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.
Paul Lohkamp, MSW, LCSW
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