Mental Illness and the Church: Integrating Psychology & Theology

Mental Illness and the Church: Integrating Psychology & Theology When I began studying the disciplines of Psychology and Theology as a bi-vocational pastor, I didnt consider them to be at odds with each other; I viewed them rather as complimentary, one supporting the other. Little did I realize, however, that this perspective was not shared by everyone. I soon discovered that many in the mental health profession felt that any discussion of religion should be avoided at all cost, and many Christians believed that psychology was a tool of the devil. I have spent the better part of my professional career trying to dispel this myth, both in counseling sessions and from the pulpit. I am fortunate to have had opportunities to spread the message of integrating psychology and theology in seminars and workshops across the United States. This book is a continuation of those efforts; a chance to help others understand that the healing of ones mind and emotions can come from more than one source; it can come from a combination of both psychology and theology.

Dr. Eric Little is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He is an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (retired), where he served as pastor of several churches in the Ninth Episcopal District. He holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work (Alabama State University), a Masters degree in Educational Leadership (Concordia University), and a Ph.D. in Christian Counseling & Psychology (Logos University). He has conducted seminars across the country on a variety of mental health topics and has worked in both private and public settings as a mental health professional for over 20 years. He is the founder and CEO of ECL Consulting, LLC, and serves as the Executive Director of A Life Recovery Center (ALRC), a faith-based substance abuse treatment program in Tallahassee, Florida.