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SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT IN COUNSELLING
I have had specialist additional training in facilitating spiritual and existential development for those interested in exploring these areas in counselling. If you think this sounds appropriate for you and what you are bringing to counselling, find out more on here and discuss with Chris.
People struggle with life's big questions all the time. Few go any deeper and explore what their answers might be. Rather than telling you what to think or believe, I will use person centred counselling and facilitation to assist you on your inner adventure. ... And of course, if you wish, you can book sessions outdoors too!

Spiritual Development in Counselling: Welcome
Existential / Spiritual Definition
There is no one definition, but in general, spirituality:
is something everyone can experience
helps us to find meaning and purpose in the things we value
can bring hope in times of suffering and loss
encourages us to seek the best relationship with ourselves, others and what lies beyond
Existential development is concerned with :
The core experiences of human existence; the inevitability of death, freedom and its attendant responsibility, existential isolation, and meaninglessness.
The perceptions of these experiences from the four dimensions of human existence, the physical, social, personal and spiritual realms.
Existential / Spiritual Wellbeing
All counselling tries to relieve pain and to help - but good counselling tries to do more. Spirituality / existentialism emphasises the healing of the person, not just the issue. It views life as a journey, where good and bad experiences can help you to learn, develop and mature.
Existential / Spiritual Crisis
An existential / spiritual crisis can occur when the answers to the questions about the meaning and purpose of life (as well as our place in it) no longer provide satisfaction, direction or peace of mind. Counselling can help you work your way through some of life's most difficult and perplexing issues. Existential / Spiritual issues can affect every other part of our life and can be said to be part of every aspect of our life and work. Although most of the time people don't think about these kind of things, Existentialism / Spirituality often becomes more important in times of distress, emotional stress, physical and mental illness, loss, bereavement and the approach of death.
The most common Existential issues include:
The sense of being alone and isolated in the world
A new-found grasp or appreciation of one's mortality
Believing that one's life has no purpose or external meaning
Awareness of one's freedom and the consequences of accepting or rejecting that freedom
An extremely pleasurable or hurtful experience that leaves one seeking meaning
Exploring, developing in or losing faith in a Religion
The most common Spiritual issues include:
being honest with yourself – and able to see yourself as others see you
being able to stay focused in the present, to be alert, unhurried and attentive
being able to rest, relax and create a still, peaceful state of mind
developing a deeper sense of empathy for others
being able to be with someone who is suffering, while still being hopeful
learning better judgement, for example about when to speak or act, and when to remain silent or do nothing
learning how to give without feeling drained
being able to grieve and let go.
How can counselling help?
Counselling helps by acknowledging the significance of recognising or identifying that you are having this level of crisis or problem. It can help you choose the meaning of your life and the method (s) of choosing. Kendal Therapy holds a person centred approach to spiritual / existential issues and will not advise on what you should do or what you should believe. Instead the therapist can help with finding your way on the road map of traditional and contemporary perspectives and even help clarify and explore your own individual belief system.
However, often standard couselling without these informative interventions can be enough to help a person explore these topics. The strength and quality of the work depends on the ability of the counsellor and the client to negotiate a way through together to meet the specific therapeutic goals in a way that suits the client the best so that in the end the client will complete the counselling process and will have developed healthy ways or practices that are beneficial to emotional, psychological and spiritual and existential wellbeng.
Spiritual / Existential practices
These span a wide range, from the religious to secular – which may not be obviously spiritual. You may:
belong to a faith tradition and take part in services or other activities with other people
take part in rituals, symbolic practices and other forms of worship
go on pilgrimage and retreats
spend time enjoying nature
give of yourself in acts of compassion (including work, especially teamwork)
spend time in meditation, deep reflection or prayer
follow traditions of yoga,Tai Chi and similar disciplined practices
read scripture
listen to singing and/or playing sacred music, including songs, hymns, psalms and devotional chants
spend time in contemplative reading (of literature, poetry, philosophy etc.)
appreciate the arts
be creative - painting, sculpture, cookery, gardening etc.
make and keep good family relationships
make and keep friendships, especially those with trust and intimacy
join in team sports or other activities that involve cooperation and trust.
Spiritual Development in Counselling: About Me

Spiritual Development in Counselling: About
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