Spirituality and the Helping Professions

The spiritually-attuned counselor is intentional about their own spiritual growth, practice, and development so they can support others in their own process. In Spirituality and the Helping Professions, author Miles Matise guides readers through a journey of personal spiritual growth and also provides them with the skillsets and knowledge they need to assist clients in the use of religious and spiritual means to facilitate growth and navigate their own lives. In opening chapters, Matise addresses the spiritual needs of our modern times and how most people are on a quest and searching for something, be that meaning, purpose, happiness, or some other aspect, to foster contentment and stability in their lives. The book addresses various challenges that can arise when working with a person around spiritual issues, common paradigms and approaches, and the importance of a developmental perspective to conceptualize the individual and their spirituality. It recognizes the shift for many away from religion and toward spirituality, and how that can influence how we choose to live our lives. Techniques to promote the emergence of the spiritual in a person's life are provided, as well as suggested activities to prescribe for further development. Presenting a unique viewpoint and modern framework for working with clients, Spirituality and the Helping Professions is an essential resource for courses and programs in counseling, psychology, and related helping professions.