ABSTRACT
All the great world religions have their own rich traditions of spiritual guidance and support, but this chapter specifically addresses the Christian model of spiritual direction. In order to explore the differences and similarities between spiritual direction and therapy, it is important to be clear what we mean by labels and how each of these two traditions identifies itself and what it does. Swinton states very simply: "Spirituality is the outward expression of the inner workings of the human spirit". Richards & Bergin address the interrelatedness of religion and spirituality as follows: Religion has to do with theistic beliefs, practices, and feelings that are often, but not always, expressed institutionally and denominationally as well as personally. Traditionally, and in some cases, some psychotherapists might not consider the client's spirituality as relevant, and may even see it is a sign of pathology. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book.
