What do I know?
Has therapy replaced religion? An interview with psychotherapist James Loree
By Kimberly Laux | Photography by Tom Gennara

James Loree, a graduate of Michigan State University, is a licensed master clinical social worker serving patients from his private practice in Okemos. He treats clients recovering from addictive behaviors. He is also a member of St. John Student Parish in East Lansing.

FAITH: What are some of the most common mental health issues that you’ve come across while working with patients of the baby boomer generation?
I primarily work with patients dealing with depression; most have experienced moderate to severe trauma in their lives. Often it is exacerbated by addiction (alcohol, substance abuse or compulsive gambling) and family issues. I find that many people often turn to external sources for comfort or distraction from their pain, instead of God, even if they claim to believe and have faith.

In a nutshell, how has mental health evolved over the last 60 years?
The mental health field has experienced changes ranging from scientific theories and approaches to administration of insurance benefits. New theories and approaches that address issues such as trauma and relationships have been developed and mainstreamed into normative psychological practice.
Perhaps the greatest change has been the administration of insurance benefits. A few years ago, clients could seek services with minimal challenges. Today both clients and therapists must deal with the red tape to authorize, re-authorize and demonstrate clinical necessity just to prove to insurance companies that every dollar spent on therapy has yielded goal-directed results.

Do you think therapy is replacing faith and spirituality?
I do not believe therapy is replacing spirituality. In fact, they often complement one another. I see spirituality as the “big picture” that answers some of life’s most challenging questions: Why am I here? What is my purpose?
Therapy attempts to increase one’s awareness, understanding and skills to manage thoughts, emotions and actions in order to decrease negative consequences or increase positive outcomes. Some clients may exhaust therapy only to find spirituality through acceptance that they do not have ultimate control over their lives. Through this realization, clients can begin to take ownership over their actions and respond in ways that benefit themselves and others.

In your opinion, what is the most appropriate way to approach therapy?
Patients need to approach therapy with realistic expectations. Frequently, clients assume that a therapist is going to fix them. This is far from the truth! Therapists help clients acknowledge what they already know on a deeper level – to confront the pain and accept the facts about themselves and others so they can make conscious decisions in their lives. This process is often long and difficult, but highly worthwhile and rewarding. People must take responsibility for their lives as a prerequisite to improving it.