Where spirituality meets psychology

The Awakened Brain is an inspiring book, showing just how much can be gained when the boundaries of scientific inquiry are pushed to their limits.

The book follows the author Lisa Miller on her journey from a young psychologist discontented with the treatment models of her time, to a pioneering scientist working to bring spirituality into the realm of science and psychology.

The story begins in the autumn of 1994, with Dr Miller working her first graduate job at a cold and impersonal psychiatric unit in Manhattan. It is at a Yom Kippur ceremony in the ward's kitchenette, organised by herself, that she will witness an immense transformation take place in her patients following the religious celebration. Left with burning questions on the relationship between spirituality and mental health, this ignited curiosity marks the beginning of Dr Miller's fruitful career investigating this intersection.

The book covers the astonishing discoveries which have emerged from this extensive investigation: from the protective power of spirituality against depression, to the biological mechanisms underlying spiritual capacities. These are seen through the lens of Miller's own personal journey. We see the dedication and courage which she needed on the winding road to these findings, sometimes facing disapproval. It is also touching to hear how spirituality added to Dr Miller's own life, helping her through difficult years of being unable to conceive a child, as well as in the stories of some of her patients.

The combination of these stories of personal growth, and the expansion of psychology as a field, makes this book profound and relatable, as well as academically interesting. For me, the book reignited an excitement around where the field of psychology could be heading. As well as implications for the future of treatment models, on an individual level we can perhaps see that making space for spirituality in our lives could completely change the way we see the world.

Reviewed by Rose de Castellane is a Psychology graduate based in London