#033 | Psychologist on the Edge

In an increasingly complex world, many individuals seek a fusion of traditional therapeutic practices with spirituality. Integrating intuition and spiritual insights into psychology has become a transformative movement led by pioneers like Dr. Amy Robbins, a clinical psychologist who passionately believes in the healing powers of such integration. During a recent episode of "Life with Ghosts," a podcast dedicated to connecting with departed loved ones, Dr. Robbins delves into her unique therapeutic approach, her personal journey, and the broader implications of incorporating spirituality in psychology.

Introduction to Life with Ghosts

"Life with Ghosts: Let's Chat" is a platform that sheds light on communicating with our departed loved ones, offering solace to those in grief. The host, Stephen Berkley, introduces Dr. Amy Robbins, highlighting her profound impact on reshaping therapeutic practices by embracing spirituality.

"Our community welcomes Dr. Amy Robbins, a clinical psychologist at the forefront of a transformative movement in psychology..." - Stephen Berkley

The Pioneering Journey of Dr. Amy Robbins

Dr. Robbins shares her journey into combining the realms of psychology and spirituality. As a clinical psychologist, she encountered skepticism from peers when introducing spiritual elements into her practice. However, her perseverance and dedication to ethical practices garnered trust and opened doors to a deeper understanding of healing.

Dr. Robbins draws upon her experiences, initially cautious about revealing her spiritual insights to colleagues at Northwestern and within the clinical community. Overcoming these challenges took nearly 15 years. Yet, her integrity as a clinician, coupled with the progress observed in her patients, gradually earned her acceptance among medical professionals. This shift reflects an encouraging trend where some physicians now recommend patients explore spiritual connections as part of their healing journey, often encouraging them to listen to her podcast and seek signs or synchronicities in their own lives.

The Role of Personal Experiences

Dr. Robbins' journey began with a profound personal experience—the loss of her aunt at the age of 18. This pivotal moment ushered her into an exploration of mediumship and spiritual connections. These experiences profoundly altered her beliefs, shifting her perspective on life and alleviating a debilitating grip of anxiety.

"I had this spiritual, like, the lid blew off the pot and I could no longer...the world how I saw it was so different." - Dr. Amy Robbins

Her first encounters with spiritual visits and messages from departed loved ones ignited a curiosity leading her to a deeper exploration of these phenomena. Dr. Robbins recounts a vivid visit from her aunt, who appeared during her cousin's wedding. This experience, validated by her mother and uncle, marked the beginning of Dr. Robbins' journey toward integrating such experiences into her professional life.

Mediumship and Therapy: Bridging Two Worlds

Integrating mediumship into therapy is a delicate balancing act, especially in a field governed by evidence-based practices. Dr. Robbins navigates this intricate terrain by framing spirituality as a complementary element rather than a substitute for traditional therapeutic methods. She emphasizes the importance of meeting patients where they are, recognizing that spiritual messages should not bypass the necessary grieving process.

Addressing Skepticism and Ethical Considerations

Within the field of psychology, mediumship and spirituality can provoke skepticism. Dr. Robbins faces these challenges with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the necessity of an evidence-based foundation in therapeutic practices. Yet, she advocates for recognizing the value of spiritual experiences in fostering healing and self-awareness.

Dr. Robbins articulates a compelling case for spiritual experiences being part of the healing journey:

"Why are clinicians not encouraging people in their practice to talk about them [these experiences]? Because they're part of the healing journey." - Dr. Amy Robbins

Spiritual Awareness: A Growing Necessity

The growth of spiritual awareness within our culture is undeniable, and the demands on therapeutic practices to incorporate spirituality are rising. While the American Psychological Association (APA) maintains skepticism, the zeitgeist pushes for an inclusive approach, integrating various spiritual practices like mediumship, astrology, and numerology into therapeutic frameworks.

Dr. Robbins notes the increasing requests for spiritual therapists and the openness among therapists exploring such modalities. Clinicians, even those initially skeptical, find themselves turned onto the potential benefits of incorporating spiritual discussions into their therapeutic practice.

A Course in Spiritually Informed Therapy

A significant milestone in Dr. Robbins' journey is her development of a course titled "Spiritually Informed Therapy," approved for continuing education credits for master's level clinicians. Covering a wide range of topics from mediumship to near-death experiences, this course signifies a step forward in legitimizing the integration of spirituality within clinical settings. Dr. Robbins is passionate about providing clinicians with the tools to ethically incorporate these elements into their practices.

Therapeutic Outcomes and Real-Life Transformations

Throughout the interview, Dr. Robbins shares transformative anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of spiritually integrated therapy. She recounts a scenario where an image of a patient in a brothel emerged during a session. When carefully communicated, it resonated deeply with the patient, catalyzing significant change in her life. Such examples underscore the potential of intuitive insights to unlock new dimensions of personal growth and healing.

"I said, you know, I just had this feeling that you often feel like you are just waiting, almost like you're sitting in a brothel waiting for the next person to come through." - Dr. Amy Robbins

This reflective inquiry led to profound healing, transforming the patient's relationships and personal life—testaments to the power of integrating nuanced insights into therapy.

A Call to Illuminate Consciousness

Dr. Robbins highlights the need for open dialogue about spiritual experiences and therapeutic practices. Both practitioners and clients are encouraged to explore and integrate their spiritual beliefs within the therapeutic context, recognizing their potential to offer profound healing pathways.

Second Chances and Ethical Growth

One vital aspect Dr. Robbins discusses is the interplay between spiritual insights and ethical considerations. She shared a story about accurately sensing a patient's pregnancy. Although initially hesitant to disclose this purely intuitive insight, the revelation later reinforced the patient's trust in the therapeutic process.

Conclusion

Dr. Amy Robbins exemplifies the pioneering spirit needed to navigate and integrate spirituality within the field of psychology. Her work challenges traditional boundaries, emphasizing ethics and empowerment while acknowledging the human experience's holistic nature. Through her podcast, "Life, Death, and the Space Between," and her clinical work, Dr. Robbins continues to deepen the understanding of life, death, and consciousness.

Connect with Dr. Amy Robbins

For those interested in exploring the convergence of spirituality and psychology, you can find more information and connect with Dr. Amy Robbins through her website, dramyrobbins.com, and follow her on Instagram @DrAmyRobbins.

As society gradually embraces these new therapeutic paradigms, Dr. Robbins' work serves as a vital bridge, enabling individuals to explore their spirituality within a safe, supportive, and clinically validated framework.

"People want it and they're seeking it out. So many people are seeking out alternative ways of healing." - Dr. Amy Robbins

Through her innovative approach and ongoing advocacy, Dr. Robbins invites us all to consider the potential for deeper connections and healing when integrating the spiritual into our daily lives and therapeutic journeys.