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Working with Religious and Spiritual Experience in Family Therapy: Manna for the Journey

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy

Published online on

Abstract

For many family therapists, exploring religion and spirituality with clients can be challenging. Despite notable contributions to the systemic literature over the last 30 years, family therapy continues to tell the story that this is risky territory. In this article I share the personal and professional stories of a number of family therapists brought together in focus groups to discuss personal and professional beliefs and practices in relation to religion and spirituality. The range of perspectives and issues explored renders these encounters a rich resource for family therapists wishing to develop their practice. Connections are made between themes from the discussions and the literature, and ideas proposed to support the development of positive dialogue between family therapists across the faith/secular spectrum.