7 Acts of Spiritual Activism
Being an Advocate in Therapy and Spiritual Care: What It Really Means
Recently, I was part of a panel discussion in my denomination, focused on understanding gender identity and how different public systems approach inclusion. While we covered a lot of ground, the thing that stuck with me the most was a deeper understanding of what spiritual activism means, and how that ties into my work as a therapist and spiritual care provider.
In short, spiritual activism means using your position to support people who are marginalized. It’s about walking alongside someone—not speaking over them, but standing with them as they navigate something hard. In spiritual language, this is closely related to the idea of a paraclete—a helper, a supporter, an advocate. It’s also a big part of what I do every day in therapy and in spiritual care.
Not long after that panel, I found myself in a situation where I needed to speak up for a patient who had complex emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. It made me reflect on just how important advocacy is in this work—not just in emergencies or big systemic conversations, but in the small, everyday moments when someone feels overwhelmed, unseen, or unsure of what to do next.
7 Ways I Practice Advocacy in Therapy and Spiritual Support
Here’s what advocacy looks like in my world—not as a buzzword, but as a real, grounded part of how I help people heal:
- Start with Worthiness
Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved—period. I help people reconnect with that truth and hold onto it, especially when life has tried to convince them otherwise. - Show Up with Presence
Sometimes advocacy means saying something on someone’s behalf. But more often, it means just being there—calm, grounded, and listening deeply. That presence can open the door to healing. - Name What’s Not Fair
If someone’s facing injustice—whether it’s in a healthcare system, a family dynamic, or a workplace—it’s important to name it. We talk about how those things impact healing and explore what support and freedom might look like. - Support Choice and Agency
I want the people I work with to feel empowered to make their own choices—based on their values, their faith (if that’s part of their story), and their inner knowing. That includes boundaries, decisions, and next steps. - Connect to Trusted Resources
Part of advocacy is knowing when someone needs more support. I offer referrals to therapists, legal aid, AA, financial help—whatever’s needed—and only to places I believe are safe, respectful, and helpful. - Bridge the Gaps
Whether it’s helping someone talk to a doctor, explain their needs to family, or navigate a system, I see part of my role as helping people feel more confident and less alone in those tough conversations. - Explain the Fine Print
Sometimes healing is about clarity. I help people understand what they’re up against—policies, procedures, next steps—so they can move forward with more confidence and less confusion.
Advocacy Is Part of Healing
Advocacy isn’t something extra or separate from therapy—it’s a natural part of how I support people who are grieving, burned out, overwhelmed, or trying to find themselves again. Whether I’m working with caregivers, clients in crisis, or people navigating deep identity questions, I see advocacy as one of the most loving and powerful tools we have.
When someone feels supported—not just emotionally, but practically—it creates space for peace, clarity, and real transformation.
Want to Explore This More?
Here are a few books I return to often when thinking about spiritual support and advocacy:
- The Practice of Pastoral Care by Carrie Doehring
- The Work of the Chaplain by Paget & McCormack
- Professional Spiritual and Pastoral Care, edited by Stephen B. Roberts
Artist: Elena Khomoutova
