Mental Health and Spiritual Growth
- Bill Dorn
- Oct 10, 2018
- 4 min read
Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Awareness Day. In this week's guest post, experienced counselor Bill Dorn, M.Div, CAADC, LPC, shares his thoughts on mental health and spiritual growth.

A number of years ago I was having a stimulating conversation with a psychiatrist friend. We were talking about mental health in general, talking shop sort of speak. He made an amazing comment during our conversation that has become the foundation of how I think about mental health and mental health disorders.
In his comments my friend stated that he could take all the mental health disorders contained the DSM V (The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Vol 5) and place them immediately into two groups. One group is about the past, e.g. Depression, PTSD, etc. The other group is about the future, e.g. Anxiety and Paranoia, etc. He then offered his definition of mental health as the ability to stay emotionally in the present. What an insight!
In 1997 the spiritual writer Eckhart Tolle in his work The Power of the Now has based his whole spirituality on this notion, the power of the present moment. Tolle continues his thoughts in his second work, The New Earth. Mr. Tolle offers this inspiring thought: "Wherever you are, be there totally. If you find your here and now intolerable and it makes you unhappy, you have three options: remove yourself from the situation, change it, or accept it totally."

Over the last twenty-eight years in my clinical practice I have experienced the blessing of professionally counseling teens, young adults, and older adults, both individually and as couples. Time and time again I see my clients’ bondage of being stuck in the past and/or future. Part of my work with them is to lead them to develop the skills of attentiveness, self-awareness, and mindfulness. Most of our psychic pain comes from our ego. I once heard ego defined as an acronym: Easing God Out. How true this is. Many of our problems large and small seem to be rooted in our ego and our egoic attitude toward self, others, and nature.
What relief I see arising in my clients’ lives when they take the risk and allow themselves to be in the present. They experience a kind of empowerment and confidence. On the other hand some struggle with letting go of the past and future and insist that they need to plan. This is true. We all need to plan. However, living in the present as a mentally healthy person does not have to interfere with our need to plan. Planning a plan and not an outcome seems to be key. A plan is projected course of action with an end point. All good plans need to be open to change because of unknown or unforeseen factors. And so we adjust. One the other hand one who plans an outcome has attached to the fulfillment of the plan one’s own emotional serenity. This attitude can lead to putting all our “emotional eggs” in the basket called future. This often leads us to create and maintain unrealistic expectations of self and others which can be the foundation of self-destructive behaviors.

Some of you may be wondering what the connection of living emotionally in the present has with our faith as Christians. Well, to me there is a connection. In Exodus 3:14 when Moses went up the mountain he met Yahweh. And when he asked God what he is to say to the Israelites when they ask who sent him. God responded with “I Am Who Am.” Isn’t that presence? God’s identify seems to be so intricately enveloped in the present. In my work when I help others to stay focused in the present, I might well be helping them position themselves to meet the Divine. Now that prospect gets me out of bed in the morning to meet the day and to get to work advancing the Kingdom.
(Image: Moses and the burning bush. Loca sancta icon from the 12th or 13th century.)
One final thought about mental health awareness. It might be helpful to frame mental health as mental health hygiene. We practice dental hygiene, sleep hygiene and personal hygiene. Why not practice mental health hygiene? This hygiene requires that I daily practice awareness of myself and my emotions. It is important to find someone you trust and share your feelings with him or her. Mental health hygiene requires that I practice attentiveness to my surroundings, my friends, my family, and my fellow parishioners. And in doing this we will be more fully focused on the present and in that moment touch and be touched by the grace of our ever present God. I wish you good mental health.
-Bill Dorn
Bill Dorn is a licensed professional counselor and a certified advanced drug and alcohol counselor who holds a Master of Divinity degree. Bill maintains two offices as part of Isaly Counseling Associates in the North Hills on McKnight Road and in Carnegie. If you are interested in his services you may call Bill directly at 412-853-8487. More information about Bill is available at www.isalyca.com.
Living with intense emotions, unstable relationships, and a fluctuating sense of self can be incredibly challenging. If these experiences resonate with you, and you're wondering if Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) might be a factor, taking an online BPD Test can be an initial step for self-exploration. These tests typically assess common BPD symptoms like fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and chronic feelings of emptiness. While not a formal diagnosis, the results can help you identify patterns that may warrant a discussion with a mental health professional. It can be a starting point for understanding your emotional world better and seeking appropriate support if needed.
Just wanna give a 🚀quick shoutout to " No1AssignmentHelp .Com" – 🔊honestly, they're a lifesaver! It was flat out with uni work and needed a hand, and these legends came through big time⏲. If you're after the 🔍 Best Assignment Help around, you can't go wrong here. The work's spot on, delivered✍ quickly, and helped me boost my grades 🥇without the stress😀. Bloody brilliant service – cheers, team!
Looking for the Best 3 star Family Hotel near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Varanasi? Or perhaps you want the Best 3 star Family Hotel near Dasaswamedh Ghat Varanasi? Need accommodation close to transport hubs like the railway station? You’ll be glad to know that Best 3 star Family Hotel in Varanasi near Railway Station is also available — all in one place: Hotel Vedangam.
Located in the spiritual heart of India, Hotel Vedangam offers travelers the perfect blend of comfort, culture, and convenience. Whether you’re visiting Varanasi for religious pilgrimage, a family vacation, or a cultural exploration, Hotel Vedangam has everything you need for a memorable stay.
Why Choose a 3-Star Hotel in Varanasi?
Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in…
In the midst of the Himalayan charm, Best luxury resort in prini stands tall—De Vivendi Resorts, redefining the art of relaxation and personalized hospitality. For those seeking exclusivity, tranquility, and the warmth of mountain luxury, look no further. Recognized as the Best Luxury Resort in Manali, it offers more than a stay—it promises an experience. Travelers near Mall Road can also revel in upscale comfort by checking out the Best Luxury Resort in Manali, perfectly located for both convenience and mountain charm.
The Identity of De Vivendi Resorts
De Vivendi Resorts is not just another luxury property; it’s a celebration of culture, nature, and exceptional service. Tucked away in the peaceful hamlet of Prini, yet close enough to Manali’s major attractions, it…
If you're looking for a comfortable and well-connected place to stay in Noida, The AP Hospitality has you covered. Whether you're searching for a Guest House near I Thum Noida, a Guest House near World Trade Tower Noida, a Guest House in Noida near Sector 62 Metro Station, or a Hotel in Noida Sector 55, your search ends here.
At The AP Hospitality, we don’t just provide accommodation — we deliver a refined, secure, and memorable stay tailored to modern travelers. From business executives to solo tourists, we understand your needs and expectations, offering elegant guest houses and hotel rooms that combine functionality with style.
Why Location Matters for Travelers in Noida
Noida has rapidly grown into one of India’s most…