How helping professionals integrate the spiritual self in their work: qualitative research toward a working model

• Main Author: Patterson, Pamela Frances
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/7983

This project uses interviews and existential-phenomenological analysis to explore the question of how helping professionals integrate the spiritual self in their work. Chandler, Holden and Kolander's definition of spirituality (1992) divides personhood between the personal and the spiritual. This broad definition is used in exploring the research question with two helping professionals. The Co-researchers—a Doctor and a Therapist— are in the mid forties, they are well established in their professional careers and they are articulate in the research area. Two distinct modes of incorporating the spiritual self are identified. One is characterized by the healing of relationships described through a spiritual-psychological journey towards connectedness to self, other and god consciousness. The second mode of incorporation is characterized by an appreciation of transformation arising from an openness to the influence of spiritual reality in the process of therapy. Findings suggest that the professional's personal, professional and spiritual maturity is pivotal in the effective integration of the spiritual self. The need for integration of the spiritual self is in response to the extreme needs of the client population. The Co-researchers discuss that this is a needed area of discussion in professional circles. Further research into this area is necessary.