ABSTRACT
This chapter describes how systemic ideas and practices are used in therapy to help people experiencing religious and spiritual distress. It illustrates the importance attached in systemic practice to the therapist's ability to consider their history and social identities, and how this relates to the conduct of therapy. The chapter outlines the key features of systemic practice, and demonstrate their application in clinical practice. Readers will be invited to consider for themselves questions that may be included in the practice of spiritual assessment. The chapter presents a composite case study, an amalgamation of work with different clients illustrating 'real life' practice. Names, identifying features and aspects of the therapy have been changed to protect confidentiality. It discusses the challenges for practice in this area, and reflections on links between author experience of being part of a new religious movement and how this has shaped my development as a therapist.
