Spirituality in the Therapy Room

Abstract

Therapeutic presence brings one’s whole self into the encounter with another in the therapy room. It is a fundamental aspect of the relationship between therapist and client, the cornerstone of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Therapeutic presence can be strengthened through spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, or other practices such as the intention to enhance the therapeutic encounter for both client and therapist. Despite its importance, standard experimental techniques cannot readily measure and investigate therapeutic presence. However, reflective narratives can be used to explore the importance of strengthening therapeutic presence. The purpose of this paper is 1) to examine how one’s spiritual orientation offers the possibility to deepen the level of engagement within the therapeutic setting and 2) to illustrate, using reflective narratives, the use of presence and intention grounded in a spiritual orientation. The qualitative methodology of reflective narratives is ideally suited to illustrate the clinical issues presented in this paper. The requirements for reflexive engagement with one’s therapeutic practice and willingness to continually refine oneself outside of the therapy room are discussed. Three vignettes are provided illustrating 1) engaging through therapeutic presence with the client by use of imaginal exposure, 2) the use of intention to deepen connection and facilitate the sacred burial rites in the context of profound loss and trauma, 3) the negative consequences when the therapist is not fully present, 4) letting go of preconceived notions and judgments to be fully present with the client, and 5) using experiences from a spiritual practice throughout the encounters to enhance therapeutic presence. The implications for the practice of therapy are discussed with regard to spirituality, presence and intention as a way of being in the world over and above the discipline required to work as a therapist.