Spiritual Resources in Family Therapy

Spirituality has long been regarded as "off-limits" in clinical practice, leaving family therapists and counselors uncertain as to how to approach it. Yet the majority of families regard religion as important in their lives, and research has begun to document the psychological and health benefits of faith and congregational support. Further, many who seek help for physical, emotional, or interpersonal problems are also in spiritual distress. Filling a crucial void, this volume explores the influences of faith beliefs and practices on suffering, healing, and health. Leading family therapists describe how attending to this vital dimension of human experience can inform and enrich therapy, illuminate spiritual sources of distress, and help clients tap into wellsprings for resilience and growth.

About the Author

Froma Walsh, MSW, PhD, is a professor in the School of Social Service Administration and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago. She is also a codirector of the University-affiliated family therapy training institute, the Chicago Center for Family Health. She is the Editor of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy , past president of the American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA), recipient of AFTA's Award for Distinguished Contribution to Family Therapy Theory and Practice, and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She is author of Strengthening Family Resilience and editor or coeditor of Normal Family Processes , Living Beyond Loss , and Women in Families .