Working with spiritual struggles in psychotherapy

"Does my life have any deeper meaning? Does God really care about me? How can I find and follow my moral compass? What do I do when my faith is shaken to the core? Spiritual trials, doubts, or conflicts are often intertwined with mental health concerns, yet many psychotherapists feel ill equipped to discuss questions of faith. From pioneers in the psychology of religion and spirituality, this book combines state-of-the-art research, clinical insights, and vivid case illustrations. It guides clinicians to understand spiritual struggles as critical crossroads in life that can lead to brokenness and decline--or to greater wholeness and growth. Clinicians learn sensitive, culturally responsive ways to assess different types of spiritual struggles and help clients use them as springboards to change. Subject areas/Key words: psychology of religion and spirituality, therapy with religious clients, treating, patients, Christians, Christianity, Judaism, Jewish, Muslim, Islamic, coping, pastoral counseling, mental health problems, psychotherapists guide, loss of faith, search for meaning. Audience: Clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health and pastoral counselors, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurses; also of interest to religious studies scholars and clergy"-- Provided by publisher.