SEXUAL ISSUES IN CLINICAL PRACTICE FORUM ARCHIVE
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Re: Spiritual Growth?
MOnica · 07/29/00 at 1:24 PM ET
YOu sound rather cynical about the term "spiritual growth."
As far as religion in therapy, I have touched on religion many times in my counseling, always from the client's frame of reference, if the client brings it up. I find nothing unethical about this, or see any need for studies in theology.
I think that psychotherapy is going more and more toward holistic approaches. I personally think that good nutrition has as much to do with mental health as any other factor. I think one's spiritual health can play into this as well.
I personally define spiritual growth as the increasing awareness of the presence of a superior being in one's life, and one's ability to rely on that connection to become less dependent on earthly things or events to remain emotionally stable. Ghandi's independence of material things including food is an example, or Black Elk's spiritual awareness of his own purpose is another.
Spiritual growth can lead to emotional maturity, stability, increased efficiency. Some people can achieve these goals without ever having a religious thought. Some people are more spiritually inclined than others, as some are artistically inclined and not others.
Does all this talk of spirituality make you uncomfortable?
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