The Confessions offer a well constructed and engaging narrative open to various interdisciplinary levels of understanding. Psychotherapy, in particular, can identify the text as a healing narrative built upon a dialogical relationship between Augustine and God, sustained by the dynamics of empathy.
At the centre, is the critical process of a profound change affecting the cognitive, behavioural, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. It mirrors the therapeutic process that takes place through effective clinical practice. The main common elements in this perspective are: 1. the imperative to narrate; 2. A dialogical encounter; 3. Change and assimilation; 4. the role of imitation; 5. Coherent living over time.
This paper contends that these elements constitute the core of Augustine’s transformative experience that generates responses conducive to change from the readers of the Confessions. In that regard, the paper highlights the value of the Confessions as a didactic instrument for therapeutic intervention and spiritual development. And also points out to the potential benefit of integrating scholarly research on the text and its practical applications.
No comments:
Post a Comment