Spiritual Care in Psychological Suffering: How a Research Collaboration Informs Integrative Practice highlights spiritually integrative research and demonstrates the evolution of a national partnership of psychologists and chaplains collaborating for optimal results. Interdisciplinary teams are the gold standard in spiritual care provision, and this book orients the purpose and promise of such collaboration for research and practice. Recent work in the psychology of religion and spirituality has emphasized the importance of relational spirituality, distinctions between harmful and helpful effects of religion and spirituality on mental health, and the relevance of spiritual struggles for psychological well-being; however, these dimensions have not been examined in the context of a collaborative and culturally diverse partnership, nor have they been comprehensively examined in psychologically distressed populations. This volume seeks to make an important contribution to the psychology of religion by providing an in-depth look at translating integrative research into integrative practice in a population that has experienced significant psychological suffering. It is hoped that insights from this volume will contribute the following: foster more rewarding chaplain-researcher partnerships; offer a deeper understanding of the intersections among spiritual experience, virtues, and psychological distress; and demonstrate approaches for inquiring about individuals' spiritual lives in the midst of psychological suffering.

Jon Dawson's bi-weekly column has been a feature of the Kinston Free Press since 2008. Whether chronicling the antics of perpetually inebriated Free Press concierge Paulette Burroughs or Leroy Bin Laden's "J'had'er Done" movement, Dawson never shys away from the tough questions: - How did a door-to-door door salesman become the first male Rockette? - Why did the Kinston Free Press add vitamin C to their ink? - Why did Santa make his deer wear bullet-proof vests? - Why did Amnesty International storm a minature golf course? - How did Bill O'Riley and Keith Olberman bond over a gigolo? - Why does a N.C. town require a three-day waiting period on all kitchen utensil purchases? - What did Elvis say when Michael Jackson showed up in heaven? - What caused a rock band to steal an entire hotel room? - Is the Kinston Free Press printed on potato skins? - Why was the fire department called to assist with a prostate exam? For answers to these questions and many more, fork over a few dollars and get your own copy of "Making Gravy In Public." All material copyright 2011 Jon Dawson/Moodring Publishing