Resources
Below is a list of resources about spiritually focused therapy you may find helpful:
Integrating Spirituality and Psychotherapy: Ethical issues and Principles to Consider PDF download (psychologytoday.com)
Religion and Spirituality in the Treatment Room - American Psychological Association (apa.org)
Does Spirituality Belong in Therapy? National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (nicabm.com)
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What Is Spiritually Focused Therapy?
Spiritually Focused Therapy is a holistic, client-centered approach that addresses the mind and the soul.
For too long, therapy has ignored the spiritual nature of humanity. Spiritually Focused Therapy recognizes that you are more than just a physical being and encourages you to draw upon your spiritual power to change your life.
Spiritually Focused Therapy emphasizes that we are spiritual beings and that our reality is much bigger than just the physical life we are leading. Spiritually Focused Therapy understands spirituality is a vital aspect of humanity that must be accessed by faith, making faith one of our greatest resources for change. Faith is foundational to our self-worth and identity. Faith lifts our vision from our own weakness to the spiritual power available to us. Faith reminds us that we are not alone and do not have to accomplish everything on our own. Integrating spirituality into therapy connects us to God’s love, increases our sense of self-worth, deepens life’s meaning and purpose and better equips us to experience our greatest potential.
Being client-centered, Spiritually Focused Therapy will not impose any spiritual perspective upon you. You will be encouraged to explore your spirituality for resources or strength you might have overlooked. You will be encouraged to participate in spiritual exercises consistent with your spiritual beliefs, such as meditation, mindfulness, journaling or prayer. In this way, you will experience a more integrated life. You will be able to draw upon the spiritual power available through your faith and spiritual principles you hold dear. As you consider your challenges from a spiritual perspective, you will discover divine insight, strength and power.
Spiritually Focused Therapy addresses the spiritual and mental aspects of mental health, utilizing spiritually sensitive practices and disciplines along with standard clinical procedures. This approach often stimulates more profound change because issues are addressed more holistically, considering both the mind and the soul. As you learn how to draw upon the spiritual resources you possess in a safe therapeutic environment, you will gain a more nuanced perspective of yourself, the challenges you face and the potential you possess to experience the life you desire.