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 The question of grace in a face of human disorientation: the contribution of a spiritual director to the spiritual journey of a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder The paper outlines the significance and boundaries of one model of Christian spiritual direction in the spiritual journey of a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The nature of bipolar disorder is that it affects a person's moods, thoughts and behaviour. Consequently, the experience of bipolar disorder is such that it can disorientate a person's sense of self, triggering existential questions around identity, meaning, belonging and religious expression. These are significant spiritual questions. However, due to the complex nature of bipolar disorder these spiritual questions often go unheeded.
Through the methodology of praxis, the paper will describe the complex nature of the experience of bipolar disorder. Such an understanding provides a foundation for the centrepiece of the paper which comprises a theological reflection on the human experience of Grace in relation to the question "can bipolar disorder be a true spiritual dryness through which a person may take steps towards God?" The paper concludes by outlining one model of spiritual direction which draws upon the central theological reflection on grace and is flexible enough to respond to the needs of a personal diagnosed with bipolar disorder as they engage with their spiritual questions. Kaye Twining lives in Melbourne with her husband, children and grandchildren. As a mature age student Kaye gained a Degree in Theology through the United Faculty of Theology, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Spiritual Direction and a Masters of Arts through the Institute of Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Formation. In 2003 Kaye also completed her training as an accredited spiritual director through the Heart of Life Centre for Spirituality, Melbourne. Currently, Kaye coordinates the Tree of Life Centre for Spirituality. www.treeoflife.org.au |
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