Dancing the Labyrinth: Spirituality in the Lives of Women

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.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1. Voicing Her Spiritual Story Chapter 2. Women's Spiritual Development Chapter 3. Relational Spirituality: The Web of Life Chapter 4. Women and the Divine Chapter 5. Changes in Spirituality Chapter 6. Suffering and Spirituality Chapter 7. Women, Mainstream Spirituality, and Feminism Chapter 8. Mysticism, New Age, and Earth-Based Spirituality Chapter 9. Women, Anger, and Power Chapter 10. Spirituality and Treatment Approaches Chapter 11. Spirituality and Treatment Techniques Chapter 12. Special Treatment Issues Chapter 13. The Therapist and Spirituality Appendices Index

About the Author :
Maddy Cunningham, DSW, MSW, is Professor Emeritus in the Graduate School of Social Service at Fordham University. Jade de Saussure, PhD candidate, MSW, is an ordained ministerial counselor who infuses spirituality in all parts of her social work practice. She also serves as Chair of the Spirituality Committee for the National Association of Social Workers' New York City Chapter.

Review :
"With a thorough, skillful, and wonderfully balanced view, the authors of Dancing the Labyrinth explore the richness of women's spiritual development across a wide expanse of themes. They write with a profound intimacy by weaving the spiritual stories of women in their middle and older years to highlight the joys, traumas, and growth experiences forming the contours of feminist spirituality. The stories bring to life examples of how women's spiritual journeys are inclusive and deeply relational. There are also chapters exploring treatment approaches and spiritual interventions like mindfulness and creative arts. As the title metaphor of the book suggests, the chapters model the circular movements of the labyrinth and offer the reader a 'single path that leads to the center'." -- Maureen E. Carey, PhD, is professor of Social Work at Molloy College and a practicing artist "Relevant for today's therapist in a time of increased feminist awareness, this book serves as a resource that uses non-traditional models to achieve goals relating to the empowerment of women. The authors provide useful interventions whose applications are explained in terms of their practicality in the therapeutic process. Furthermore, the authors discuss concepts available to therapists. The detailed explanations-featuring extensive references-provide a strong basis for any therapist interested in utilizing novel techniques." -- Ruth Stern, LCSW, has 30 years of experience in individual, group, and bereavement therapy