirit, Psyche and Soul in 21st Century Psychiatry | Online Lecture by Dr Kobus van der Walt

The profession of psychiatry shares its origins with other mental health-related professional disciplines in the lineage of the shaman. In Western medical science there has been a rapid shift away from a view of mental illness as caused by spiritual afflictions to a materialist reductionist view favoring a neurobiological explanation of mental illness. The paradigm shift towards an emphasis on the neurobiology of mental illness has created a split from  those who emphasize the role of spirit, psyche, and soul in the cause of and healing from  mental illness.

More about the Lecture:

Exciting innovative scientific research is radically confronting mainstream Western psychiatry with the importance of the realm of spirit, psyche, and soul in the healing process: the ancient spiritual technologies that have been explored with scientific methods include mystical experiences induced by psychedelics, meditation and prayer, religious ceremony, dreamwork, fasting, and near-death experiences. We need more nuanced and sophisticated models of psyche, soul, mind, and body to enable an integrated perspective on mental wellbeing where psychiatric practice can reflect the meaning of the word “psychiatry” (healing of the soul).

More about the Presenter:

Dr Kobus van der Walt is a specialist general psychiatrist in private practice in Somerset West, South Africa. He completed his psychiatric training at the University of Cape Town (2019), his medical training at the University of the Free State (2004) and obtained a M Phil in Applied Bioethics at Stellenbosch University (2007). His interests focus on spirituality in psychiatry, and philosophical and ethical aspects of mental health and psychotherapy. Prior to qualifying as general psychiatrist, he worked in family and emergency medicine, and healthcare quality improvement programs.

Cost

R100

Live Streaming | Advanced Booking Essential

Please book your Zoom slot BEFORE Friday 25 September. A Zoom link will be provided upon confirmation of payment. Send Proof of payment and Preferred Email address to saaja@mweb.co.za

In the event of the tickets being sold out or sales closed, a recording of the lecture will be available for purchase. Please send enquiries in this regards to saaja@mweb.co.za