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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Are there any health benefits of being religious and spiritual?

    Related Topics
    Depression Geriatrics & Ageing Well Mental Health
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  • Kristen Ross

    Counsellor, Kinesiologist

    Kristen Ross is a qualified Kinesiologist, Counsellor and Sports Therapist.Affinity Wellness is her holistic wellness practice offering a holistic wellness experience by focusing on all … View Profile

    Studies show that yes there are beneifts, see this UCLA extract for study findings. http://spirituality.ucla.edu/docs/newsletters/4/Idler_Final.pdf  
     
    In working with Kinesiology and the Ayurvedic Chakra system I have often found that imbalances related to the crown chakra can often be cross-related to a lack of any sense of spiritual connection. Accordingly, imbalances within the Meridian system (Inner traditions of TCM) may also be related to one feeling cut of from spirit. When one is open to higher spiritual concepts such as trust, and unconditional love they tend to have a healthier outlook on life and increased enjoyment of life. 

    www.affinitywellness.com.au

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    Brigitte Safrana

    Counsellor, Hypnotherapist

    I created Surfing The Blues and Surfing The Baby Blues Counselling & Hypnotherapy services in order to help individuals and couples restore balance in their … View Profile

    As my colleague mentioned briefly studies have proven that there are health benefits in being religious and/or spiritual.  However one does not will to become religious or spiritual.  Either you have faith or you dont…and that is man's (and woman“s) eternal quest to have meaning in one's life that will directly enhance a sense of purpose.
     To have faith in something no matter what it is called will help you bear the trials of life, enhance your enjoyment of it and foster a sense of gratitude for what is rather than yearning for what is not or what you haven't got.
    Also to be part of a religious community may foster a sense of belonging and develop a strong support network.  All good reasons to explain why religion and spirituality can have beneficial effects on health. Not to mention the connection between MInd, body and soul that always work together, the body being the very last place wher the soul can express itself.
    If you like to read I'd recommend C.G. Jung ”Modern man in search of his Soul“ and ”Answer to Job" But I am sure there are plenty more.

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  • Charlotte Stansfield

    Counsellor

    Often enough, we do not know our own mind. In the process of dialogue with another person, we are able to clarify what we think … View Profile

    Hi - what a great question!

    I think religious and spiritual are actually two different things.

    However, it can help many of us to have faith - whether that means we believe in a particular religion or whether we just believe that there is a spiritual dimension to our lives - and we chose to nurture the spirit in any manner of ways.

    Spiritual practices can take many forms - some are more ritualised than others. Being with oneself and understanding our nature and slowing down to be present in our days is a spiritual practice that is found across many diverse religions.

    Faith and spiritual practice and religious beliefs can also help some people overcome traumatic events and loss.

    It's worth saying that religion in its many forms is also the cause of pain and suffering for others - especially for those who are connected to a religion that is at odds with how they want to live their life.

    I quite like a book by Caroline Jones called An Authentic Life.

    Thanks for the question. As counsellors we ought to ask more about spiritual beliefs and practices and your question is a good reminder for those of us reading it to reflect a bit more on that!


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  • David Lawson

    Counsellor

    We all have times when we need to talk with a person who really listens to us, someone outside our family or social circle - … View Profile


    An interesting question.

    Around half of the clients I see come to me as they want their spirital beleifs incorporated into the counselling process.

    I have found in 13 years of being a counsellor that if a client has a beleif in something bigger than themself (such as God, Allah, Mother Nature, Buddha or Spirit Guide) then they can overcome  lot.

    Often when we are in pain or hurting we neglect our spiritual side and even question if those beleifs are trully right.

    I see my role as a counsellor to help my client to reonnect to what works or has worked in their life and use that as a basis to build on and grow as a person.

    I agree with my learn-ed collegues above that spirituality is important and I have found that most counsellors and psycholigists are not comfortable to incorporate a clients worldview or spirituality into the process.

    Religion (the organisation or movement) can and does bring hurt and pain whereas spirituality is about what you personally believe and practice.

    All the best.

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  • Grant Dempsey

    Counsellor

    With a passion to see people move forward and break free from the barriers holding them back, Grant is a highly experienced counsellor with over … View Profile

    Great question, the answer is simple . . . . yes, no, maybe.

    There is research that shows that particular religious groups have greater longevity eg the Mormons but one could argue this is ‘cultural’ more than spiritual eg they abstain from alcohol, have a focus on being physically active etc. Equally, having counselled many people of ‘faith’ I have seen the effects of religious abuse so those people would say that being religious has had a negative impact on their well-being.

    So there are the cultural AND apiritual elements of religion. Spirituality is a difficult term to narrow down, even within a particular faith there will be debate, so researching it is tricky. Generally I find if a person's faith leads them to having a higher regard and acceptance of themself and those around them, and gives them a greater sense of inner and outer peace, they are better off, even if they may not live as long. 

    This question could end up with hundreds of responses!

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