Spiritual psychology represents a counseling approach that seeks to identify the spiritual dimensions of mental health challenges. This methodology offers insights into human suffering through the lens of transcendent truths, which are enduring principles that facilitate a journey of self-discovery and healing. Spiritual psychologists believe in holistic approaches to healing, which includes the integration of mind, body and spirit into one's daily life.
Transcendent truths exist beyond the constraints of time and space; they shape our understanding of the world without being confined by it. Our world views are constructed from these transcendent truths—beliefs we hold to be true prior to questioning the validity of other perspectives.
In essence, spiritual psychology offers a framework for understanding the human experience in a more comprehensive and meaningful way, integrating the psychological and spiritual dimensions of our lives.
Spiritual psychology presents a distinct perspective on mental health, differing from traditional psychology and psychiatry, which typically emphasize an individual's biological factors, symptoms, or available treatment methods.
"The wound is the place where the Light enters you"
- Rumi
The Methodology
Spiritual psychology is a specialized field within psychology that examines human spirituality and its connection to mental well-being. Various psychological approaches explore the significance of transcendent experiences in personal development and healing.
A spiritual psychologist combines clinical practice approaches with religious or spiritual principles to help treat patients with psychological, mental or emotional conditions. Many spiritual psychologists incorporate behavioral, cognitive, emotional and clinical practices with values that resonate with their patients' backgrounds. Some psychology professionals who use spiritual approaches may also have backgrounds in theological or religious studies in addition to credentials in clinical psychology.