Research Paper on The Tori Theory vs. Psychoanalysis and Religion

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Virgil Clark Ratliffe (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Robert Gustafson

Abstract: The "Open Door" as a human service agency recruits volunteers from various walks of life to participate in their program of serving the community in helping people solve their problems in both emergency and long-term situations. Primarily, this service is rendered by telephone. However, face to face confrontations are encouraged as well as the use of the various public health facilities. Through this program the directors say that many persons have obtained gratifying relief from their anxieties, found situations to their problems, and have established good relationships in society.As a participant-observer in this program, I will argue in this paper that the humanistic services offered by this agency are inadequate in meeting the basic problems confronting those who seek counsel here; and that it needs the additional psychoanalytic approach that embraces religion if it is to more effectively serve the community and justify its existence.The present study is based on intensive interaction with the directors, the volunteers, and the clients of this agency. As a volunteer, one was allowed to conduct interviews with clients only after a concentrated training program.The purpose of the intensive interaction with those devoted to the program was to develop an intuitive feeling for the emotional processes and cognitive style of all types of persons. This was preparation that would enable the volunteer to conduct and analyze meaningful interviews. Various means and techniques, such as role-playing, games, all-day seminars, films, etc., were employed in the training process. The objectives of the training sessions were for both personal growth and the acquisition of skills to be used in interviews. Emphasis was put on communications through "feelings", and a strict admonition against advise and any social or religious standard of behavior.Those who solicit help from this source do so through the influence of friends or those acquainted with the work. Only a very few came through public notes. Basically, they like the confidential protection that the agency offers. There were alcoholics, job-hunters, unwed pregnancies, school drop-outs, and many "pranksters".The "Open Door" while seeking financial aid from organized religion is itself alienated from anything that speaks of the spiritual. It lays down no precepts and has no standards of conduct by which a appeal to those who seek its counsel. Indeed, there is a sort of built-in "antimonien" tendency whereby various life styles are legitimated. The glaring exception to the above statement is the issue of drug use. The prohibition on drugs is a state requirement for operation. The entire personnel is aware of the rule on this matter. However, since there is no formula criterion for volunteers in the program there are many who use drugs and have no opposition to their use by others. Their use of drugs is simply prohibited on the premises. Anyone can attend the meetings or participate in its various activities. Each participant is encouraged to project his own ideas and feelings completely inhibited and unrepressed.

Additional Information

Publication
Other
Language: English
Date: 1976
Keywords
Human Service Agency, Emotional Processes, Cognitive Styles, Organized-type Religion, Tori Theory, Psychoanalysis, Religion,

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