The search for meaning; for understanding; for self knowledge; for wisdom.......all of these classical endeavors are inherent in the exploratory therapeutic process. It's no leap at all to recognize the potential for a path to self realization within this process. The actualization of this potential depends on the client's intention and desire, and on the therapist's understanding and ability.
This is one of those instances where the skill of the therapist may include the ability to guide the client along the path of self inquiry, and the ability to help the client make important and fruitful connections linking the psychological, emotional, cognitive and spiritual dimensions of self. In order to avoid the pitfalls of "spiritual bypass" (a condition wherein there is some genuine spiritual achievement, while a lack of integration of this achievement remains active, thus creating both internal and external imbalance and distress in thinking, feeling and behavior), the process of psychotherapy as Path includes the means for integrating, balancing,and harmonizing advancement and development across all dimensions of self.
Clearly, not everyone who enters therapy will be either aware of or interested in this potential in the process. For those who are either aware or interested however,
the rich soil of possibility, along with the skill of the therapist/gardener, may yield a surprisingly abundant harvest.
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