What is spiritual counselling?
Simply put, spiritual counselling considers the client’s spiritual beliefs in a counselling session, and generally takes a holistic view of the person. This means the person’s entire self, including mind, body and soul are explored and integrated together in session to help guide the client with whatever issue they may be struggling with.
For some, spirituality is connected to a religion or specific faith, while for others spirituality is a general sense of being connected to something greater than oneself. In the Western world, spirituality and therapy has not always had a close relationship but for some, exploring their life utilising a lens of spirituality can provide meaning and comfort and facilitate great healing. While some people would choose to seek out a religious leader or mentor, for some a counsellor can act in place of that, especially if spirituality is a completely new concept for them or they are uncertain who to turn to.
Therapy that has a spiritual focus or undertone can focus on all matters regarding spirituality and how it intersects with everyday life. For example, spiritual counselling can include the following (this list is absolutely not exhaustive):
- Religious, spiritual or philosophical ideas and how they meet and intersect with real life situations
- Major life transitions and changes in oneself after a 'spiritual awakening'
- Creating space for the unique wisdom of a client’s higher-self to come through.
- Integration and exploration of all dimensions of the self.
- Exploring thoughts around the meaning of life, including thoughts about life, death and the afterlife.
- Being uncertain about how events have transpired and if there is a greater meaning to existence.
- Exploring aspects to spirituality including meditation, intuitive visions, spiritual gifts, metaphysical experiences and subconscious messages.
Spiritual counselling can often include meditation techniques, mindfulness, journaling and exploration of routines, rituals and processes that match the client’s concerns or journey. However, every counselling session is unique and depends on what the client brings to the session, as well as their own unique beliefs about life and spirituality.
The reason I offer spiritual counselling is because I do believe in a connection to something greater, and while I won’t delve into my own personal belief or practices here, I have also seen how important it is for some people to explore this holistic connection to themselves and the world around them. In my own journey, exploring this spiritual connection has led to some incredibly profound experiences and I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to explore this side of themselves if they so desire.
If your spirituality or spiritual experiences is something you’d like to explore further, I have counselling appointments available Australia wide (via Zoom or phone). Please see my “Bookings” page for more information, or feel free to give me a call and ask any questions you may have about what a counselling session might entail.
