In Episode 7 of Post-Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete, Dr. Thomas Plante introduces the Examen, a five-step daily prayer from St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The Examen invites us to reflect on the day with God by noticing gratitude, reviewing our thoughts and emotions, acknowledging where healing or forgiveness is needed, and choosing one small step toward greater love and purpose.

This simple 15-minute practice can help deepen spiritual connection while also supporting emotional awareness, hope, meaning, and mental health.

Featured Resources

The Elijah Institute offers a downloadable Examen card along with two research papers exploring the psychological benefits of Examen-based practices:

• “A Clinical Trial of the Examen and Mindfulness Within a Secular Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program”
  Christopher M. Buenrostro and Thomas G. Plante, Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 2024.
• “A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Psychological Benefits of a Daily Examen-Based Practice”
  Thomas G. Plante, David B. Feldman, Jacqueline Ge, and Anthony Cortese, Journal of Religion and Health, 2025.

Download the Examen card and research papers here:

https://elijah-institute.org/white-papers

Elijah Institute

Post Traumatic Growth with Dr. Gerry Crete is presented by the Elijah Institute. Find out more about Elijah Institute’s nationally approved, continuing education courses in spiritually integrated whole person care at elijah-institute.org.

examen, Jesuit spirituality, mindfulness, trauma healing, spiritual practices, mental health, research, therapy, religious integration, post traumatic growth

key topics

The examen prayer and its elements

Research findings on the examen's effectiveness

Adaptations for diverse populations

Comparison with mindfulness and secular practices

The role of imagery and visualization in healing

Christian distinctives in spiritual practices

Music and other sensory elements in spirituality

Implications for trauma and addiction treatment

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Post Traumatic Growth

01:36 Exploring the Examen: A 500-Year-Old Prayer

05:18 The Five Steps of the Examen Prayer

10:21 Research Findings on the Examen vs. Mindfulness

12:21 Imagining Tomorrow: Visualization in Recovery

16:18 The Power of Experiential Prayer

22:16 Christianity's Unique Approach to Suffering

25:52 Researching Sacred vs. Secular Music

30:02 Integrating Music and Spirituality in Therapy

34:24 Conclusion and Next Steps in Therapy