Religion and Spirituality The words religion and spirituality are often used interchangeably, though they are uniquely different things. Spirituality is the pursuit of a relationship and understanding of the world around us as it relates to our spirit and deity. Religion is the assembling of spiritually like-minded individuals into a practicing group whereby beliefs, traditions, and rituals are indoctrinated. Though they often coexist and overlap, they neither require nor rely on one another. Many people practicing religion are spiritually barren, and many who are spiritually adept have become so outside of a major religion. So in the search for a spiritual experience, where does religion fit in?
Although being spiritual does not require adherence to religious dogma, many people choose to operate spiritually within the preexisting framework of a major world religion. Religion provides a foundation to rest your spiritual beliefs firmly on. It gives definition and focus to an otherwise ethereal venture. It can be an excellent springboard for launching into your own spiritual endeavor. Likewise, it provides built in rituals, traditions, fellowship, and imagery with which to define and practice your spirituality. Assuming a major religion as part of your spiritual quest affords you mentors, community, and physical landmarks to support you along your path. Many religions offer nonprofit benefits as well: schools, homes and shelters for the needy or poor, and scholarships just to name a few. Within the context of religion, spirituality takes definite shape, deity is given a recognizable face and name, and an otherwise featureless path is characterized with guiding barriers and signs.
Still, there are those who find the stringent codes and dogma of major religions too confining in their search for divine life and its role in the mundane world. Their spiritual existence is found outside the walls of churches, mosques and synagogues. Instead, freedom itself defines their journey. Deity can be anyone or anything. Traditions are borrowed and doctrine is individual. Many of these people study a variety of religious traditions only to find that none are a perfect match. They often pull what works personally from a myriad of religions and sects and utilize it in their own unique way. Support systems are harder to come by, but internet sites and forums, local open-minded groups, and intimate family and friends all make great substitutes. Rather than a straight shot outlined towards a definite goal, their path is a winding stroll through ever changing landscapes littered with the joys of having no deadlines, ultimatums or direct destinations.
How do you know what’s right for you? Put religion to the test. If you’re already involved in a religious heritage, dabble in some of the other major religions. See how they culminate with your own spirituality. Read, attend gatherings, and ask questions. You may find that they only reaffirm your chosen religion and previous inclinations, and you can be confident you are where you need to be. Or, you may discover that you have a taste for the delicacies of another world religion. This could lead to an overall conversion or a mere adaptation of current practices and beliefs to include those outside your previous choices that you have found an appreciation for. In some cases, you may be led to look outside of religion altogether for spiritual direction, and in others you may realize that you are most comfortable within the heritage you are accustomed too. In either case, you are expanding your own spiritual understanding and whatever your conclusions, you are sure to benefit from them.
Struggling with religion and spirituality? You are not alone.
OUR GUARANTEE: you deserve the best therapist possible. If you don't feel like the therapist that you met with was the right fit, then free of charge you can try out a different therapist. Being in a group practices allows for flexibility.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO SELF SCHEDULE AN ONLINE OR AN INPERSON THERAPY SESSION. The Center for Growth has offices in multiple states. If you prefer to speak to a live therapist, call our intake department at 215 - 922 - 5683 x 100 or go to a therapist's biography page and call the therapist of your choice directly. Every therapist has their phone number listed on their bio page.
The Center for Growth Has Therapy Offices in PA, NJ, VA, GA, NM, FL
- Ocean City Therapy Office
360 West Ave, Floor 1, Ocean City, NJ 08226 - Mechanicsville Therapy Office
9044 Mann Drive, Mechanicsville Virginia, 23116 - Alpharetta Office
11720 Amber Park Drive, Suite 160, Alpharetta GA 30006 - Society Hill Therapy Office
233 S. 6th Street, C-33, Philadelphia PA 19106 - Art Museum / Fairmount Therapy Office
2401 Pennsylvania Ave, Suite 1a2, Philadelphia PA 19130 - Santa Fe Therapy Office, 2204 B Brothers Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505
- Telemedicine: We have therapists who are licensed to work in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Virginia New Mexico and Pennsylvania
Counseling & Therapy Services
1) Individual Counseling Services
2) Child Therapy & Teen Therapy
3) Art Therapy
Listed Below Are Some Of The Therapeutic Services That Therapists At TCFG Works With. TCFG was founded in 1997. The best way to learn about us is to spend some time reading the different self help articles that we have written. They are all written by our own therapists. The self help articles stem from the clinical work that we do with our actual clients.
ADHD / ADD, Dyslexia, Autism, and Tourettes
Anxiety, OCD, Panic Therapy Services
Anger Management Therapy
Babyloss Therapy / Pregnancy Loss
Depression Therapy Services
Eating Disorders Treatment
Grief & Loss Therapy Services
Personality Issues (Narcissism, Borderline...)
Shame Therapy Services
Sex Addiction Therapy / Porn Addiction / Internet Addiction Therapy
Sex Therapy: Sexual function & dysfunction treatment
Trauma Therapy Services
Relationship Problems
