Spirituality is the domain of life concerned with meaning, values, acceptance, growth, beauty, harmony, hope, and being part of something bigger than oneself. It can be a great source of strength and capacity to cope, and as such, spiritual coaching and formation can be helpful for clients with a range of issues. There are several therapeutic and coaching programs, suitable for people who are religious, spiritual or neither (that is, anyone!), that have had good results by gently encouraging and instructing clients in meditation, getting in touch with the sacred, the power of prayer, mindful acceptance, forgiveness of self and others, and character growth.
But spirituality can also be a confusing space to navigate and may even become something individual clients struggle with in their lives. This can happen for a wide variety of reasons, some quite personal, including things like poor guidance; unhealthy practices; trauma and abuse in dealings with others in spiritual groups; obsessional concerns with perfection or purity; being scammed by unscrupulous leaders; feeling alienated or rejected by God; exhaustion and burnout. Concerns such as these will be treated in different ways, but always with compassion and care by myself as a counsellor whose own spiritual journey was not always smooth.
Christian counselling overlaps with spiritual counselling but also has some unique elements. I have developed it to be suitable for all major denominations: Catholic, Orthodox, Traditional Protestant (Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed), plus Evangelical, Pentecostal, and Messianic. Although I use a “mere Christianity” approach based on the common core beliefs of all Christians, I am happy to tailor my approach to include specific ideas or practices of your denomination. For all Christians, formation and discipling are important and sometimes hard to obtain, as is assistance in overcoming habitual sin and growing in virtue and holiness. These are things that were difficult for me in my own walk with God. Relationship issues can also loom large for Christians whose significant others may not share their faith. Some Christians also struggle with fear and uncertainty about their salvation, and confusion due to mixed messages they are receiving from church leaders.
In sum, if your concerns are spiritual or religious, or you would just prefer a counsellor who is at home with these matters, I would love to walk beside you and help you develop a richer and healthier faith life.