Is There a Place For Spirituality in Therapy?
Spirituality has a wrap of being impolite conversation at the dinner table, but what about in the therapy room?
Historically, spiritual beliefs and values were fought for in our nation. We live today with a line drawn between spiritual wellness and emotional/mental wellness - a reflection of the first amendment, which appropriately defines spiritual beliefs as a separate institution from other institutions. This was enacted to ensure the government didn't favor one spiritual belief over another.
Despite this line, many studies exist that conclude that when spirituality is nurtured people live longer, heal faster, decrease stress, improve emotional regulation, and self-report higher levels of satisfaction in their lives (4) (8) (9).
The Mayo Clinician had this to say:
“Most studies have shown that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes, including greater longevity, coping skills, and health-related quality of life (even during terminal illness) and less anxiety, depression, and suicide. Several studies have shown that addressing the spiritual needs of the patient may enhance recovery from illness.” (7)
Research
Trusting in a higher power may lower worry and doubt, and increase tolerance of the uncertain, according to research conducted at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital (1) (5) (6). Two separate studies attempted to measure a correlation between the level of trust in a higher power and how stress, worry, and intolerance of uncertainty are experienced.
One study was a self-report of how much participants trusted a higher power and how much they tolerated uncertainty. A correlation was found that individuals who self-reported having higher trust in a caring God also self-reported lower degrees of worry and higher degrees of openness to uncertainty. The second study compared 3 groups, with one group taking part in a spiritually integrated treatment modality (the second being taught relaxation techniques, such as breathing, and the third no treatment at all). Results observed that of the 3 group groups, those engaged in 2 weeks of spiritually integrated treatment reported higher degrees of trust in a higher power, lowered and reduced levels of intolerance and worry, and lower stress (1) (6) when compared with the other 2 groups.
“Spirituality makes a really nice companion to therapy because it provides love and warmth that you can tap into any time.” Jackson MacKenzie
The term spiritual wellness refers to a belief in something greater than yourself, whether it’s a formal divine being to whom you pray and worship, something that provides you with a sense of meaning and purpose, or anything in between. It doesn’t need to be connected to a specific religious concept but instead is closely associated with living life aligned with your values, freely and happily. The above study suggests trust in something greater than ourselves can offer us relief from stress and help us deal with uncertainty better.
Other sources suggest that nurturing a belief in something greater than ourselves can offer peace, confidence, better self-control, deeper connections with our loved ones, provide a greater sense of who one is and where they are going (moral compass), and higher self-esteem (2) (4). These can be positively influential during interference with mental illness, as those are times when one may feel the most pessimistic and question their value or purpose.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you really are.” Carl Jung
It is not uncommon for a therapist to assess the spiritual wellness of a client in the first session. A therapist will ask about your particular creeds, dogmas, experiences with religious organizations, philosophies, or spiritual realizations. Being conscientious about your personal beliefs will help your therapist utilize your powerful value system and enable you to identify things both in and outside of your control, such as finding optimism, hope, and personal resolve. (3)
Not spiritual?
Therapists understand the relevance of
a) individual core beliefs about self
b) the world, and
c) your future
as they relate to your real emotions. Empowerment is key. You get to choose what you think and believe as you grasp your sense of self. Being grateful, having respect, and having personal routines or rituals are not exclusive to spirituality. Your therapist will not push their beliefs on you and will work with you to find meaning and purpose (4).
Cultural Competence in Therapy
Spiritual beliefs can be an important cultural factor that shapes experience, behavior, and values. Cultural competency necessitates professionals to be understanding of a client's background, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexuality, and other values held by the client, including their level of spirituality.
And chances are high that, in one way or another, spirituality is part of a client's culture. It has been consistently found in surveys of the general public that most people (over 70% in recent polls) in the United States report having a “spiritual” life, and believing in a higher power. (10) (11)
Therapists use a client's cultural norms to help clients build or improve human connection. A connection might come from a community of like-minded individuals, who nurture spirituality in similar ways. Relationships such as this can reduce isolation, decrease feelings of sadness, and create purpose in life (3) (8)
Whether you are spiritual or not, you can utilize the values that are central to you, as you gain a more precise sense of self and align with your values. If spirituality is a part of your life, discussing those beliefs with your therapist can be helpful for your progression as you work toward your personal goals. Living a more meaningful and satisfying life is within your capability.
1- https://www.nicabm.com/spirituality-in-therapy/
2- https://www.webmd.com/balance/how-spirituality-affects-mental-health
3- https://withtherapy.com/mental-health-resources/spirituality-religion/
4- https://willowcounseling.org/5-key-benefits-of-spirituality-you-should-know-about/
6- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.20798
8- https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(11)62799-7/pdf
9- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1380930/
10- https://www.barna.com/research/rising-spiritual-openness/
11- https://news.gallup.com/poll/7657/new-index-tracks-spiritual-state-union.aspx
Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.