The influence of therapists’ spirituality on their practice: A grounded theory exploration

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

E-ISSN: 1746-1405|15|3|161-170

ISSN: 1473-3145

Source: COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Vol.15, Iss.3, 2015-09, pp. : 161-170

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

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Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCounselling and psychotherapy have complex relationships with religion and spirituality. Therapy has not tended to focus a great deal on the spirituality of the client, much less that of the therapist. More recently, there has been an increased interest in the role of spirituality in therapy.Aim/MethodologyThis study used a grounded theory methodology to explore the spirituality of nine therapists and to identify the ways in which their spirituality influences their practice.FindingsOne overarching theme emerged from the data, which was the reflective, dynamic, and developmental process in which participants were engaged, in order to integrate their spiritual and therapeutic identities. Within this, two sub‐themes emerged: the direct influence of therapist spirituality on therapeutic work, and finding harmony between spirituality and broader professional context.ImplicationsProcesses of professional and spiritual development of therapists are discussed along with implications for practice, training, and research.