What Is Spiritual Counseling, And Can It Benefit You?

It’s natural to be curious about spiritual counseling. The term “spiritual counselor” is not confined to a single profession; rather, it has been embraced by various practitioners, each offering their unique perspective and approach. A spiritual counselor might be a religious leader, such as a pastor or imam, a licensed mental health practitioner, such as a faith-based counselor, or an individual who purports to understand the nuanced practice of balancing chakras and energy healing. This article will explore some common types of spiritual counselors and how they might benefit the average person.

Understanding spiritual counseling

Defining “spiritual counselor” can be tricky, as it's not a rigidly defined role. Essentially, most spiritual counselors help individuals navigate their problems and improve their well-being through a spiritual lens. They typically consider the client’s unique spiritual beliefs and values, meaning that searching for a spiritual counselor often means determining whether that counselor shares similar ideals. For example, a person who practices Christianity may want to seek out a faith-based counselor who integrates biblical principles into their practice. 

Types of spiritual counseling

The approaches and practices of different types of spiritual counselors can vary widely. Some practitioners combine evidence-based practices with religious theory, while others are unconcerned with scientific evidence and stick to traditional spiritual practices. In addition, it is worth noting that some people using the term “spiritual counselor” offer neither traditional practices nor evidence-based approaches. While some people may still find their methods effective, it is worthwhile to be on the lookout for scams or disingenuous actors who seek to exploit a person’s spirituality for profit. 

Types of spiritual counselors

Because there is no regulation regarding the use of “spiritual counselor,” the term can apply to almost anybody, no matter what practices they utilize. However, the term is likely more commonly used in conjunction with certain fields or belief systems. The list of spiritual counselors below is far from exhaustive, but it may represent a sample of some of the more common uses of the term. 

Faith-based counselors and therapists

Many licensed mental health professionals who integrate spirituality into their practice prefer the term “faith-based counselor,” which is likely more commonly used than “spiritual counselor.” Faith-based counselors typically receive the same training as secular therapists, usually completing at least a master’s degree, obtaining many hours of supervised practice, and applying for a license to practice psychotherapy in their jurisdiction. They may also receive training specific to their chosen religion or spiritual system, which typically aligns with their clients. 

Faith-based counselors typically utilize evidence-based practices heavily, combining them with the norms of their spiritual structure. For example, an increasingly popular intervention taught by therapists is mindfulness meditation, a form of meditation that promotes awareness and acceptance of challenging feelings or problems. A Christian faith-based counselor might help a client combine mindfulness meditation with daily prayers or devotions, combining the benefits of prayer with an evidence-based meditation practice.

Holistic health practitioners

Holistic health practitioners, also called integrative health practitioners, consider the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in their approach to health and wellness. They might use a variety of natural and alternative therapies, such as nutrition, acupuncture, and herbal medicine, often incorporating spiritual practices to promote overall well-being and balance. Many holistic practitioners obtain training in a heavily regulated field, such as nursing or medicine, before obtaining additional training and certification in unregulated or loosely regulated holistic approaches. 

Unlike faith-based counselors, holistic health practitioners often treat people of many different faiths and spiritual belief systems. They often focus first on physical health and may refer to other holistic professionals for mental or spiritual care while still coordinating their patient’s care to address concerns related to the mind and spirit. Holistic health practitioners who carry a license from the government are required to adhere to the same strict ethical standards for evidence-based care as any other health practitioner. 

Clergy members

Clergy members are religious leaders who provide spiritual guidance, conduct worship services, perform religious rites and ceremonies, and offer pastoral care to their congregations. They help individuals and communities navigate spiritual, moral, and personal issues through teachings, counseling, and support rooted in their faith traditions. Examples of clergy include priests, pastors, and ministers in Christianity, imams and caliphs in Islam, rabbis in Judaism, bhikshus and bhikshunis in Buddhism, and pujari or purohita in Hinduism.

Members of the clergy frequently receive advanced education in psychology, sociology, and human development. They often use evidence-based practices, similar to licensed faith-based mental health professionals, although clergy can typically provide counseling and guidance to the members of their religion without obtaining licensure through the government. Clergy members might meet with individuals, couples, or families to help resolve practical, emotional, and spiritual concerns. 

Life coaches

Life coaches help clients achieve personal and professional goals by providing support, encouragement, and growth strategies. Those with a spiritual focus incorporate spiritual principles and practices to help clients align their lives with their values, find deeper purpose, and overcome obstacles from a holistic perspective. Life coaching is not a regulated profession, and there are few, if any, requirements to use the title. While some people obtain life coaching certifications or additional training, many do not. 

Life coaches who incorporate spiritual principles typically align themselves with their clients' spiritual needs. They may sit with their clients in prayer or meditation or suggest traditional culture-aware practices that are not formally regulated in the United States. Ultimately, a life coach seeks to encourage, motivate, and support their client while helping them explore and experience their particular version of spirituality. 

Energy healers

Energy healers, another poorly defined term, typically use various techniques to balance and restore the flow of energy within the body, aiming to promote healing and well-being. Practices such as Reiki, chakra balancing, and energy clearing are often used. They believe that physical, emotional, and spiritual health are interconnected and that energy work can address imbalances affecting all these areas. Depending on their practice orientation and the beliefs of their clients, energy healers might provide spiritual counseling to help clients improve their spiritual environment and take proactive steps toward spiritual well-being. 

The belief that the flow of energy through the body is foundational to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being is not supported by scientific evidence. Despite this, limited evidence suggests that energy-healing techniques can be effective. The treatment effect is small and is likely due to ancillary factors like the placebo effect, the human response to touch, or the well-documented benefits of meditation and breathing exercises.