Desert Fathers' and Mothers' askesis

Domain XIII · Contemplative & religious disciplines · Antony, Pachomius, Macarius · 200 · Egypt

What it is

This is a contemplative practice, not a therapy. Askesis (Greek: exercise, training) names the whole discipline of the monks and nuns who, from the 3rd–4th centuries, withdrew to the deserts of Egypt and the Near East (Antony, Pachomius, Macarius, Arsenius; settlements at Nitria, Scetis and Kellia)…

Format

• Movement through these stages is not by session count or timetable. The tradition places discernment of readiness in the hands of an experienced elder and the person's own priest or spiritual father, never the person alone (Conf. 2.10–15).
• The therapist's frame alongside it. No source gives a session count, duration or format for therapy with a desert-tradition practitioner; none is stated here.

Who practises it, and how they are trained or regulated

• This is a contemplative practice, not a therapy. Askesis (Greek: exercise, training) names the whole discipline of the monks and nuns who, from the 3rd–4th centuries, withdrew to the deserts of Egypt and the Near East (Antony, Pachomius, Macarius, Arsenius; settlements at Nitria, Scetis and Kellia) to live by prayer, work, poverty and self-denial. The Sayings collect short responses of 27 abbas and three ammas…

Questions to explore with your client

• What drew you to it, and what are you hoping it will change?
• Does it involve any substance, plant preparation, remedy or supplement? Has your doctor or prescriber been told, especially about any medication you take?
• Does it involve fasting, a special diet or 'detox'? Have you discussed this with your doctor?
• Is it a group, retreat or community? How do they respond if someone wants to leave or raises a concern?
• How do you and the practitioner understand what is happening, in spiritual or cultural terms? Is that a source of comfort, worry, or both?
• Who runs it, and what training or registration do they hold?
• What actually happens in a session or meeting, and how often?
• What does it cost, and is there pressure to commit to more?
• How do you feel afterwards, in the hours and days that follow?
• Does it fit with, or clash with, the work we do here?

What practitioners of it watch for

• overwork as self-punishment; isolation. Working signs: steadier routine, better mood and functioning.
• fear of punishment for speaking in therapy. Working signs: the client can weigh guidance without fear.
• weight loss, fatigue, fear. Working signs: family practice aligned with the Church's own exemptions and the child's health.
• the client wanting you to replace their priest; you sliding into theological advice. Working signs: clear roles, both supports working together.
• the client hiding health information from either side; you drifting into ruling on what the Church permits. Working signs: a shared, explicit plan.

When to involve someone else

• New or worsening physical symptoms, or advice to stop or change prescribed medication: involve the client's doctor or prescriber.
• Signs of coercion, isolation from family and friends, escalating costs or secrecy: discuss openly and consider safeguarding.
• A crisis or thoughts of suicide: follow your crisis protocol. In the US, call or text 988; in the UK and Ireland, Samaritans on 116 123.

Drawn automatically from the guide's own sections. Stay curious: neither endorse nor dismiss what the client values, and check anything that matters against the full guide and its sources. Not medical advice.