Wether I am helping a client through a spiritual emergency or including a client’s religious/spiritual wellbeing in a regular session, my counseling is spiritually-Integrated.
That doesn’t mean I’m going to make everything spiritual or give spiritual advice. It means that if YOU want to discuss anything spiritual, then I will hold space to talk on your terms, focus on your beliefs and tradition, and guide you to discover the path that is right for you.
Spiritually integrated therapy is a person-centered therapy, where you are the expert and I am a guide. You contain the wisdom and I help you connect to it. Check out our other page to learn all about person-centered therapy.
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Guide to spiritual emergencies
Spirituality In Counseling
On the journey of personal growth and healing, spiritual wellness often requires a dedicated focus. Research shows that spiritually integrated counseling nurtures this aspect of our being with a depth and efficacy that surpasses conventional counseling methods.
Spiritual wellness is not a one-size-fits-all. Your journey is unique, and the paths to spiritual fulfillment are as diverse as the individuals walking them. Spiritually integrated competencies are about creating a sacred space that respects and supports all practices and beliefs.
The competencies adopted by the American Counseling Association (ACA) are designed to guide counselors in addressing these dimensions of wellbeing with sensitivity and skill.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the key areas:
Core Competencies Required For Spiritually Integrated Counseling
- Understanding Worldviews
Counselors should be able to distinguish between spirituality and religion and understand how these beliefs shape a client’s experience and functioning. - Self-Awareness
Being mindful of your own beliefs and biases is critical. Counselors must ensure their values don’t overshadow the client’s needs or perspectives. - Spiritual Development
Clients’ spiritual or religious growth often intersects with other aspects of human development. Counselors should recognize and work with these connections. - Sensitive Communication
Counselors must respond to discussions of spirituality or religion with acceptance and tailor their language to the client’s comfort and perspective. - Holistic Assessment
Intake and assessment processes should include an understanding of a client’s spiritual or religious background, as it may impact their challenges and strengths. - Diagnosis and Treatment
Treatment plans should integrate clients’ spiritual or religious beliefs when appropriate, recognizing both the positive and potentially challenging roles these beliefs can play.
“Direct spiritual experiences appear in two different forms. The first of these, the experience of the immanent Divine, involves subtly, but profoundly transformed perception of the everyday reality.” – Stanislav Grof
Why This Matters
Spirituality and religion are deeply personal and can be sources of strength, meaning, or struggle. By honoring these aspects of a client’s life, counselors create a more inclusive and effective therapeutic process.
Whether your spirituality finds expression in organized religion, personal belief systems, or the expansive realms of spirituality that defy easy categorization, there’s room for you here.
A Toolbox for the Soul
As part of this holistic approach to counseling, I offer guidance in meditation and mindfulness practices designed to quiet the mind, open the heart, and deepen your connection to the present moment. I have an eclectic meditation toolbox, encompassing a variety of techniques and traditions to suit your individual needs and preferences.
For those who have ventured into the realms of altered states, whether through psychedelic experiences, peak spiritual moments, or deep meditative states, the need for thoughtful integration is paramount. These experiences can be profoundly life-changing, offering glimpses into aspects of reality and consciousness that are both exhilarating and, at times, challenging to reconcile with everyday life.
Conclusion
For a deeper dive into the competencies and their practical applications, check out the full document on the ACA’s website HERE
Whether you’re a professional counselor or someone curious about integrating spirituality and mental health, these competencies offer a thoughtful framework for meaningful work.
As part of the Durango therapist community, I am here for in person help or online across all of Colorado.