Counselling and the whole self: exploring meaning, purpose and spirituality

When we think about wellbeing, we often focus on thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. But for many people, there’s another important dimension: spirituality.

Spirituality doesn’t have to mean religion. It can be a sense of meaning, purpose, connection, or inner peace. It might come from faith, nature, creativity, or personal reflection. For some, it’s a quiet anchor during tough times; for others, it’s a source of hope, guidance, or strength. The things that sustain you in times of crisis or distress.

Why Spirituality Matters in Wellbeing
Exploring spirituality can support people to understand life experiences and challenges more deeply and connect with what feels meaningful or purposeful. It can also provide comfort, hope and resilience in times of stress or uncertainty.

Spirituality can also assist people when they are making choices to ensure these align with their own personal values.

Even if spirituality isn’t a focus for everyone, simply recognising it as one aspect of a person’s life can make counselling feel more holistic and grounded.

How Spirituality Can Be Explored in Counselling
Spirituality is never explored within counselling unless it is something that the client wishes to include as an aspect of working together because that is important to them and part of who they are. It is always explored on your terms, and consent is sought for this prior to any work or discussion of this nature taking place. This means there is no pressure to follow any beliefs or practices.

Conversations are only focused on what matters to you, and spirituality and beliefs, whatever they are, are treated as one part of a broader journey toward wellbeing.

For some, this may involve reflecting on values, connecting with a sense of purpose, or exploring moments of meaning. For others, it may not be relevant — and that’s completely valid.

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing
Humans are complex, multi-layered beings. Emotions, thoughts, behaviours, relationships — and sometimes spirituality — all interact to influence wellbeing, emotions, thoughts and feelings. Including spirituality as an option means recognising the whole person, not just one part of their life.

If you’ve ever felt that there’s more to your sense of self than what’s visible on the surface, talking about spirituality in a safe, non-judgmental space can be a gentle way to explore that part of who you are. It’s not about labels or rituals — it’s about understanding what nourishes and sustains you.

Well-being is personal. By considering all dimensions of who we are, counselling can help people feel more grounded, connected, and whole.