Reincarnation and Psychology : Mental Health, Culture, and the Persistence of Afterlife Beliefs

What happens when deeply held spiritual beliefs meet modern mental health care? Reincarnation and Psychology explores the psychological appeal and cultural significance of reincarnation, challenging Western frameworks that often dismiss or pathologize these beliefs. Drawing on philosophy, empirical research, and clinical practice, Gabriel Andrade offers a culturally sensitive and ethically grounded approach to understanding reincarnation in therapeutic contexts. The book examines why reincarnation resonates across cultures, its role in coping with mortality and injustice, and its intersections with identity, including LGBTQ+ experiences. It critiques Orientalist assumptions in psychology, evaluates controversial practices like past-life regression therapy, and provides practical guidance for clinicians navigating diverse spiritual worldviews. Both interdisciplinary and globally relevant, Reincarnation and Psychology is essential reading for mental health professionals, scholars of psychology and religion, and anyone interested in the complex interplay between belief and wellbeing. By bridging cultural wisdom with scientific rigour, this timely work advocates for inclusive, patient-centred care in an increasingly multicultural world.