ABSTRACT
This chapter begins from a study on the role of spirituality in the recovery process of people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder). It demonstrates how spirituality/religion and the recovery paradigm are linked. The chapter explores the role of spirituality and religion in mental health care. It provides a historical overview of the relationship between spirituality/religion and mental health care and presents findings from research studies exploring the relationship between spirituality/religion and mental health. The chapter discusses both the positive uses of spirituality and spiritual challenges (i.e., spiritual benefits and struggles) experienced by mental health service users. The chapter offers guidance for practitioners interested in engaging in spiritually informed mental health practice. Namely, suggestions are given for conducting spiritual assessment, supporting clients' use of positive spiritual resources, linking clients' spiritual resources to their overall recovery process and goals, and addressing a variety of spiritual struggles.
