Photo of Annette Bradshaw, MA, RP, BCN, Registered Psychotherapist
Annette Bradshaw
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, BCN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G
In starting therapy or returning to it, you may be seeking someone to talk to, psychological perspectives, tools and resources, and change. You may be struggling with depression, anxiety, or any of the long list of names given to conditions we can struggle with. My approach is client-centered as you are the expert on you, and I prefer to not pathologize and stigmatize. My perspective is that there are causes and contributors to the thoughts, feelings and behaviours which we find most difficult, and which can become traits and labels - and yet also - which can be changed.
In starting therapy or returning to it, you may be seeking someone to talk to, psychological perspectives, tools and resources, and change. You may be struggling with depression, anxiety, or any of the long list of names given to conditions we can struggle with. My approach is client-centered as you are the expert on you, and I prefer to not pathologize and stigmatize. My perspective is that there are causes and contributors to the thoughts, feelings and behaviours which we find most difficult, and which can become traits and labels - and yet also - which can be changed.
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Spirituality Counsellors

What should I expect from therapy that incorporates a focus on spirituality?

Spirituality can mean different things to different individuals, depending on their experiences, beliefs, and life histories. Some individuals focus on strengthening their belief system, while others experience spirituality in secular ways, such as through meditation, yoga, or by spending time in nature. Clients can expect a therapist to help guide and grow their spirituality through any of these techniques, encouraging the individual to cope with the challenges they face and develop strategies to build resilience and purpose to improve their outlook in life.

What are the most common treatments that include spirituality?

There are several treatments that incorporate spirituality. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) helps a person examine and reframe their negative thoughts and behaviours. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) focuses on emotional acceptance and psychological flexibility. Existential therapy is most often used to address anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, apathy, despair, questions of identity, and feelings of purposelessness and existential dread. Transpersonal therapy focuses on a client’s spirituality and meaning in life and may incorporate techniques including meditation, visualisation, hypnotherapy, dream analysis, and or breathwork.

Can therapy incorporating spirituality help atheistic or agnostic individuals?

Yes. For non-believers, spirituality can offer benefits including a greater sense of connection to others and to the natural world. An interest in spirituality may also spur individuals to pursue mindfulness practices, or to contemplate their purpose in life and how to achieve it.

How effective is spirituality as a therapeutic remedy?

​​Research suggests spirituality is generally beneficial for individuals. It is correlated with better health habits, such as less substance use, and an improved capacity to cope with stress and other mental health challenges. Increased spirituality can lead individuals to become more empathic and less materialistic, as well.