| Summary: | 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. === Education, Faculty of === Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education (ECPS), Department of === Graduate
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