Deusa Maria Samú (photo), was born in the Brazilian town of Piripiri, in the state of Piauí, and lives in São Paulo. She is a psychologist and became a Spiritist in 1990. She is a Spiritist speaker and coordinator of youth groups in the Seara Bendita Spiritist Centre. She has become an expert on dealing with grieving and losses in the family, as she explains in this interview.

How did you become a Spiritist?

It was in the 1990s, when a neighbour let me the book “The Reincarnation of Perter Proud,” a best-seller by Max Ehrlich. I was fascinated, decided to learn more about it and haven’t stopped since.

What about your passion for Psychology?

That was an accident. I wanted to be a psychiatrist, but for that I would need to spend the whole day at university. I had a baby to look after and chose Psychology instead.

Where does your interest for grieving and family losses come from?

It began after my second son, Rafael, passed away. I had already chosen to work as a psychiatrist in hospitals and became interested in working as liaison between the medical teams and the families.

Which aspect of all human afflictions touches you in a special way?

What really strikes me when dealing with human afflictions is realising that God is absent from the lives of so many people. Regardless of the religious background, that is indeed a crucial point.

What would you like to say about your work helping others as a professional and also as a Spiritist?

In both cases, what comes out really strong is the lack of “answers” coming from people who are going through pain. I attribute that to the absence of God in their lives.

Is there an effective way of dealing with human anxieties?

In order to change that perception concerning our anxieties, I think we can find the answer in question 919 from The Spirits’ Book. There we learn that self-knowledge is the best option. We need to understand that we are immortal spirits.

What role can the Spiritist Movement play in that effort?

The Spiritist Movement can play a crucial role as it provides people with the tools to deal with the typical challenges we will find on a planet like ours, which is still at the spiritual level of “trials and tribulations”.

If you could suggest something to all Spiritists, what would that be?

My advice to all Spiritists would be to study the Teachings in depth. I would also mention here the quote by Emmanuel: “To do is the best way to advice.” So, practice what you pray. That is a clear sign that coherence has won.

What would you like to highlight from your memories?

Of all my memories, what really comes to my mind is the clear perception that the Spiritual Benefactors have been around me and have inspired me to go beyond what pure technique allows. They continue to encourage me to tune into the human dimension of the brother or sister who knocks on my door. I don’t see a “patient,” but a “sibling” instead.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I must add here that there is no need to separate our faith and the principles of these blessed Teachings from my professional practice. We need to avoid having a “double personality”. I would like, finally, to thank you for the opportunity to be here and make an appeal to those reading my words: accept God and accept your identity as an immortal spirit, living love in every opportunity you have. That is the best choice you can make today. What I hear the most from terminal patients is: “I didn’t have time”. So, the time is today, now.