Psychology Today Blog: Dissent from Freud
by P. Scott Richards, Ph.D.
The “Dissent from Freud” Psychology Today blog by Dr. Scott Richards explores how spirituality has been integrated into psychotherapy over the past 50 years. It shares key research findings, historical developments, and Dr. Richards’ personal experiences in this movement. The blog also features interviews with mental health professionals and clergy, and offers evidence-based spiritual resources for healing and coping with emotional challenges.
Choosing a Spiritually Affirming Psychotherapist, December 20, 2025
If you’re seeking mental health care, finding a spiritually affirmative therapist could make all the difference in your treatment, healing, and recovery.
40 Years of Research About Religious Involvement, August 16, 2025
Decades of research reveal many benefits of religious involvement on mental, social, and behavioral health.
How Spiritual Struggles Drive Psychological Distress, June 22, 2025
Addressing spiritual struggles during psychotherapy is often essential for facilitating recovery.
On Becoming a Spiritually Competent Psychotherapist, September 17, 2025
Elevate your therapeutic approach by learning essential spiritual skills for helping clients from religiously and spiritually diverse backgrounds.
A Tale of Scientific Bias, Controversy, and Discovery, July 30, 2025
The clash between two influential psychologists inspired decades of research and enhanced our understanding of religion and mental health.
Preventing Dropout With Psychotherapy Clients, June 15, 2025
New research findings reveal more about spirituality’s crucial role in the therapeutic process. Discover how spiritual interventions in therapy can impact client retention.
Understanding Unhealthy Forms of Religiosity, August 27, 2025
Discover more about unhealthy religiosity and how it can manifest in people’s lives.
Psychotherapy and Religious Values, July 6, 2025
Discover how a courageous psychologist boldly challenged the long-standing anti-religious bias in psychology, arguing for the vital role of spirituality in mental health.
Building Bridges Between Spirituality and Psychology, May 30, 2025
What we’ve learned so far from the global effort to build bridges between spirituality and psychological science and practice.