Introduction

Spirituality has offered people across cultures and continents a source of comfort and meaning for millennia and is closely connected to the human body through our emotions, our behaviour and our relationships. The concept today is considered broader than religion and can encompass our innate need for love, hope, values and direction in life. While spiritual belief can foster recovery and resilience in times of crisis, spiritual distress can also contribute to physical, emotional and relational problems. Despite its relevance, most family therapists are not trained to incorporate spiritual and religions issues in therapy. Based on the author’s extensive research on this topic, this book offers an overview of current theory as well as practical elements designed to help practitioners develop their spiritual literacy in their work with clients.