Why spirituality?
A few years ago, spirituality and mental health became a notable topic. Some
research reported that “spiritual” people are healthier and happier. Previous to
this, spirituality was not very popular in psychotherapy practice because it did not fit
into a particular theory or method. Then as psychotherapy has evolved with more
emphasis put on client strengths and assets, more therapists have realized the
importance of spirituality.
Today more and more therapists and counselors are trying to help clients realize
their spiritual strengths and resources. A spiritual person believes that there is
purpose in life, hope in the future and meaning in loving and caring
relationships. Therefore, it in foremost that the therapist assess and understand
the client’s spiritual beliefs, values and strengths.
Furthermore, faith and hope can help us deal with tragedies, sickness, and
death and dying. Faith and hope help us restore meaning and order in life and
promote healing. Many believe that it is in the midst of pain, trauma, loss and
suffering that we can really get to know God.
The greatest commandment.
"You shall love the Lord
with all your heart, soul and mind…
and your neighbor as yourself…”
In Matthew 22, 37-40, Jesus instructs us to love the Lord, but adds the second
commandment, “love your neighbor as yourself.” We might conclude that
loving our Creator and creation is most important, but loving and caring for
ourselves, as we love others, is also very important. This is our prescription
for spiritual and mental health.
Because of tragedy, grief and loss, conflict, stress, addictions, depression or
anxiety, we sometimes loose our balance between love of self, love of
neighbor and love of our higher power and creation. A spiritual
framework is a starting place to restore our balance.
The key is how we heal and nurture ourselves during and after hard times.
This is why hard times often help us grow to be better “spiritual”
persons. Christians believe that we get closer to God through
suffering. Jesus showed us the "Way" through his suffering and
death on the cross.
If you are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, or whatever your spirituality, hopefully you
hold dear the idea of balance between love of your higher power, your
neighbor and yourself.
What to look for in a therapist.
People want a therapist who is likable, pleasant and, most of all, a good listener.
The therapist should have a good sense of humor, but be understanding
and sensitive to all problems presented.
The therapist should be positive and skilled in helping the client identify his or her
personal strengths, skills and positive traits.
Working in a spiritual framework means helping the client identify his or her
spiritual beliefs, attitudes and strengths in order to use these as a place to
start and restore spiritual and mental health.
A good therapist never preaches, but helps understand and support the
client’s wholesome, positive, and life supporting beliefs, attitudes and
practices.
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