Where did the Summer go? Did you miss my e-news? Well I am happy to announce it's back. I have been having some people ask me what is the difference between Spiritual and Mental Counseling. I hope to maybe clarify it a bit.
According to resources mental health counseling and spiritual counseling, while both focused on well-being, differ in their approaches and goals. Mental health counseling primarily addresses psychological well-being through evidence-based therapies and techniques, while spiritual counseling integrates spiritual principles and beliefs to foster a deeper connection to one's self and a higher purpose.
Mental Health Counseling:
Focus:
Psychological well-being, emotional regulation, coping mechanisms, and addressing mental health conditions.
Approach:
Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other psychological techniques.
Goals:
Enhance self-awareness, build self-acceptance, improve emotional regulation, build resilience, improve communication skills, and promote empowerment and choice.
Example:
A therapist might use CBT to help a client manage anxiety by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.
Spiritual Counseling:
Focus:
Connecting with one's inner wisdom, finding meaning and purpose, and exploring spiritual beliefs.
Approach:
Holistic approach integrating spiritual principles, mindfulness, meditation, and exploring connection to a higher power or the universe.
Goals:
Increase well-being by working through core issues like shame, guilt, depression, fears, and addictions, reconnecting with one's authentic self, and finding spiritual enlightenment, according to Spiritual Solutions Centre.
Example:
A spiritual counselor might guide a client through a meditation to connect with their inner self and find clarity on a difficult decision.
Key Differences:
Theoretical Framework:
Mental health counseling relies on psychological theories, while spiritual counseling draws from spiritual or religious beliefs.
Scope:
Mental health counseling often focuses on specific mental health conditions, while spiritual counseling can address a broader range of life issues from a spiritual perspective.
Inclusivity:
Mental health counseling is generally secular, while spiritual counseling can be faith-based or involve a more general exploration of spirituality.
Therapist's Role:
Mental health counselors are trained in evidence-based therapies, while spiritual counselors may incorporate spiritual practices and guidance.
Both mental health counseling and spiritual counseling can be valuable for personal growth and well-being, and sometimes they can even be integrated to provide a more comprehensive approach to healing and self-discovery.
I have had clients who have come to me for spiritual counseling after working for years with a mental health therapist and felt mental health counseling was not working for them. The thing is not all mental health symptoms are mental or brain related it can be spirit related.
When we are not following our souls path it can cause us to feel depressed and/or anxious. Sometimes anxiety is the Universes way of trying to get your attention, it is not a mental issue. So, should you feel mental health counseling is not working with you it may be beneficial to seek out spiritual counseling.
When you understand your soul's purpose better it can help you to feel fulfilled and life may even begin to make a lot more sense. Now, I am not saying this is for all people, but it could just be that your issues are truly soul related and not brain related at all.
Resources for this article:
Spiritual Solutions Center
Positive Psychology
HPC Wellness
Sessions for Spiritual Counseling are held at my home office or by video chat. I do have cats and understand some people have allergies, if that is the case, we can meet at the Tannery Marketplace (they have offered me a space at an hourly rental.)
My office hours will be Sunday, Monday, and Tuesdays from 10 - 6 PM. Scheduling is available online via my website.
If you have additional questions about Spiritual Counseling/Guidance and if it is for you, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at
spiritualpathwaysnh@gmail.com.
Namaste,
Pat Laurino
Intuitive Energy Healer/Spiritual Psychic/Medium
