Self-in-Relation Theory and Women's Religious Identity in Therapy

Abstract

The role of spiritual connection in the development of women's self-in-relation has not been widely addressed in the psychological literature. I suggest that relationship to the Divine, in whatever form a client practices, is experienced as a unique relationship which may impact the development of a woman's identity as other important relationships do. I have illustrated this concept with examples from my own experience as a woman, a feminist therapist, and as an employee in a Catholic institution, as well as examples from my clinical practice, which includes primarily women from Christian backgrounds. Learning to explore clients' spiritual conceptualizations and relationships provides another way to work with painfully constructed identities, and strengthen women's sense of self in relation to the Divine, themselves, and Other people.