Summary

Interest in both spirituality and complementary therapies is growing, with their inclusion in both daily life and in health care. The concept of spirituality and the delivery of a therapy have a certain synergy as they both espouse a view of the world that recognises the importance of the whole person. Increasingly, clients want their values and beliefs attended to, perhaps choosing a therapy as a pathway to nourish their sense of the spiritual.

Consequently working in a holistic way the complementary therapist needs to acknowledge the spiritual dimension of the client. Integral to this is how the therapeutic encounter facilitates this engagement and how important it is that the therapist develops and explores their own spirituality and life values. This article is an exploration of how spirituality and complementary therapies can legitimately work together, creating a sacred space for both therapist and client.

Keywords: Spirituality; Complementary therapies; Life meaning/values; Support; Holism

Article Outline

Introduction

Paradigms of care

Holism

Complementary therapies

Concept of spirituality

A model of spirituality

The core elements

Need for meaning and purpose

The client

The therapist

Need for love and relatedness

The client

The therapist

Need for forgiveness

The client

The therapist

Need for hope/inspiration

The client

The therapist

The shadow side

Conclusion

References