The interplay of psychology and spirituality : a resource for counselors and psychotherapists

Many counseling clients find comfort and meaning in their spiritual lives, in the context of religious affiliation or the diverse viewpoints of the “spiritual but not religious.” But counselors and psychotherapists often lack training for work in this territory and may be wary of opening the door. The Interplay of Psychology and Spirituality is an exploration of the subtle, fluid relationship between psychology and spirituality that offers valuable perspectives and suggestions for embracing spirituality and religion in the helping professions. Drawing on Jungian, transpersonal, and integral perspectives, Hepburn highlights personal and cultural styles, spirituality as a therapeutic resource, and the potential for psychospiritual growth. She also emphasizes the importance of focusing on metaphors, stories, and direct experience rather than beliefs. Thoughtful attention is given to potential psychospiritual problems, ethical dilemmas, and diagnostic challenges. There are also frequent opportunities for personal reflection. Unique features of the book include consideration of the potential relationship of spirituality to therapeutic themes such as attachment, trauma, subpersonalities, and somatic experience, as well as application of the concepts in the stories of nine fictional characters based on the Enneagram. Thoughtful and thought provoking, The Interplay of Psychology and Spirituality is a valuable resource for helping professionals, spiritual directors, and for general readers with a particular interest in the subject. "Many counseling clients find comfort and meaning in their spiritual lives, in the context of religious affiliation or the diverse viewpoints of the "spiritual but not religious." But counselors and psychotherapists often lack training for work in this territory and may be wary of opening the door, and spiritual counselors may feel the need for deeper psychological understanding. Interplay is an exploration of the subtle, fluid relationship between psychology and spirituality, offering valuable suggestions for embracing spirituality and religion in the helping professions. Drawing on Jungian, transpersonal, and integral perspectives, Hepburn emphasizes the importance of metaphors, stories, and felt experience, and considers cultural and personality variations (with a special focus on the Enneagram), spirituality as a therapeutic resource, and the potential for psychospiritual growth. Thoughtful attention is given to potential psychospiritual problems, ethical dilemmas, and diagnostic challenges, and personal reflection is encouraged throughout. The Interplay of Psychology and Spirituality is a valuable resource for helping professionals, and will appeal to general readers who are motivated to understand this territory."--Back cover