The Role of Spirituality in Counseling

As the world becomes more complicated and people long to understand the “why” behind all of the “WTF,” humanity seems to be hungry for more answers, bigger answers. Now more than ever, we are tapping into an innate curiosity that for many has laid dormant for quite some time. People are revisiting the faith they were raised in, questioning the beliefs and practices of their families, or even seeking a spiritual path for the very first time. But one thing is for sure, as suffering and uncertainty grow, so does our desire to get a glimpse at what lies beyond it.

With the exception of faith-based counseling services provided specifically by a religious leader, the role of spirituality in therapy has been murky and even taboo within the clinical community. In an effort to adhere to evidence-based models and scientific backing, as well as respecting individual differences, many therapists have avoided the topic of spirituality all together. In our history, the fields of spirituality and science have been like two paths diverging ever further into different stratospheres, sometimes with great debate and conflict. However, modern times seem to be birthing a new union between these two areas that offer support for one another, even enhancing their potency.

Studies are emerging daily that substantiate the power of prayer, the enduring nature of consciousness, and the connection of all living things. Groups are coming together to share their thoughts and ideas and provide support for one another during tenuous and unnerving times. Bridges are being built between faith and research that offer exciting and promising new perspectives. And as it pertains to mental health, being able to view one’s life and challenges within the context of a much bigger picture can be incredibly healing. Finding purpose to pain or greater meaning behind anguish, even coming to understand the learning and lessons available in struggle can assist people in regaining a sense of power while instilling hope in an emotional landscape that once felt barren and bleak.

Therapy can also be a place for individuals to explore religious or spiritual trauma that they have endured in the past. This may look like challenging ideas that you were indoctrinated with as a child, easing family conflict that arises from differing viewpoints, or dismantling previously held belief systems that left you feeling judged, alienated, or even doomed. For some people, an absence of spirituality in their upbringing left a sense of emptiness while others’ family practices created more questions than answers and perhaps even a sense of fear or dread. But no matter where we begin, there is nothing more deeply human than the desire to understand what it truly means to be a human.

Discussions about spirituality can also be very helpful within the context of grief and loss. The crushing idea of finality can be a tremendous obstacle in healing after the death of a loved one, and the chasm perceived between where you are and where your loved one is often feels too far to bear. Examining belief systems and leaning into one’s faith can birth adaptive emotions like hope, optimism, and the warmth of a connection that is never truly lost. It is important to note here as well that though some may prefer it, it is not necessary for the therapist and client to share the same background or beliefs. Therapists are trained to view their clients through a lens of objectivity and unconditional positive regard that is intended to allow individuals of all presentations to receive care in a supportive and unbiased way. As one person can respect the cultural differences of another, so too can they work within their religious or spiritual differences as well.

Though current times may be alarming and unsettling, one thing that extreme discomfort can create is inspiration to look deeper. Motivation to question, to dissect and rebuild, to reorient oneself within a grander picture that brings a much-needed understanding and sense of peace. This is the gift of spirituality, and why it can be an incredibly useful and beautiful addition to the therapeutic process. If you would like to talk more about the role of spirituality in your life or even explore your own belief systems for the first time, therapy can be a wonderful place to do it.

I invite you to contact me at 954-391-5305 for a complimentary consultation about how therapy can help you find your place in the spiritual journey. I provide counseling for adults at our offices in Plantation, Florida as well as online therapy for those who reside in Florida via our secure telehealth platform. For more information about my approach to counseling and EMDR therapy, click here.

Related Reading

Exploring spirituality in therapy often brings up bigger questions about grief, meaning, and identity. These previously published Bayview Therapy articles go deeper on the threads Sara touches on:

• EMDR Therapy: What It Is and How It Can Help, a clear primer on the trauma-focused approach Sara uses in her work at our Plantation office.

• First Responder Burnout in South Florida: You Deserve Support, how specialized counseling helps the first responder community Sara serves.

• Trauma Therapy in Fort Lauderdale: What It Is and How It Can Help, a broader look at trauma work across our Broward County offices.

• What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session, a guide for adults who are curious about starting therapy for the first time.

Begin Your Journey in South Florida

Spirituality and therapy can be a powerful combination, especially when the work is led by someone who respects your story and meets you where you are. Sara Speed, LMHC, offers a complimentary consultation to help you decide whether online therapy or in-person sessions at our Plantation office are the right fit. If you live or work near any of our South Florida locations, we also have offices in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Springs, so you can choose whichever is closest to home or work.

• Fort Lauderdale: 2419 E Commercial Blvd, Ste 203, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

• Coral Springs: 7451 Wiles Road, Ste 206, Coral Springs, FL 33067

• Plantation: 1776 North Pine Island Rd, Ste 318, Plantation, FL 33322

• Online therapy available throughout Florida

• Call or text: 9543915305">(954) 391-5305

• Request an appointment: bayviewtherapy.com/contact-us

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be religious to talk about spirituality in therapy?

No. Spirituality is broader than religion. In therapy, it can include anything that gives your life a sense of meaning, purpose, or connection, whether that is a faith tradition, a relationship with nature, a meditation practice, or simply a desire to understand your place in the world. You decide what spirituality means to you, and your therapist works within that frame.

What if religion or spirituality has caused me harm?

Therapy can be a safe place to explore religious or spiritual trauma. This might mean questioning ideas you were raised with, grieving the loss of a faith community, or untangling shame that came from a strict belief system. Our therapists work with adults across Florida who are healing from these experiences without any agenda beyond supporting your individual recovery.

Can therapy help with grief through a spiritual lens?

Yes. Exploring what you believe happens after death, leaning into a faith practice that has brought you comfort in the past, or simply allowing room in sessions for the bigger questions grief brings up can be a meaningful part of healing. Our grief counseling services support adults across South Florida in person at our Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation offices, as well as online.

Will my therapist share my faith or background?

Not necessarily, and that is by design. Bayview therapists are trained to work with unconditional positive regard regardless of a client’s beliefs or background. What matters is that your therapist understands what matters to you, respects your worldview, and supports you in clarifying or deepening it at your own pace.