Spirituality as a Strength in Therapy
2019-11-02 00:00:00 Brian Laurence
Clients often present in therapy with a wide range of problems to work through. However, when dealing with difficulties in life it’s easy to forget that each of us has a number of personal and relational strengths to help us both in session as well as outside of the therapy room. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from an array of backgrounds who are struggling with personal issues due to mental illness, substance abuse, grief and loss, and other challenges that we as humans are likely to encounter during our time on this earth. I have yet to work with one who does not bring some personal or relational attribute that can be leveraged to improve their ability to cope. These can be internal such as having a sense of humor or vocational ability, or external such as social support through family, friends, work, etc.
It’s heartening to see that the psychotherapy profession is increasingly recognizing one’s spirituality as a source of strength as well. A recent article in Psychology Today reveals that while this might seem to be a new trend, the idea is not. William James, considered to be the father of American Psychology, and humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow, both advocated for including all forms of human experience in psychology, to include spirituality. The article goes on to point out that regardless of whether a client shares the same religious beliefs as a therapist, consideration and respect for this area of strength holds tremendous value for the relationship between client and therapist, and the overall therapeutic experience. It’s worth noting that a client need not have the same religious view as their therapist for the therapeutic process to benefit. What is important is that like any strength, spirituality can be used to enhance the process of change. You can read more here.
It’s not unusual for us to forget to focus upon our strengths when we are feeling challenged or overwhelmed by our problems. Perhaps you are reading this post because you are in therapy or considering it. Maybe you’re simply curious, or you now find yourself in the midst of a storm and are seeking help. No matter where we may find ourselves, our strengths serve as a resource in this journey called life. If you’re ready to stop trying to go it alone, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help.
Clients often present in therapy with a wide range of problems to work through. However, when dealing with difficulties in life it’s easy to forget that each of us has a number of personal and relational strengths to help us both in session as well as outside of the therapy room. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients from an array of backgrounds who are struggling with personal issues due to mental illness, substance abuse, grief and loss, and other challenges that we as humans are likely to encounter during our time on this earth. I have yet to work with one who does not bring some personal or relational attribute that can be leveraged to improve their ability to cope. These can be internal such as having a sense of humor or vocational ability, or external such as social support through family, friends, work, etc.
It’s heartening to see that the psychotherapy profession is increasingly recognizing one’s spirituality as a source of strength as well. A recent article in Psychology Today reveals that while this might seem to be a new trend, the idea is not. William James, considered to be the father of American Psychology, and humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow, both advocated for including all forms of human experience in psychology, to include spirituality. The article goes on to point out that regardless of whether a client shares the same religious beliefs as a therapist, consideration and respect for this area of strength holds tremendous value for the relationship between client and therapist, and the overall therapeutic experience. It’s worth noting that a client need not have the same religious view as their therapist for the therapeutic process to benefit. What is important is that like any strength, spirituality can be used to enhance the process of change. You can read more here.
It’s not unusual for us to forget to focus upon our strengths when we are feeling challenged or overwhelmed by our problems. Perhaps you are reading this post because you are in therapy or considering it. Maybe you’re simply curious, or you now find yourself in the midst of a storm and are seeking help. No matter where we may find ourselves, our strengths serve as a resource in this journey called life. If you’re ready to stop trying to go it alone, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help.
Faith, Mental Health, Spirituality, Trauma