How I Integrate Spiritual Practice into My Work as a Therapist and Business Mentor
One of the most common questions I hear—especially from therapists who are on their own healing journey—is: “Can I bring my spiritual practice into my work with clients?”
As someone who practices Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy in my private practice, my answer is yes—and there’s an ethical and intentional way to do it.
But let’s start with the basics.
What is “Spiritual Practice”?
Spiritual practice doesn’t have to be religious—though for some, it certainly is. I don’t consider myself religious, but I do believe deeply in the importance of spirituality as a way to connect to something larger than ourselves.
For me, spiritual practice is anything that helps me:
Reconnect with my inner self
Feel grounded in the present moment
Remember that I am part of something larger—whether that’s my community, the natural world, or the greater mystery of life
It might include reflection, journaling, nature walks, meditation, or stillness. There’s no rigid formula. The power lies in the intention—to understand ourselves more deeply, and to feel our connection to others and the world around us.
Why It Belongs in the Therapy Room
When I work with clients, I don’t show up as a spiritual guide—I show up as a fellow human who also happens to be a trained therapist. I meet clients where they are. And when spirituality becomes part of the conversation, I follow their lead.
Many clients are already yearning for deeper meaning. They want to explore purpose, connection, and their relationship with the unknown. It’s not uncommon to see clients who, through trauma healing or personal growth, naturally begin asking spiritual questions.
The therapy room can be a safe place to hold those questions—without judgment or dogma.
How I Practice What I Preach
Over the years, my own spiritual practices have evolved. These days, it’s less about structured rituals and more about presence, reflection, and showing up for myself with honesty.
Sometimes it looks like a quiet moment in the morning. Other times, it’s journaling or reading something that reconnects me to my values. But no matter what it looks like, that connection anchors me. It helps me stay grounded and clear when I’m holding space for others.
I don’t present myself as a spiritual teacher. But when appropriate, I will gently integrate mindfulness, presence-based practices, or reflections into the work I do with clients—always with respect for their autonomy and worldview.
Why It Matters in Private Practice
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “okay” to bring your spiritual self into your work, I want to reassure you—it is not only okay, it’s often the very thing that helps you create a more aligned, authentic, and sustainable practice.
Here’s what I’ve seen over and over again in my work:
The more connected I am to my own inner work, the more clarity I have in business decisions.
The more I live and lead from a grounded place, the more I attract clients who are aligned with my values.
The more I integrate all parts of myself into my work, the more fulfilling that work becomes.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be connected to what grounds you—and to be open to supporting others as they explore what grounds them.
Resources for Exploration
If you’re looking to deepen your spiritual connection in a way that complements your work as a therapist, you might find value in the work of:
Tara Brach
Thomas Moore
Reggie Ray
Parker Palmer
Jack Kornfield
The Spirituality and Practice website
These resources offer a thoughtful, grounded approach to integrating spirituality into life and work.
In Closing
Therapy and spirituality are not separate paths. For many of us—and for our clients—they’re deeply intertwined.
As therapists, we don’t need to be gurus or guides. We just need to be real, present, and open to the mystery. The more we commit to our own practice, the more confidently we can hold space for others.
If you’re a therapist looking to build or grow your private practice in a way that honors your values, your purpose, and your whole self, I’d love to support you.
You can book a free 20-minute Business Mentorship Consultation at Build Your Private Practice. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you.
