Connections and Themes of Spirituality in Family Therapy

Abstract

In this article, we provide an overview of current considerations of spirituality in family therapy literature and practice. We suggest that whatever practice of therapy is undertaken, implicity or explicitly it will reflect views on the connection between spirituality and family therapy--connections involving clients' and therapists' beliefs. A thematic framework based on dimensions of the instrumental and metaphysical is outlined. Clinical approaches and practices within these connections are discussed.

Integrating Spirituality into Family Therapy Training: An Exploration of Faculty Members’ Beliefs

“…It is also possible that MFTs may be influenced by societal beliefs that spirituality is a personal and private matter and, therefore, is inappropriate for public conversations. Additionally, MFTs may be worried about the potential harm that could come from imposing their own spiritual values or ideas onto clients (Haug, 1998b;Prest & Keller, 1993;Rivett & Street, 2001;Stander et al, 1994;Walsh, 1999). Furthermore, this trend may be influenced by the historical separation between spirituality and the practice of psychotherapy (Walsh, 1999).…”

“…For Giblin (1996), spirituality is related to experiences of growth, energy, freedom, and the ability to connect to more parts of the self, others, and life. Additionally, Rivett and Street (2001) define spirituality as something that ''encompasses the individual's beliefs concerning his or her link with the universe'' (p. 460). Finally, Becvar (1997) argues that spirituality ''directs our attention to some of the most basic existential issues: to the meaning and purpose of life and to creating a reality that is supportive of the best interests and highest good of the soul, both of the individual and of the world'' (p. 31).…”

“…The majority of the publications in the MFT literature on spirituality are conceptual articles and books that articulate the importance of integrating spirituality into clinical practice and training (Becvar, 1997;Haug, 1998b;Moules, 2000;Stander, Piercy, Mackinnon, & Helmeke, 1994;Walsh, 1999). One of the premises in these conceptual writings is that since spirituality appears to play an important role in clients' lives, therapists have a responsibility to explore how clients' spiritual beliefs may serve as a resource for change (Becvar, 1997;Haug, 1998b;Moules, 2000;Stander et al, 1994;Rivett & Street, 2001;Walsh, 1999). Another premise in the conceptual literature is the need for MFT training programs to help future MFTs develop the skills and comfort level necessary to successfully integrate spirituality into their clinical work (Haug, 1998b;Moules, 2000;Roberts, 1999;Stander et al, 1994;Walsh & Pryce, 2003).…”

“Broken Together”: Spirituality and Religion as Coping Strategies for Couples Dealing with the Death of a Child: A Literature Review with Clinical Implications

“…Freud (1928), the forefather of psychotherapy, pathologized religion, considering it as part of the problem rather than an essential dimension of life or even a resource in therapy. As Rivett and Street (2001) noted, Freud's view may have contributed to the ambivalence psychotherapists developed about addressing spiritual and religious issues in therapy sessions.…”

The Process of Transcending a Traumatic Childhood

“…Such beliefs have been identified by many authors as important resources that can be accessed in therapy (Carlson et al 2002;DeFrain et al 2004;Rivett and Street 2001;Walsh 1998;Wendel 2003).…”