Metapsychiatry

Metapsychiatry is a spiritual teaching and form of psychotherapy developed by psychiatrist Thomas Hora in the second half of the 20th century. Hora described it as "a scientific method of healing and education based on metaphysical concepts of man and the universe."[1] Metapsychiatry was inspired by Hora's dissatisfaction with what he believed was psychoanalysis's failure to account for human spirituality,[2] and his observation that psychiatric healing was often temporary.[3] It is characterized by a hermeneutic approach,[4] with precise definitions of psychological terms and conditions, and what it calls “spiritual reality.”

Metapsychiatry borrows from Judeo-Christian, Zen Buddhist and Taoist religious traditions, along with theistic existentialist philosophy and phenomenology;[5] similarities to Morita therapy have been noted.[6] While the teachings of Christ are central, metapsychiatry is not aligned with a Christian denomination, refrains from valuing historical and sacramental teachings, and makes a distinction between religious practice and spiritual interest.[7] God is perceived as "limitless, infinite and non-material."[8]

Its style originates with the assertion that “the meaning and purpose of life are to come to know reality,”[9] which is defined as “God”, “Love-Intelligence” or “Infinite Mind.”[10]

Study of metapsychiatry includes implementation of “the two intelligent questions”, which seek to distinguish between experiential and spiritual existence. The first question is "What is the meaning of what seems to be?" The second question asks "What is what really is?" The aim is a reorientation from a preoccupation with material appearances toward the apprehension of spiritual reality.[11] Metapsychiatry maintains that the problems of humankind are based in ignorance, and may be overcome through "Knowledge of the truth of what really is."[12] Problems are viewed as psychological; answers are spiritual.[13] Metapsychiatry holds that suffering is the product of self-confirmatory thought, the insistence on affirming one's existence, and that relief from suffering is realized through enlightened transcendence of the material world.[14]

The qualities of peace, assurance, gratitude and love (PAGL) are cited as indicating a state of spiritual consciousness.[15]

Notes
  1. Hora, Dialogues in Metapsychiatry, page 1
  2. Tyrrell, page 76-77
  3. Chervenkova, page 70
  4. Hora, page 1
  5. Rinehart, page 50
  6. Chervenkova, pages 70-72
  7. Tyrrell, pages 77-82
  8. Rinehart, page 54
  9. Leach
  10. Tyrrell, pages 78-79
  11. Tyrrell, page 78
  12. Tyrrell, page 80
  13. Menahem
  14. Rinehart, page 53
  15. Hora, pages 8, 38
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References

Further reading
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