| Abstract: | A perspective of therapy is presented that re-visions clients' pathology into desire for initiatory experience. Initiatory experience is understood as a symbolic template that lies over the biological and psychological developmental life cycle. A symbolic perspective is taken of clients' presenting problems in order to provide meaning to the symptoms and to eliminate the constraints that accompany diagnoses, treatments, or both. A developmental foundation is laid in support of the clinical application of this perspective in what will be called symbolic therapy. Anthropological and psychological models are reviewed in order to clarify the historical genesis and modern application of the ritual of initiation. Finally, a case study is offered to further explore this view of therapy. |
