This thesis compares the role of spirituality in selected Christian and secular approaches to psychotherapy. It aims to clarify the relationship between spirituality, religiosity and psychotherapy, and to identify shared emphases, differences and ethical limits in addressing spiritual concerns. It draws on a review and comparative analysis of selected theoretical works, literature reviews and empirical studies. After defining key concepts and outlining selected historical developments, the thesis compares the approaches in four areas: understandings of the person and spirituality, the therapeutic relationship, the practices discussed and the ethical conditions for their inclusion.
The analysis highlights the shared importance of meaning, relationships, belonging and respect for clients’ experiences. The Christian approach examined also links these dimensions to a relationship with God and a theological understanding of grace. The secular approaches presented focus on exploring clients’ experiences and life questions without requiring a shared religious standpoint; clients’ faith can also be addressed. These similarities therefore do not remove differences in interpretations of the person and therapeutic change.
The selected sources describe spirituality as a potential source of support, while also identifying burdensome beliefs and the use of spiritual practices to avoid difficulties. Its inclusion requires attention to clients’ wishes, therapists’ competence and the distinction between psychotherapy and spiritual guidance. The historical overview of Slovenia highlights the importance of education and professional cooperation. The comparison informs proposals for addressing spiritual concerns in therapeutic work. The thesis is limited to selected sources and does not test the comparative effectiveness of the approaches or the clinical usefulness of the proposals. It contributes to a clearer distinction between research findings, theological interpretations and possibilities for their considered application in psychotherapy.
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