Speaker Series: Spirituality, Religiosity & Mental Wellness

Religion, Spirituality and Mental Health: Is there a relationship?

Harold G. Koenig, MD, MHSc is on the faculty at Duke University Medical Center as Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Medicine. Dr. Koenig has over 550 scientific peer-reviewed academic publications, 100 book chapters, and 55 books. His research has been featured on many national and international TV programs (including ABC’s World News Tonight, The Today Show, Good Morning America) and hundreds of national and international radio programs and newspapers/magazines (including Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Time). Dr. Koenig has given testimony before the U.S. Senate (1998) and U.S. House of Representatives (2008) concerning the benefits of religious involvement on public health. He is the recipient of the 2012 Oskar Pfister Award from the American Psychiatric Association and the 2013 Gary Collins award from the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is the former editor-in-chief of the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, and is currently the Associate Editor of the Journal of Religion and Health. Finally, Dr. Koenig is the lead author of the Handbook of Religion and Health, 3^rd edition (2021-2022, forthcoming).

Doris Fox is a Musqueam Elder. She sits in Elders Circles and as a consultant and leader in numerous advisory boards, committees, and working groups.  Elder Doris works at several Health Clinics as an Elder and healer, life Coach, and Spiritual Advisor using various traditional healing methods taught to her by her Elders and other Indigenous healers. Elder Doris ensures that learners know about the history, traditions, values and beliefs behind the ancient knowledge that she shares. Elder Doris also shares her knowledge of intellectual property. Doris Fox teaches many traditional arts and crafts such as traditional Salish Weaving and she upholds and champions the importance of Indigenous artists protecting themselves and their work.