July 3, 2024 • 21 mins
In this episode of the Integrated Wisdom podcast, I discuss the ethical considerations that support the integration of spirituality into more traditional psychological and mental health practices.
I also shared some examples of how both Therapists and Clients can introduce discussions around spirituality to facilitate the integration of these necessary concepts into the therapeutic approach, to ensure wholistic and ethical care.
Be sure to SHARE this episode to anyone you feel may be interested or benefit from this content.
And please don't forget to hit SUBSCRIBE to keep up to date with our episodes and give us a RATING below. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can now send me your comments or questions, to hello@integratedwisdom.com.au or you can also find me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/integrated_wisdom/
Intro and Outro music: Inspiring Morning by Playsound
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be treated as psychological treatment or to replace the need for psychological treatment.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Tatiana (00:00):
Welcome to the Integrated Wisdom Podcast.
I am your host, Tatyana DaSilva.
Join me as we discuss what itmeans to live an integrated life
and explore ways for you tocreate a life filled with
greater meaning, peace, andconnection by integrating the
wisdom of spirituality,psychology, Neuroscience,
(00:26):
Epigenetics and EnergyPsychology are hoped to empower
you to create deeper and moreloving connections with yourself
and others, whilst also pavingthe way for humanity at large to
be reimagined and inspired tobecome the very best version of
itself.
(00:49):
Hello and welcome to theintegrated wisdom podcast.
Thank you so much for joining mefor yet another week.
Those of you that have beenfollowing me along now for the
past year in a little bit, thatthis podcast has been running.
Would know.
That I am a registeredpsychologist in, based in
Australia.
And I am a big advocate for theintegration of spirituality.
(01:14):
Into our more traditionaltherapeutic approaches.
For various reasons.
One, because I believe that inour essence, at our core, we are
spiritual beings.
And most of our experiences.
On earth revolve around aspiritual context.
(01:35):
And having that be.
Removed from our understandingof ourselves, our understanding
of our lives.
creates this emptiness or thispotential for emptiness.
That often is the gateway for alot of suffering and struggle
for people.
So in today's episode, what Iwanted to do is speak to.
(01:57):
Why not only as therapists.
So if you're listening to thispodcast and you're a
psychologist or a therapist thatworks with people in supporting
them through mental healthstruggles, Or their needs.
It is our professionalimperative to be integrating
spirituality into the work thatwe do with our clients.
(02:19):
But if you're listening as aconsumer and potentially someone
who has sought therapy yourselfor.
Has been considering seekingtherapy, I want to speak to you
about why it would be in yourbest interest.
To also think about.
Requesting that a spiritualcomponent, which whatever that
(02:42):
means for you be incorporatedinto any therapeutic work that
you've pursued.
So first and foremost, I thinkthe imperative that impels us as
therapists to introducespirituality or incorporate
spirituality into the work thatwe do with people.
Already is apparent in some ofour ethical standards and
(03:04):
expectations from our governingregulatory bodies.
And this is true.
Of all psychologists across theworld.
But definitely so in Australia.
Our ethical guidelines.
which provide us with, anexpectation or standard of.
Expected professional conduct.
that we must adhere to.
(03:26):
as psychologists in Australia.
One of the standards that weare.
Requested to consider is toincorporate the diverse needs of
our clients.
And those diverse needs not onlyinclude.
Their cultural considerationsand contexts, but also their
spiritual leanings.
(03:48):
That is a really big, importantfactor.
That must be incorporated in thework that we do.
Because it forms a part or afacet.
Of the clients that we'reworking with.
If we want to address the wholeperson in front of us.
It is imperative that we factorin these other aspects of their
being, their understanding ofthemselves.
(04:10):
Their understanding of theirpurpose on earth, how they
navigate life.
and so forth.
And similarly, as, as clients,when you're coming to see a
therapist, you want to beaddressed as a whole of you,
right?
You want to be able to show upas your true.
Full authentic self.
(04:31):
And I think particularly forclients who have a spiritual
leaning, But, Maybe don'tnecessarily feel like they're
entitled to, or allowed to bringthat facet of themselves into
therapy.
That the two things should bereally separate.
I think it can hinder ourclients ability to integrate
some of the therapeutic workthat they're doing, but also.
(04:54):
I guess impact their ability toshow up as their full selves.
Right.
And so both the client and thetherapist are kind of limited by
these, these very importantelements being left out.
Of the therapy room.
So I think that's one reallyimportant thing to consider.
(05:17):
If you're seeking therapy.
Or if you're someone whoprovides therapy, either as a
psychologist, a counselor, apsychotherapist, a mental health
social worker.
Um, whenever we're working withindividuals who are vulnerable
or trying to navigate.
Challenges in their lives.
Seeking to understand anyspiritual elements that they
(05:39):
wish to bring into.
The therapeutic room into.
The formulation of who they areas a person in this world.
Is not only advised, but it'sactually a professional
imperative in line with ourethical standards.
Recently, I ran a course thatI've developed.
(06:00):
All around guiding therapists.
It's like psychologists andtherapists in particular.
On how to integrate.
Spirituality ethically and in anevidence-based way within the
therapeutic work that they do.
And one of the components of thecourse.
We're involved speaking to this.
(06:20):
Professional imperative that isoutlined in our ethical
guidelines.
That is actually also outlinedin some of the diagnostic
manuals.
You know, the in more recentyears, the diagnostic manuals,
both the DSM.
Five to tr and the ICD 11.
(06:41):
I mean, it started with a 10,but, um, they both incorporate
elements within the diagnosticassessment and the tools.
That, um, factor in.
The spiritual component orspiritual identity of
individuals.
And it's encouraged that.
A lot of our, case formulationsB.
(07:01):
Including this, this facet,because sometimes that element
can not only help us understanda little bit more.
The nature of.
The presentation of the client,but also how we can guide them
towards the right therapeutictools.
And how we can help themnavigate that process towards
healing and, I guessself-efficacy.
(07:24):
And so that was a reallyinteresting conversation.
You know, in with theparticipants in the group, for
many, it was quite a surprise.
In fact.
That they were discovering thatthis was something that we're
actually not only allowed to doprofessionally, but also we're
almost expected to do.
But also, it felt very, veryencouraging because as I've come
(07:47):
out of my own shell and haveembraced my own fears, Um,
judgment for my spiritualleanings and fear of
professional repercussions.
And I have discovered for myselfthat there is actually.
Not only mechanisms that allowus to do so, but actually
encourage us to do so.
I've been finding more and moretherapists and psychologists Who
(08:11):
also have these spiritualleanings and these deep, deep
yearning.
To be showing up as their full,authentic selves, into the
therapeutic space to be able toincorporate their spiritual
essences, but also create a safespace for clients to feel safe,
to bring that to the room aswell.
And so I know that like knowingthat there are professional
(08:34):
guidelines that support us.
In being able to do this cangive us that extra level of
reassurance.
In permission, I suppose.
to be able to do that.
In, in a professional andethical way.
One thing that's really sad.
And this is very unique to ourAustralian listeners.
Is a lot of these limitationsseem to be almost.
(08:57):
exclusively.
emphasized here in Australia, weseem to be lagging behind.
The rest of the world where.
Having a spiritual component tothe way that therapists and
psychologists work with clients.
Is much more widely accepted andexpected overseas.
you know, there, there are many.
(09:17):
degrees and higherqualifications in countries like
the US in.
In the UK, uh, even in parts ofsouth America, parts of Europe.
Where it's it's more widelyaccepted or available.
There are courses available thatincorporate the spiritual
nature.
Of life.
That's the incorporate spiritualconcepts into a therapeutic
(09:41):
structure, or however you, wewould weave it into more
traditional therapeuticmodalities.
and that our training.
Psychologists and therapists.
On.
How to, how to do that in a waythat feels safe for our clients.
But also, you know, authentic.
And in Australia, there's stillso much fear.
(10:04):
W sadly.
and I think part of that isbecause we're, we're kind of
lagging behind a little bit.
And so.
Firstly, it's important tounderstand.
That there is almost aprofessional imperative.
Or expectation.
That we would factor in.
The spiritual facets of ourclients.
and that there are ways to, tointroduce spirituality.
(10:27):
Ethically.
And in an evidence-based way.
to the work that we do with ourclients.
But also there are many clientsout there who want to be talking
about their spirituality or someof them talk, want to talk about
their spiritual experiences.
But they're scared to bring itinto the room with us.
(10:48):
Right.
They're scared to bring it intothe room for fear of being
thought crazy.
Particularly clients whoprobably have.
High levels of sensitivity.
They might have some mediumship.
Um, and I have had a lot ofreally, um, Remarkable and.
Transformative spiritualexperiences or interactions.
(11:13):
But not.
I don't really know where to putit, how to, how to address it.
And so in creating a space wherewe give people permission to
bring these questions into theroom.
To talk about their experiencesfree from fear of judgment.
Or, you know, negativerepercussions.
(11:33):
It's so important.
I write for a client to be ableto come into the room and talk
about some of their experiencesand not fear being scheduled
into a mental health facility.
To know that someone's going toshow up for them and just listen
and hold space.
For their, for theirexperiences.
It's really important.
It's part of our ethicalrequirements.
(11:55):
And so, for those of you who arelistening as therapists,
psychologists, and who wants tostart opening that door for
their clients, creating.
That space that gives thempermission.
To bring their spiritual selvesinto the room.
A couple of questions that youmight wish to ask them.
To start that conversation.
(12:16):
Right to give them thatpermission.
Is potentially a question, likewhat role does spirituality or a
faith have in your life, if any.
Or are there any spiritualreligious beliefs that you think
are important for us to includein our work together?
Questions like that.
Are really important to createthat space of.
(12:37):
Permission and safety forclients to talk about these
aspects of themselves.
If they choose to, should theychoose to if they don't, of
course, if it doesn't have anybearing in their life or self
identity, Then, of course wewouldn't include that.
and we wouldn't force it on thembecause again, part of our
ethical, imperatives orexpectations are that we, we, we
(12:59):
matched where the client is at,right.
That we work with.
Their own beliefs in.
And cultural experiences.
But I think it's important thatwe ask that question almost as
a, as a default, because ifyou're not asking that question,
we could potentially be missinga lot of really important
information about the client.
(13:21):
And giving a greater level ofdepth and richness to the work
that we're doing with them.
And as clients, if you'relistening to this and you've,
you're either in therapycurrently, or you, you know, at
some point you think you mightwant to have some therapy.
You can, you can.
Bring it to the table.
You can ask your therapist, youknow, is it possible for us to.
(13:45):
To incorporate some of myspiritual or religious beliefs
in the work that we do.
Like I like my spirituality isreally important to me.
How can we incorporate it intothe work that we're doing?
Right.
So, I guess I just wantedtoday's episode to really start
to lay this path.
That points to the way in which.
(14:09):
The way forward for mentalhealth for, um, the world at
large freely is the need tostart incorporating the
spiritual facets of people andthe spiritual context in which
life happens.
In a subsequent episode, I'mgoing to start doing a little
bit of a series.
Where I start talking about someof the evidence that we can draw
(14:30):
on as well.
That allows us to feel reallygrounded and safe in having
these conversations that we canprovide some, some, some
research that supports and,backs up what we're saying and
why it's important toincorporate into the work that
we do.
There is an abundance ofevidence of research.
That's been running for decadesnow.
(14:52):
That's been pointing to the factthat having spirituality or
having a spiritual practice.
Has.
Vast benefits for clients.
Both on a mental healthperspective, but also a
physiological perspective.
It helps with their physicalhealth.
With immunity with a whole hostof different processes in a
person's body.
(15:12):
So it's important, both again astherapists, but also as
consumers that we start takinginto account.
or introducing andincorporating.
The spiritual nature of ourclients.
Right start having theseconversations.
Those of you that have beenfollowing along have heard me
(15:33):
say multiple times, we're goingthrough a crisis of meaning in
the world right now.
And I genuinely believe it.
I know that I'm not the only onebecause there are more and more
other people who are.
Standing up and vocalizing thisneed for the world to start to
incorporate spirituality moredecisively for us to return to
(15:54):
the spiritual essence of who weare.
Right.
Researchers like Doctor LisaMiller.
Who's a clinical psychologist inthe US and has done.
an incredible job.
Building a body of evidence thatpoints to the neuro-biological
benefits.
Of having a spiritual practice.
You know, there are so manyresearchers out there doing this
(16:16):
work.
And it's not by accident.
we really are at a time whenhaving these facets be brought
back into.
The forefront of ourunderstanding of people.
All of our understanding oflife, what gives our life
meaning and purpose?
What makes it possible for us tokeep going.
(16:39):
Even in the face of adversity.
So much of that boils down to,or can be helped by.
Our understanding of thespiritual context in which
everything happens.
And so moving forward, I'll besharing much more on these
things as well as continue tohighlight some of my peers.
(16:59):
Other, psychologists andtherapists who are really open
to talking about their ownspiritual journeys and how it's
enhanced their personal lives,but also their work, with their
clients.
So you can stay tuned for somemore of these conversations.
But, if you're a therapistlistening to this and you've got
(17:20):
some fears around.
Potentially bringingspirituality into your work, you
know, fear of professionalrepercussion, reach out to me.
What are some of those fears?
You know, if I can speak to anyof them in more directly, I
would love to be able to do thatbecause I really want to empower
other psychologists, othertherapists, working with
(17:41):
individuals.
To feel.
Really, Positive and confidentin working with their spiritual
essence and the spiritualessences of their clients.
So reach out to me, you canalways email me at
hello@integratedwisdom.com.au.
Any questions, any experiencesthat you may have had.
(18:03):
Positive or negative, If you'resomeone who already incorporate
spirituality into the work thatyou do with your clients.
I'd love to hear from you.
Again, if you've got fears, I'dlove to hear from you as a
therapist, but also if you'resomeone listening to this
podcast, who's either alreadyhad therapy.
Or have some fees around, youknow, wanting to incorporate
spirituality.
Into bringing it to yourtherapist, reach out.
(18:25):
And I'd love to hear from yousome questions that you might
have.
What is some information that Ican provide to you?
That will help you feel moreconfident to do so, or, you
know, what are some resourcesthat you might be looking for?
That I can point you to insubsequent.
Episodes to help you all alongthis journey.
(18:46):
Again, you can always email meat hello@integratedwisdom.com.au
or you can also find me onInstagram.
At.
Integrated underscore wisdom.
So you can reach out to me ineither place.
I'd love to hear from you.
So that's all I've had for youfor this week.
I will back in a fortnight.
(19:08):
We're currently doingfortnightly episodes at the
moment.
Just in order to maintain.
My aunt's sustainability and inwellbeing needs.
And just going through.
Uh, phase of some personaldemands, which meant that I had
to pull back a little bit fromthe weekly episodes or so we'll
(19:28):
be doing them fortnightly.
And the next episode is going tobe another soulful chat.
With a D colleague of mine.
So I hope you all have a lovelycouple of weeks.
Thank you all for listening infor your ongoing support.
If you haven't alreadysubscribed to the podcast
saying.
I invite you to subscribe tothe, to the podcast, leave me a
(19:50):
review and a rating.
So I know.
What's landing.
What's what you need more of,but also so that he can form the
algorithm to push this contentout to more people that may
benefit from it.
If there are people in yourlives that you feel could really
benefit from some of theseconversations, I really invite
you.
to share it with them.
So I thank you again, hope youall have a lovely week and I'll
(20:13):
speak to you next time.
Thank you for tuning in to thisepisode of Integrated Wisdom.
It is my sincere wish thattoday's episode may have
intrigued and inspired you toreclaim your power and step into
becoming more fully integratedspiritual beings.
New episodes are published everysecond Wednesday and I hope
(20:35):
you'll continue to join us as wedive deeper into what it means
to live an integrated life.
So if it feels aligned to you, Iinvite you to hit subscribe and
share it with others who youfeel may benefit too.
You may also find me onInstagram at integrated
underscore wisdom.
Remember each moment is anopportunity to embrace your
(20:58):
divine potential and create aworld that is more frequently
inspired.
So for now, stay connected, stayinspired and keep shining your
light into the world.
Welcome to the Integrated Wisdom Podcast.
I am your host, Tatyana DaSilva.
Join me as we discuss what itmeans to live an integrated life
and explore ways for you tocreate a life filled with
greater meaning, peace, andconnection by integrating the
wisdom of spirituality,psychology, Neuroscience,
(00:26):
Epigenetics and EnergyPsychology are hoped to empower
you to create deeper and moreloving connections with yourself
and others, whilst also pavingthe way for humanity at large to
be reimagined and inspired tobecome the very best version of
itself.
(00:49):
Hello and welcome to theintegrated wisdom podcast.
Thank you so much for joining mefor yet another week.
Those of you that have beenfollowing me along now for the
past year in a little bit, thatthis podcast has been running.
Would know.
That I am a registeredpsychologist in, based in
Australia.
And I am a big advocate for theintegration of spirituality.
(01:14):
Into our more traditionaltherapeutic approaches.
For various reasons.
One, because I believe that inour essence, at our core, we are
spiritual beings.
And most of our experiences.
On earth revolve around aspiritual context.
(01:35):
And having that be.
Removed from our understandingof ourselves, our understanding
of our lives.
creates this emptiness or thispotential for emptiness.
That often is the gateway for alot of suffering and struggle
for people.
So in today's episode, what Iwanted to do is speak to.
(01:57):
Why not only as therapists.
So if you're listening to thispodcast and you're a
psychologist or a therapist thatworks with people in supporting
them through mental healthstruggles, Or their needs.
It is our professionalimperative to be integrating
spirituality into the work thatwe do with our clients.
(02:19):
But if you're listening as aconsumer and potentially someone
who has sought therapy yourselfor.
Has been considering seekingtherapy, I want to speak to you
about why it would be in yourbest interest.
To also think about.
Requesting that a spiritualcomponent, which whatever that
(02:42):
means for you be incorporatedinto any therapeutic work that
you've pursued.
So first and foremost, I thinkthe imperative that impels us as
therapists to introducespirituality or incorporate
spirituality into the work thatwe do with people.
Already is apparent in some ofour ethical standards and
(03:04):
expectations from our governingregulatory bodies.
And this is true.
Of all psychologists across theworld.
But definitely so in Australia.
Our ethical guidelines.
which provide us with, anexpectation or standard of.
Expected professional conduct.
that we must adhere to.
(03:26):
as psychologists in Australia.
One of the standards that weare.
Requested to consider is toincorporate the diverse needs of
our clients.
And those diverse needs not onlyinclude.
Their cultural considerationsand contexts, but also their
spiritual leanings.
(03:48):
That is a really big, importantfactor.
That must be incorporated in thework that we do.
Because it forms a part or afacet.
Of the clients that we'reworking with.
If we want to address the wholeperson in front of us.
It is imperative that we factorin these other aspects of their
being, their understanding ofthemselves.
(04:10):
Their understanding of theirpurpose on earth, how they
navigate life.
and so forth.
And similarly, as, as clients,when you're coming to see a
therapist, you want to beaddressed as a whole of you,
right?
You want to be able to show upas your true.
Full authentic self.
(04:31):
And I think particularly forclients who have a spiritual
leaning, But, Maybe don'tnecessarily feel like they're
entitled to, or allowed to bringthat facet of themselves into
therapy.
That the two things should bereally separate.
I think it can hinder ourclients ability to integrate
some of the therapeutic workthat they're doing, but also.
(04:54):
I guess impact their ability toshow up as their full selves.
Right.
And so both the client and thetherapist are kind of limited by
these, these very importantelements being left out.
Of the therapy room.
So I think that's one reallyimportant thing to consider.
(05:17):
If you're seeking therapy.
Or if you're someone whoprovides therapy, either as a
psychologist, a counselor, apsychotherapist, a mental health
social worker.
Um, whenever we're working withindividuals who are vulnerable
or trying to navigate.
Challenges in their lives.
Seeking to understand anyspiritual elements that they
(05:39):
wish to bring into.
The therapeutic room into.
The formulation of who they areas a person in this world.
Is not only advised, but it'sactually a professional
imperative in line with ourethical standards.
Recently, I ran a course thatI've developed.
(06:00):
All around guiding therapists.
It's like psychologists andtherapists in particular.
On how to integrate.
Spirituality ethically and in anevidence-based way within the
therapeutic work that they do.
And one of the components of thecourse.
We're involved speaking to this.
(06:20):
Professional imperative that isoutlined in our ethical
guidelines.
That is actually also outlinedin some of the diagnostic
manuals.
You know, the in more recentyears, the diagnostic manuals,
both the DSM.
Five to tr and the ICD 11.
(06:41):
I mean, it started with a 10,but, um, they both incorporate
elements within the diagnosticassessment and the tools.
That, um, factor in.
The spiritual component orspiritual identity of
individuals.
And it's encouraged that.
A lot of our, case formulationsB.
(07:01):
Including this, this facet,because sometimes that element
can not only help us understanda little bit more.
The nature of.
The presentation of the client,but also how we can guide them
towards the right therapeutictools.
And how we can help themnavigate that process towards
healing and, I guessself-efficacy.
(07:24):
And so that was a reallyinteresting conversation.
You know, in with theparticipants in the group, for
many, it was quite a surprise.
In fact.
That they were discovering thatthis was something that we're
actually not only allowed to doprofessionally, but also we're
almost expected to do.
But also, it felt very, veryencouraging because as I've come
(07:47):
out of my own shell and haveembraced my own fears, Um,
judgment for my spiritualleanings and fear of
professional repercussions.
And I have discovered for myselfthat there is actually.
Not only mechanisms that allowus to do so, but actually
encourage us to do so.
I've been finding more and moretherapists and psychologists Who
(08:11):
also have these spiritualleanings and these deep, deep
yearning.
To be showing up as their full,authentic selves, into the
therapeutic space to be able toincorporate their spiritual
essences, but also create a safespace for clients to feel safe,
to bring that to the room aswell.
And so I know that like knowingthat there are professional
(08:34):
guidelines that support us.
In being able to do this cangive us that extra level of
reassurance.
In permission, I suppose.
to be able to do that.
In, in a professional andethical way.
One thing that's really sad.
And this is very unique to ourAustralian listeners.
Is a lot of these limitationsseem to be almost.
(08:57):
exclusively.
emphasized here in Australia, weseem to be lagging behind.
The rest of the world where.
Having a spiritual component tothe way that therapists and
psychologists work with clients.
Is much more widely accepted andexpected overseas.
you know, there, there are many.
(09:17):
degrees and higherqualifications in countries like
the US in.
In the UK, uh, even in parts ofsouth America, parts of Europe.
Where it's it's more widelyaccepted or available.
There are courses available thatincorporate the spiritual
nature.
Of life.
That's the incorporate spiritualconcepts into a therapeutic
(09:41):
structure, or however you, wewould weave it into more
traditional therapeuticmodalities.
and that our training.
Psychologists and therapists.
On.
How to, how to do that in a waythat feels safe for our clients.
But also, you know, authentic.
And in Australia, there's stillso much fear.
(10:04):
W sadly.
and I think part of that isbecause we're, we're kind of
lagging behind a little bit.
And so.
Firstly, it's important tounderstand.
That there is almost aprofessional imperative.
Or expectation.
That we would factor in.
The spiritual facets of ourclients.
and that there are ways to, tointroduce spirituality.
(10:27):
Ethically.
And in an evidence-based way.
to the work that we do with ourclients.
But also there are many clientsout there who want to be talking
about their spirituality or someof them talk, want to talk about
their spiritual experiences.
But they're scared to bring itinto the room with us.
(10:48):
Right.
They're scared to bring it intothe room for fear of being
thought crazy.
Particularly clients whoprobably have.
High levels of sensitivity.
They might have some mediumship.
Um, and I have had a lot ofreally, um, Remarkable and.
Transformative spiritualexperiences or interactions.
(11:13):
But not.
I don't really know where to putit, how to, how to address it.
And so in creating a space wherewe give people permission to
bring these questions into theroom.
To talk about their experiencesfree from fear of judgment.
Or, you know, negativerepercussions.
(11:33):
It's so important.
I write for a client to be ableto come into the room and talk
about some of their experiencesand not fear being scheduled
into a mental health facility.
To know that someone's going toshow up for them and just listen
and hold space.
For their, for theirexperiences.
It's really important.
It's part of our ethicalrequirements.
(11:55):
And so, for those of you who arelistening as therapists,
psychologists, and who wants tostart opening that door for
their clients, creating.
That space that gives thempermission.
To bring their spiritual selvesinto the room.
A couple of questions that youmight wish to ask them.
To start that conversation.
(12:16):
Right to give them thatpermission.
Is potentially a question, likewhat role does spirituality or a
faith have in your life, if any.
Or are there any spiritualreligious beliefs that you think
are important for us to includein our work together?
Questions like that.
Are really important to createthat space of.
(12:37):
Permission and safety forclients to talk about these
aspects of themselves.
If they choose to, should theychoose to if they don't, of
course, if it doesn't have anybearing in their life or self
identity, Then, of course wewouldn't include that.
and we wouldn't force it on thembecause again, part of our
ethical, imperatives orexpectations are that we, we, we
(12:59):
matched where the client is at,right.
That we work with.
Their own beliefs in.
And cultural experiences.
But I think it's important thatwe ask that question almost as
a, as a default, because ifyou're not asking that question,
we could potentially be missinga lot of really important
information about the client.
(13:21):
And giving a greater level ofdepth and richness to the work
that we're doing with them.
And as clients, if you'relistening to this and you've,
you're either in therapycurrently, or you, you know, at
some point you think you mightwant to have some therapy.
You can, you can.
Bring it to the table.
You can ask your therapist, youknow, is it possible for us to.
(13:45):
To incorporate some of myspiritual or religious beliefs
in the work that we do.
Like I like my spirituality isreally important to me.
How can we incorporate it intothe work that we're doing?
Right.
So, I guess I just wantedtoday's episode to really start
to lay this path.
That points to the way in which.
(14:09):
The way forward for mentalhealth for, um, the world at
large freely is the need tostart incorporating the
spiritual facets of people andthe spiritual context in which
life happens.
In a subsequent episode, I'mgoing to start doing a little
bit of a series.
Where I start talking about someof the evidence that we can draw
(14:30):
on as well.
That allows us to feel reallygrounded and safe in having
these conversations that we canprovide some, some, some
research that supports and,backs up what we're saying and
why it's important toincorporate into the work that
we do.
There is an abundance ofevidence of research.
That's been running for decadesnow.
(14:52):
That's been pointing to the factthat having spirituality or
having a spiritual practice.
Has.
Vast benefits for clients.
Both on a mental healthperspective, but also a
physiological perspective.
It helps with their physicalhealth.
With immunity with a whole hostof different processes in a
person's body.
(15:12):
So it's important, both again astherapists, but also as
consumers that we start takinginto account.
or introducing andincorporating.
The spiritual nature of ourclients.
Right start having theseconversations.
Those of you that have beenfollowing along have heard me
(15:33):
say multiple times, we're goingthrough a crisis of meaning in
the world right now.
And I genuinely believe it.
I know that I'm not the only onebecause there are more and more
other people who are.
Standing up and vocalizing thisneed for the world to start to
incorporate spirituality moredecisively for us to return to
(15:54):
the spiritual essence of who weare.
Right.
Researchers like Doctor LisaMiller.
Who's a clinical psychologist inthe US and has done.
an incredible job.
Building a body of evidence thatpoints to the neuro-biological
benefits.
Of having a spiritual practice.
You know, there are so manyresearchers out there doing this
(16:16):
work.
And it's not by accident.
we really are at a time whenhaving these facets be brought
back into.
The forefront of ourunderstanding of people.
All of our understanding oflife, what gives our life
meaning and purpose?
What makes it possible for us tokeep going.
(16:39):
Even in the face of adversity.
So much of that boils down to,or can be helped by.
Our understanding of thespiritual context in which
everything happens.
And so moving forward, I'll besharing much more on these
things as well as continue tohighlight some of my peers.
(16:59):
Other, psychologists andtherapists who are really open
to talking about their ownspiritual journeys and how it's
enhanced their personal lives,but also their work, with their
clients.
So you can stay tuned for somemore of these conversations.
But, if you're a therapistlistening to this and you've got
(17:20):
some fears around.
Potentially bringingspirituality into your work, you
know, fear of professionalrepercussion, reach out to me.
What are some of those fears?
You know, if I can speak to anyof them in more directly, I
would love to be able to do thatbecause I really want to empower
other psychologists, othertherapists, working with
(17:41):
individuals.
To feel.
Really, Positive and confidentin working with their spiritual
essence and the spiritualessences of their clients.
So reach out to me, you canalways email me at
hello@integratedwisdom.com.au.
Any questions, any experiencesthat you may have had.
(18:03):
Positive or negative, If you'resomeone who already incorporate
spirituality into the work thatyou do with your clients.
I'd love to hear from you.
Again, if you've got fears, I'dlove to hear from you as a
therapist, but also if you'resomeone listening to this
podcast, who's either alreadyhad therapy.
Or have some fees around, youknow, wanting to incorporate
spirituality.
Into bringing it to yourtherapist, reach out.
(18:25):
And I'd love to hear from yousome questions that you might
have.
What is some information that Ican provide to you?
That will help you feel moreconfident to do so, or, you
know, what are some resourcesthat you might be looking for?
That I can point you to insubsequent.
Episodes to help you all alongthis journey.
(18:46):
Again, you can always email meat hello@integratedwisdom.com.au
or you can also find me onInstagram.
At.
Integrated underscore wisdom.
So you can reach out to me ineither place.
I'd love to hear from you.
So that's all I've had for youfor this week.
I will back in a fortnight.
(19:08):
We're currently doingfortnightly episodes at the
moment.
Just in order to maintain.
My aunt's sustainability and inwellbeing needs.
And just going through.
Uh, phase of some personaldemands, which meant that I had
to pull back a little bit fromthe weekly episodes or so we'll
(19:28):
be doing them fortnightly.
And the next episode is going tobe another soulful chat.
With a D colleague of mine.
So I hope you all have a lovelycouple of weeks.
Thank you all for listening infor your ongoing support.
If you haven't alreadysubscribed to the podcast
saying.
I invite you to subscribe tothe, to the podcast, leave me a
(19:50):
review and a rating.
So I know.
What's landing.
What's what you need more of,but also so that he can form the
algorithm to push this contentout to more people that may
benefit from it.
If there are people in yourlives that you feel could really
benefit from some of theseconversations, I really invite
you.
to share it with them.
So I thank you again, hope youall have a lovely week and I'll
(20:13):
speak to you next time.
Thank you for tuning in to thisepisode of Integrated Wisdom.
It is my sincere wish thattoday's episode may have
intrigued and inspired you toreclaim your power and step into
becoming more fully integratedspiritual beings.
New episodes are published everysecond Wednesday and I hope
(20:35):
you'll continue to join us as wedive deeper into what it means
to live an integrated life.
So if it feels aligned to you, Iinvite you to hit subscribe and
share it with others who youfeel may benefit too.
You may also find me onInstagram at integrated
underscore wisdom.
Remember each moment is anopportunity to embrace your
(20:58):
divine potential and create aworld that is more frequently
inspired.
So for now, stay connected, stayinspired and keep shining your
light into the world.
Popular Podcasts
40s and Free Agents: NFL Draft Season
Daniel Jeremiah of Move the Sticks and Gregg Rosenthal of NFL Daily join forces to break down every team's needs this offseason.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.