Spirtuality
What is Spirituality?
In
referring to the usage of
spirituality in psychotherapy it is important to clarify the terms
spirituality and religion. Spirituality refers to a search
for
purpose, meaning, and connection between oneself, other people, the
universe, and the ultimate reality. This search or
exploration
can be observed within a religious or nonreligious framework.
Religion refers to a set of beliefs, practices, and traditions
experienced within a specific social institution; a religious
framework. There are a wide variety of ways in which the
patient
can incorporate the spiritual self into the treatment
process. I
will list a few
- Discussion
of the role of the patient's spiritual beliefs in relation to others
(family, friends, significant other)
- Reflection
on life after death
- How
spiritual values can affect issues of guilt, forgiveness, penance,
or amends
- Exploration
of religious and/or spiritual values and/or beliefs and how
it affects life situations
- Assess
the spiritual or religious meaning of dreams or current life
situation
- Usage
of art, dance, poetry, music, and other expressive arts
- Guided
visualization
- Usage
of nature in the healing process (walks in woods, an hour at the
lake)
- Integrative
mind-body practices
- Meditation
techniques
