Counselor Training in the Use of Spiritual Lifemaps: Creative Interventions for Depicting Spiritual/Religious Stories

Abstract

In this study, the authors explored the experiences of 39 students trained in the use of the spiritual lifemap intervention. Participants reflected on their experience via essay responses. Three predominant themes emerged: (a) aversion to the topic of spirituality/religion, (b) the spiritual lifemap as facilitative of breadth and depth in client expression during role-play sessions, and (c) appreciation of the creative elements of the spiritual lifemap. Based on these themes, the authors suggest implications for counselor training.

Keywords:

• spirituality
• religion
• creativity
• counselor education