Many people recognize that there’s a difference being spiritual and being religious. They see that it’s possible to be a spiritual person without following a belief system. Likewise, having a belief system doesn’t necessarily make someone spiritual. Spirituality is about your state of consciousness, which determines how you interact in the world and with others.

There is something outwardly noticeable about people who have reached a state of spiritual awareness. They tend to be cheerful. If your answer to the question, “How do I feel most of the time?” is that you feel anxious, anguished, hurt, depressed, or lonely, then you may be spiritually disconnected.

Spirituality is the sense of recognizing that we are all connected to each other by a power greater than ourselves. The spiritually focused approach brings soul back into the heart of psychology. The word “psychology” originates from the Greek word psyche, which means “breath, life, soul.” Ironically, it has never been that. What was intended as the study of the soul became the study of the mind and behavior.

Practicing spirituality brings a sense of meaning and purpose to our lives. Are you looking for a compassionate sounding board to contemplate spiritual reality? I provide the opportunity for you to explore whether there is more to life than what is on the surface.

Many People Experience Spirituality And Spiritual Growth In Complex Ways

Some people look to a higher power they call “God.” For others, spirituality is a hobby or a passion, such as fishing or sports. Still others believe in an inextricable connection to “the universe” through religious faith, while some feel the same way via shared human experiences.

Religion can be a powerful vehicle for this connection when guided by love and compassion. Some, however, believe that religion is responsible for a great deal of harm in the world.

Some experiences are just too complex, maybe even mystical, to share with others—especially if their beliefs are different from yours. It’s important to be able to share this part of your life in an open, nonjudgmental space with someone who is committed to truly hearing and understanding you. I can help you explore your spiritual connection to the world.

Whether you have solid convictions about this subject or are still exploring, a licensed counselor can help you parse these thoughts with sensitivity and understanding.

How Can Counseling Help With Spirituality?

It is my belief that one of the most important decisions we ever make is choosing to learn, grow, and evolve. All too often, however, we set aside our spiritual growth, thinking that we will find time in the future to explore it. Or, we have an understanding of spiritual truth, but still find ourselves locked into habitual reactions that cause painful consequences, unable to apply the things we know to our lives.

Exploring spirituality in counseling can help clarify your sense of purpose in life. Discovering what life looks like through the context of the soul, you will see your experiences differently. From the perspective of soul, all your experiences offer you opportunities to grow spiritually: even the painful ones.

My role is to help you recognize your wholeness, even if your experiences have told you that you are not enough, or that you are flawed and unlovable. I have great respect for people’s unique spiritual journeys, and I consider it an honor and a privilege to assist them along their paths.

You May Have Some Concerns About Spiritual Counseling…Will you impose your belief system on me?

Absolutely not. My role as a spiritual counselor is to listen to you and focus on your beliefs, not mine. I am here to be a sounding board for you to process your spirituality and help you live a life in accordance with your spiritual values.

Can you really talk about spiritual growth as a counselor? You don’t have to be a pastor or something?

Yes, even counselors and psychologists can discuss spiritual growth with clients if it is part of their overall care. The counseling field is becoming more aware of how spirituality is a big part of providing holistic care for clients. In addition, if spirituality is an important part of my clients’ lives, they should not feel like they need to hide this part of themselves because discussing it is considered inappropriate or even taboo. 

But it’s very important to discuss spiritual concerns with counselors who have received training. I have a master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology in addition to a master’s in Counseling Psychology.

I’m curious about spirituality, but I don’t see how it’s relevant to the problems I’m facing.

Counseling can help you understand how your core beliefs are reflected in your daily life—from major decisions down to the little ones. There may come a time when you discover that those values need to be reexamined or your behavior needs to be refined in order to be more congruent with those values.

Exploring spirituality involves more than just worshiping or praying; it can help you better understand the meaning of life, cope with loss or death, and help you become more tolerant and understanding of those who believe differently. In short, spirituality can be more relevant to your daily life and the challenges you face than you may realize.

Learn More About Spiritual Counseling

If you are ready to try working with a spiritual counselor, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. You can reach me at 805-453-2729.

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