Harvard psychologist Dr. David Rosmarin has used empirical research to prove that religion can be the best psychotherapy. “It doesn’t matter whether a patient is Jewish or not,” he says. “When an individual of any background has these beliefs, it impacts his psychological state.” While the field of psychotherapy has traditionally been hostile to religion, Dr. Rosmarin’s research is proving that religious beliefs and practices can be a coping source in times of stress.
Lou Schwartz* answered the phone like I was her best friend. “Thank you so much for reaching out to me ” she greeted warmly. “This is the perfect time to call.”
I could hear the smile in her voice as she cheerfully added “I’m just on the couch recuperating from a surgery I went through yesterday for skin cancer.”
“Oh I I am so sorry” I stammered. “I could uh call later …”
“No the surgery is a really interesting procedure” she assured me with another wave of good humor. “You’re awake and they take off the skin layer by layer to get to the problem without removing too much …”
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