Counseling generally refers to a service where a person provides advice or guidance to another person or group. Spiritual counseling refers to such a service when the advice or guidance provided is based on spiritual principles. This does not have to be associated with a major or organized religion. The focus could simply involve connecting the benefits of spirituality with the improvements that a person wants to see in her life.
People generally seek counseling for one of two reasons. First, a person may be trying to overcome one or more problems. These could include substance abuse or depression. Second, the person may want to make some type of change or improvement. This could include career advancement or spiritual development. In either of these situations, counseling is often a resource that provides guidance and assistance in recognizing obstacles.
Spiritual counseling is sometimes based on the principles of major organized religions such as Christianity or Islam. In these instances, it is usually religious leaders of these organizations that offer guidance. They use principles that are derived from holy books such as the Bible or Koran.
This is not always the case, however. Many spiritual counselors are non-denominational. This means that they do not subscribe to or encourage the philosophies of any particular religion. These counselors often claim that they can help individuals who follow a particular religion without imposing on or violating their beliefs.
Those who advocate spiritual counseling tend to believe that the connection between a person and a greater force can produce numerous life benefits. It can help a person to grow and achieve in ways that she previously found difficult or impossible. It is also believed that spiritual counseling can help people overcome emotional problems such as those caused by bad relationships or abuse.
Spiritual counseling helps a person accomplish her goals by reinforcing ideas that there is a force greater than each individual. Recognizing this often leads a person to also recognize that she may be more successful if she relies upon the greater force instead of believing that she must try to accomplish everything on her own.
There are numerous ways that a person can receive spiritual counseling. She can interact with a spiritual counselor in person on an individual basis or as part of a group. Some spiritual counselors also offer telephone and video conferencing services. There are also books, CDs, and DVDs that are widely available.
