Spark, yes, eliminate all other causes before an exorcism. Your example of your girlfriend is a good one. However one can be under spiritual attack without being completely taken over by a demonic spirit.
Msgr. Pope is, in my view, totally correct when he says: “But the first step is always to assess each case to determine if there is true possession or perhaps a lesser form of demonic oppression. Sometimes, too, there are natural causes related to behavioral problems and mental or spiritual struggles.”
I remember being at a church retreat 20 years ago where came under an attack. Personal prayer and fighting back get me out of it, but I found out that others noticed the change in me and were also praying for me. Not a classic exorcism, but close enough to work.
Marantha
Thanks for your post # 6. Full demonic possession may be rare, but lesser forms of possession, obsession and influence are not rare.
“Personal prayer and fighting back get me out of it, but I found out that others noticed the change in me and were also praying for me. Not a classic exorcism, but close enough to work.”
Remember when the disciples asked Jesus why there were some demons that they could not cast out? His reply was that they must be done in prayer. I say that all exorcisms must be done in prayer. If I accidentally allow my will to enter and my goal is merely to remove a dark spirit attachment, I might be creating an opening for seven demons even worse to come and takes its place.
Prayers for others are critically important, especially when a person is under anesthesia and does not have the ability to exercise their own will for protection. Many spirit attachments happen in hospitals.