
There is a scarcity of professional literature and research that focuses on women's spiritual development and experiences and how they may differ from those of men. For women, the spiritual is often inner-focused, rather than transcendent; relational, rather than solitary; and interdependent, rather than autonomous. Dancing the Labyrinth integrates knowledge of women's psychological and spiritual development alongside stories of a diverse group of women to examine how spirituality changes over the adult life course; the catalysts for said changes (e.g., the natural aging process or traumatic events); and feminist spirituality, which highlights the importance of relationships (to self, others, and God). While the authors focus on spirituality, they examine the experiences of women who express their spirituality within both traditional and non-traditional paths. The text also includes several chapters that highlight specific clinical interventions professionals can use to implement spirituality into their practice with women. Written in an engaging and accessible style, this book serves as a helpful resource for mental health practitioners, pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, and lay audiences interested in better understanding of the nuances of women's spiritual development and experiences.
This book investigates the distinct nature of women's spiritual development and how it diverges from traditional, male-centric models of transcendence and autonomy. Authors Jade de Saussure and Maddy Cunningham utilize a synthesis of psychological theory and qualitative narratives to argue that women's spirituality is fundamentally relational, interdependent, and inner-focused. By examining the adult life course, the authors provide a framework for understanding how aging and trauma catalyze spiritual shifts in women across various belief systems.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Professionals in the fields of mental health and pastoral counseling frequently cite this work as a necessary resource for addressing the gap in gender-specific spiritual literature. Experts highlight the text's utility in bridging the divide between clinical practice and the nuanced, often non-linear spiritual experiences of women.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
2019-04-12
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0190940433
ISBN-13:
9780190940430
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