Psychological therapists have always been aware of the distinction between the client’s theoretical understanding of issues and affect-laden insight. (A similar distinction is drawn in spiritual traditions between theological belief and personal faith.) Cognitive science has been able to give some precision to this distinction with important applications in the treatment of both anxiety and depression, but an additional perspective is provided by the experience of people with memory deficits due to illness or injury affecting the brain, who typically  retain heart knowledge in the absence of head knowledge. This talk will explore these issues drawing on a mix of theory and case studies, aiming to identify implications for therapeutic practice.

Joanna is a clinical psychologist and Anglican priest. She has worked in the areas of adult mental health, paediatric craniofacial surgery, and (for most of her NHS career) in neurology and neurological rehabilitation. After ordination she moved into the field of psychology of religion and her academic career has focused on psychology of religion and the spiritual care of older adults. She has written many books and academic papers. These include ‘Ethical practice in brain injury rehabilitation’ (OUP), ‘The psychology of Christian character formation.’ (SCM Press), ‘Being mindful, being Christian’ (Monarch Books), and ‘Neurology and Religion’ (CUP). Her latest book (forthcoming in 2024) explores the relationship between Christian spiritual practices and psychological responses to bereavement.