Toward a Theoretical Model of Spirituality for Clinical Practice: An American Perspective

Abstract

Historically, the topic of spirituality has been largely disconnected from mental health treatment. However, recent evidence suggests that clients desire greater attention to spirituality in psychotherapy. The current paper provides a theoretical model for understanding and evaluating spirituality that can guide mental health treatment. This framework defines spirituality as a search for the sacred and addresses individuals' discovery of, attempts to conserve, and, at times, transform their views of the sacred. The model also considers the effects of stressors on an individual's relationship with the sacred, and offers a way to distinguish well-integrated from poorly integrated forms of spirituality. We conclude with a review of successful attempts to address spirituality in mental health treatment.

Keywords

• Spirituality
• Sacred
• Mental health treatment
• Spiritual framework