Spirituality is a broad concept of a belief in something bigger than oneself. It may involve religious traditions centered on the idea of God or a higher power, but it can also be an individual-centered concept of the universe that promotes feelings of inspiration, awe and meaning. It often comes into focus during times of emotional stress, physical (and mental) illness, loss, death and other life changes.
Generally, spirituality includes an individual’s connection with themselves in the form of self-scrutiny and reflection, a sense of hope, love, forgiveness, peace, responsibility, balance and transcendence. It can include meditation, chanting and other rituals that develop mindfulness and consciousness. It can also include an individual’s connections with other people and the natural world, which cultivate a sense of community, compassion and care.
As a therapeutic tool, spirituality enhances the effectiveness of counseling by making moral choices at the heart of clients’ issues and encouraging them to utilize their belief systems and faith communities as resources for helping themselves. In addition, it can serve as a protective factor that reduces individuals’ vulnerability to negative psychological outcomes during difficult life experiences. In fact, a large body of research suggests that spirituality is associated with positive well-being and psychological functioning. For example, a study that compared the effects of various spiritual practices on psychological adjustment following a stressful event found that those who practiced a belief in God showed significantly less anxiety and depression than those who did not practice a religion (Lane et al., 2013).