While most of the understanding of exorcism comes from Hollywood movies, the reality is often much more mundane: it’s often less about spectacle and more about a serious, if rudimentary, form of therapy.A moment that changed me: ‘I visited a therapist, who offered me an exorcism’, November 16).
Exorcism is unique in that it allows the “possessed” to externalize their trauma, give it a name and a face, and ritually extract it from them. For many abuse survivors, feelings of guilt and complicity linger for years, and exorcism can be a cathartic experience that, while not fully resolving these issues, can motivate patients to seek conventional therapy.
However, we must remember that some religious and spiritual leaders target vulnerable people. Exorcisms have been performed on the disabled and mentally ill, with tragic and sometimes lethal consequences. Despite its flaws, I believe (as an atheist) that there is still a place for exorcism in modern society.
Fiona Findley
Glasgow
