A hallmark of spiritually integrated psychotherapy is respect for the religious or spiritual orientation of others. We do not impose our spiritual beliefs on others but help others engage and explore the spirituality that is theirs. We believe that, just as everyone is physically unique, everyone has different tastes in food, clothes, and music, everyone thinks a little differently, everyone is also spiritually unique.
Every person has unique spiritual resources. Some people come alive spiritually in traditionally religious ways: through reading Scripture, prayer, or participation in a faith community. Others come alive through nature, music, dance, reading, walking, or acts of service. Some resonate deeply with words like “God,” while others do not. Spiritually integrated psychotherapy helps you draw upon the spiritual resources that are uniquely yours as part of your journey into a healthier and more meaningful life.
Every person also has unique spiritual struggles. These can include experiences of spiritual uncertainty, of spiritual wounding, of disagreement and stress with a family member, friend, or an entire spiritual community, and other experiences that bring strain, sorrow, anger, or confusion. Spiritually integrated psychotherapy does not give you a prescription for what to think or what to do in times of struggle. Instead, it honors your struggle as an opportunity to find a deeper and more meaningful path and supports you as you listen deeply for a way forward that is yours.
Jeanine and Russell are professionally trained to offer and teach spiritually integrated psychotherapy. Jeanine has done extensive theological training and works as a therapist, spiritual director, and Enneagram teacher. Russell is an ordained minister, has a Doctorate in Theology with emphasis in pastoral counseling, has taught spiritually integrated psychotherapy in multiple contexts for twenty years, and is author of Spirit in Session: Working with Your Client’s Spirituality (and Your Own) in Psychotherapy (Templeton Press, 2019).