Dissent from Freud: Bridging Spirituality, Psychotherapy, and Science

For more than a century, mainstream psychology has often viewed religion and spirituality with suspicion—sometimes even as obstacles to mental health. Influenced by the legacy of Freud, many clinicians were trained to keep faith at a distance from serious psychological work. But what if that assumption is incomplete? What if spirituality—far from being an illusion—can be a powerful resource for healing, meaning, and transformation? In Dissent from Freud, we explore this question at the intersection of science, psychotherapy, and lived experience. Drawing on more than four decades of clinical work, research, and professional leadership by Dr. Scott Richards and his collaborators, this podcast examines how the field of psychology has begun to reconsider its relationship with spirituality—and what that shift means for therapists, clients, and the broader culture. Through engaging reflections, research insights, and personal stories, we trace the global movement to integrate spiritual and religious perspectives into evidence-based psychotherapy. Listeners will discover: How historical assumptions about religion shaped modern psychology Personal and professional turning points for leaders of the Dissent from Freud movement What current research reveals about spirituality and mental health Practical ways clinicians can ethically and effectively integrate spirituality into therapy The human search for meaning, healing, and the “soul” of psychology Whether you are a mental health professional, a psychology student, or someone interested in the relationship between science, psychotherapy, and spirituality, this podcast invites you to reconsider what truly contributes to healing. Because sometimes, progress begins with a thoughtful dissent.