Encountering the sacred in psychotherapy

"This book guides therapists in exploring the creative and healing possibilities in people's spiritual and religious experience, while countering ways it can do harm. James L. Griffith and Melissa Elliott Griffith integrate ideas from a range of therapeutic perspectives - as well as wisdom gleaned from over 20 years of work in the field - to help therapists listen and respond when spiritual or religious themes are invoked; ask appropriate questions about beliefs, practices, and communities; and work collaboratively to identify personally meaningful resources for change. Modeling an open, receptive stance, the book demonstrates ways to honor an individual's language, ideas, and traditions even in the absence of specific cultural knowledge or common traditions.

Filled with evocative personal accounts and therapeutic dialogues, this is a compelling resource for novice and experienced clinicians alike."--Jacket.