George Stavros

George Stavros is the Executive Director of the Danielsen Institute and Clinical Associate Professor of Pastoral Psychology at Boston University. His clinical and research interests are in the connection between mental health and spirituality in clinical practice and in clergy and clergy family wellness. He is co-author of Relational Spirituality in Psychotherapy and co-editor of The Skillful Soul of the Psychotherapist. He is a licensed psychologist and lives with his family in Boston, Massachusetts.

CV

Credentials

1999 – Present Licensed Health Service Provider/Psychologist, Commonwealth of Massachusetts – License #7536

Clinical/Administrative Experience

• 2009 – Present: Executive Director, The Danielsen Institute at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• 2006 – 2009: Clinic Director, The Danielsen Institute at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• 2004 – 2006: Director of Clinical Services, The Danielsen Institute at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• 2000 – 2004: Director, Evening Intensive Outpatient Program, Two Brattle Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Academic/Teaching Experience

• 2010 – Present: Clinical Associate Professor of Pastoral Psychology, Boston University, Boston, MA
• 2010 – 2016: Director, Counseling Psychology and Religion PhD Program, Boston University, Boston, MA
• 2007 – 2009: Religious and Psychological Well-Being Research Group, Boston University, Boston, MA
• 2000 – 2003: Adjunct Assistant Professor in Pastoral Theology, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA

Publications

Sandage, S.J., & Stavros, G.S. (2023). Relational spirituality model in psychotherapy: Overview and case application. In P.S. Richards, G.E.K. Allen, & D.K. Judd (Eds.), Handbook of spiritually integrated psychotherapies. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Captari, L.E., Hydinger, K.R., Sandage, S.J., Choe, E.J., Bronstein, M., Stavros, G.S., Shim, P., Kintanar, A.R., Cadge, W., & Rambo, S. (2022). Supporting chaplains on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed method practice-based pilot intervention study. Psychological Services. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ser0000692

Thomas, D.L., Stavros, G.S., Sandage, S.J., Berg-Cross, L., & Nichols, E.J. (2022). Attachment neuroscience and Martin Luther King, Jr’s nonviolence philosophy: Implications for the 21st century and beyond. Journal of Black Psychology, 48, 507-546.

Sandage, S. J., Jankowski, P. J., Paine, D. R., Exline, J. J., Ruffing, E. G., Rupert, D., Stavros, G. S., & Bronstein, M. (2022). Testing a relational spirituality model of psychotherapy clients’ preferences and functioning. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2020.1791781

Crabtree, S.A., Bell, C.A., Rupert, D., Sandage, S.J., Devor, N.G., & Stavros, G.S. (2021). Humility, differentiation of self, and clinical training in spiritual and religious competence, Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 23, 342-362. DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2020.1737627

Sandage, S.J., Rupert, D., Stavros, G.S., & Devor, N. (2020). Relational spirituality in psychotherapy: Healing suffering and promoting growth. American Psychological Association.

Stavros, G.S. (2020). Eastern Orthodox clergy: An at-risk population. Public Orthodoxy. Retrieved from https://publicorthodoxy.org/2020/11/19/clergy-at-risk/

Sandage, S. J., Jankowski, P. J., Paine, D. R., Exline, J. J., Ruffing, E. G., Rupert, D., Stavros, G. S., & Bronstein, M. (2020). Testing a relational spirituality model of psychotherapy clients’ preferences and functioning. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2020.1791781

Jankowski, P. J., Sandage, S. J., Bell, C. A., Rupert, D., Bronstein, M., & Stavros, G. S. (2019). Latent trajectories of change for clients at a psychodynamic training clinic. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(7).

Paine, D.R., Bell, C.A., Sandage, S.J., Rupert, D., Bronstein, M., O’Rourke, C.G., Stavros, G.S., Moon, S.H., & Kehoe, L.E. (2019). Trainee psychotherapy effectiveness at a psychodynamic training clinic: A practice-based study. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 33(1), 20-33.

Salimi, B., Sandage, S.J., & Stavros, G.S. (2016). Spiritual transcendence in therapy: A pragmatic, relational, and semiotic approach. Open Theology. [Special issue in honor of Allen Bergin]

Stavros, G.S., & Sandage, S. J. (2014). The Skillful Soul of the Psychotherapist: The Link Between Spirituality and Clinical Excellence. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Incorporated.

Stavros, G.S. (2013). Ancient Christian spirituality as evidence base for practice in psychology (Response to article by Fr. Alexios Trader). Edification: The Transdisciplinary Journal of Christian Psychology, 6(2).

Stavros, G.S. (2006). Orthodox Christianity. In Dowling & Scarlett (Eds.), Encyclopedia of spiritual development in childhood and adolescence.  Sage Publications.

Presentations

Stavros, G. (2021). Orthodox Christian spirituality and mental health.  Panelist presentation for Orthodox Christian Studies Center symposium. Fordham University.  New York.

Stavros, G. & Captari. L. E. (2021). Developing spiritual resilience and fortitude among frontline workers: An online group support intervention for chaplains to address secondary traumatization and burnout. In J.D. Aten and L.E. Captari (Co-Chairs), Spirituality and mental health amidst COVID-19: Risk and protective factors through a systemic lens. Panelist presentation for American Psychological Association Convention symposium.

Stavros, G. (2021). Building chaplaincy resilience during the pandemic: Support group model and emerging themes. Panelist presentation for Chaplaincy Innovation Lab webinar.

Stavros, G. & Goussetis, A. (2021). Finding sacred moments. Family Matters Podcast. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 

Stavros, G. (2021). Covid-19 and climate change: Living with and learning from a pandemic: Implications for mental health. Panelist presentation at Halki Summit IV, Heybeliada, Turkey. http://www.halkisummit.com/hs4/

Stavros, G. & Goussetis, A. (2021). Parenting styles: Power or humility? Webinar sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Stavros, G. (2021). The Jesus Prayer: Theological and psychological benefits. Transfiguration Mission Lenten Retreat. Lancaster, PA.

Stavros, G. (2020). Attachment, trust, and humility: A young adult’s guide to resilience during Covid-19. Telos Mental Health Webinar. Telos Project.

Stavros, G. (2020). Humility and narcissism in religious leaders. Good Guys Wear Black Podcast.

Stavros, G. (2020). Relational spirituality and psychotherapy. Boston University Medical Center Psychiatric Grand Rounds.  Boston, MA.

Stavros, G. (2020). Covid-19 and repentance. Orthodoxy on Tap. Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston.

Stavros, G. (2019). Listening to our families, friends, colleagues, and God: A relational, spiritual approach to pastoral care. Philoptochos Society of St. Demetrios Church. Brookline, MA.

Stavros, G. (2019). Things I wish I knew before marriage: Fighting, forgiving, humility, and neuroscience. Archdiocesan District Clergy and Spouse Retreat. Flushing, NY.

Stavros, G. (2018). Knowing ourselves and loving the other: The relationship between humility and healthy narcissism. Webinar sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Stavros, G. (2018). Ten things I wish I had learned at seminary: Tools for pastoral ministry and personal well-being. Metropolis of Boston Clergy Lenten Retreat. Contoocook, NH.

Stavros, G. (2018). Relational spirituality and psychotherapy: Attachment, differentiation, and Intersubjectivity in clinical practice. Brookline Community Mental Health Center Grand Rounds.  Brookline, MA.

Stavros, G. (2017). Relational spirituality and psychotherapy. Regional Conference of American Association of Pastoral Counselors, Chicago, IL.

Sandage, S. & Stavros, G. (2017). Relational spirituality and SERT group training. Samaritan Center of Puget Sound, Seattle, WA.

Stavros, G. (2017). SERT group training: follow-up. Samaritan Institute National Conference, Denver, CO.

Stavros, G. (2017). Secure attachment and healthy marriage. Presentation to married seminarian couples at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA.

Stavros, G. (2017). Relational spirituality and psychotherapy. Grand Rounds presentation to social work staff of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA.

Stavros, G. (2017). Entertainment or leisure: considerations based on attachment theory. Crossroad National Young Adult Retreat, Boston, MA.

Stavros, G. (2017). Clergy stress and resilience. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Center for Family Care retreat. Tarpon Springs, FL.

Stavros, G., Pappas, K. (2016). Clergy family care. Presentation to clergy and lay leaders at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congress, Nashville, TN.

Stavros, G., Goussetis, A. (2016). Storms in the vineyard II: Stress and resilience in the clergy family. Presentation to clergy and clergy spouses at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congress, Nashville, TN.

Stavros, G., Goussetis, A. (2016). Storms in the vineyard: Stress and resilience in the clergy family. Webinar sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Stavros, G. (2016). Attachment and spiritual life. Keynote speaker for Ionian Village Young Adult Retreat, Chicago, IL.

Sandage, S.J., Stavros, G. (2016). Relational spirituality in psychotherapy. Training sessions presented to Samaritan Institute national conference, Denver, CO.

Sandage, S.J., Stavros, G., Devor, N.G., & Paine, D.R. (2015). Relational spirituality in psychotherapy. Paper presentation at the Psychology and the Other conference, Boston, MA.

Stavros (2015). Relational spirituality and psychotherapy: attachment, family systems, and relational psychoanalytic approaches. Presentation to Boston Medical Center Psychiatric Residents.  Boston, MA.

Stavros (2015). Relational psychology and spirituality. Presenter at Boston Medical Center Psychiatric Grand Rounds. Boston, MA.

Stavros (2015). Relational psychology and spirituality in marriage. Keynote speaker at Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Center for Family Care Conference. Irvine, CA.

Stavros (2014). Mental health 101: addressing psycho-spiritual needs in parish ministry. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Center for Family Care Webinar.

Stavros (2014). Attachment and authenticity. Keynote speaker at Pan-Orthodox Young Professionals Conference. Austin, TX.

Stavros (2014). Stress and resilience in the family. Panelist at 42^nd Biennial Greek Orthodox Clergy Laity Congress. Philadelphia, PA.

Stavros (2014). Stress and resilience in the clergy couple. Presenter at 42^nd Biennial Greek Orthodox Clergy Laity Congress. Philadelphia, PA.

Stavros (2014). Divine compassion: Attachment theory and Trinitarian relationality. Invited speaker at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Brookline, MA.

Stavros (2014). Icons of healing. Leader of Rhode Island Pan-Orthodox Clergy Retreat. Pawtucket, RI.

Sandage, S.J., Bronstein, M., Rupert, D., Stavros, G., & O’Rourke, C. (2014). Relational spirituality and transformation in psychotherapy. In S.J. Sandage & J. Koss-Chioino (Co-Chairs) symposium Diverse Contexts and Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.

Stavros (2013). Psychotherapy as a reflection of divine compassion. Invited speaker at Divine Compassion Conference: Orthodox Christians in Service of ‘Perfect Love’. Hellenic College/Holy Cross.  Brookline, MA.

Stavros (2013). Holy Thursday: An Orthodox icon of trauma and recovery. Invited speaker at Lenten Lecture Series. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.  Raleigh, NC

Stavros (2012). Peace in Bethlehem: Surviving the holiday assault on our hearts and minds. Keynote speaker at Advent Spiritual Retreat for the Orthodox Council of Churches of South Central Pennsylvania. Lancaster, PA.

Stavros (2012). Perspectives on integrating clinical practice and research on spiritually oriented psychotherapies in a university-community counseling center. Plenary speaker at Think Tank on Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapies at Brigham Young University. Provo, UT.

Stavros (2012). The ethical challenges of counseling: Religious and spiritual considerations. Panelist for the Boston University School of Education Conference on Ethics. Boston, MA.

Stavros (2011). Physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being: Praying the Jesus Prayer. Invited speaker at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Weston, MA.

Stavros (2010). Welcoming the stranger. Invited speaker at Metropolis of Boston Family Retreat.  Contoocook, NH.

Stavros (2010). Finding our boundaries. Radio interview on Orthodox Christian Network. http://www.myocn.net/.

Stavros (2009).  Conflict in marriage.  Radio interview on Orthodox Christian Network. http://www.myocn.net/.

Stavros (2009).  I know, I care, I remember: The spiritual goals of Orthodox Christian family life. Invited speaker at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Brookline, MA.

Onofrei, C., Kantner, C., Stavros, G. (2010). Religious affiliation, clinical symptomotology, and psychotherapy outcomes: A naturalistic preliminary exploration. Poster presented at Division 36 of American Psychological Association Mid-Year Conference. Baltimore, MD.

Stavros (2009). The containment of terror, shame, and self-hatred in a long-term psychotherapy with an acting-out adolescent. Presented to Boston Medical Center Psychiatric Grand Rounds.  Boston, MA.

Stavros (2008). Religious experience as therapeutic experience: Psychotherapeutic considerations. American Psychological Association Annual Convention. Boston, MA.

Stavros (2008). Love’s container: Understanding and moving beyond inevitable conflicts, disconnection, and disappointment in marriage. Invited lecture at National Clergy Laity Congress of the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Washington, DC.

Stavros (2008). Therapeutic containment: Discussions on psychotherapy and the Eastern Orthodox churches. Invited speaker at University of St. Thomas Series on the Relationship Between Spirituality and Mental Health: Global Perspectives. Minneapolis, MN.

Clinical Training

• 1998 – 2000: Post-doctoral Fellow in Clinical Psychology, Two Brattle Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1998 – 1999: Post-doctoral Fellow in Psychology, The Danielsen Institute at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, East Boston, Massachusetts
• 1997 – 1998: Pre-doctoral Psychology Intern (APA Approved), Adult Medicine/HIV Team, The Danielsen Institute at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, East Boston, Massachusetts
• 1996 – 1997: Jernigan Fellow, Geriatric Mental Health, North End Community Health Center, Boston, Massachusetts
• 1994 – 1996: Clinical Fellow in Pastoral Psychology, The Danielsen Institute at Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
• 1991 – 1994: Mental Health Counselor, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts

Professional Affiliations

• American Psychological Association – Member
• Massachusetts Psychological Association – Member
• Northeast Group Psychotherapy Association – Affiliate