Why Women in Midlife Seek Spiritually-integrated Therapy
For a lot of women it starts with a feeling. Some might even refer to it as a calling.
Maybe it’s a deep ache or longing, like something is missing. Maybe you find yourself epically frustrated during your work day or even at social engagements because you can’t help but feel there’s more to life than this …
Either way you’re ready to explore, to seek, to invest in growth. You can feel it deep in your bones.
Congratulations on your evolution!
In midlife, women often find themselves standing at the figurative intersection of uncertainty and self-discovery. I’ve been there and if you’re reading this, I imagine you are too.
Perimenopause brings both physical and emotional transformations, relationships shift, and long-held roles begin to feel restrictive or outdated.
Many women feel a deep yearning for meaning and clarity that extends beyond conventional therapy. Spiritually-integrated therapy offers a unique container for healing and growth, blending psychological insight with a deeper connection to purpose, self, and something greater.
What is that something greater? Well, that’s entirely unique to you …
In search of Deeper Meaning
I’ve written about this numerous times, but it can’t be overstated - midlife has a way of stirring up the BIG questions: Who am I beyond my roles as a mother, partner, or professional? What is my purpose now? How do I make sense of life’s transitions?
It’s can be overwhelming, but with the right support, unbelievably exciting.
For many these questions can’t be answered solely by cognitive behavioral techniques or practical problem-solving methods, though those approaches certainly have their place. Spiritually-integrated therapy offers space to explore life’s mysteries, guiding women to find meaning in the challenges they encounter without the toxicity of “always looking on the bright side” or spiritual bypassing.
One of the greatest benefits of spiritually-integrated therapy is it’s support of women in reclaiming or bolstering their own intuition and inner knowing. This may involve using body-based (somatic) practices, expressive arts or supporting you in cultivating your own spiritual practices like the use of tarot, automatic writing or meditation. Here, we are healing our relationship with ourselves and our connection to 'spirit.’ The work is profound.
strange goodbyes
Along with the growth and the promise of transformation, often comes some degree of loss and grief. We have to say goodbye to the old to make room for the new.
Women in midlife experience grief not just from external changes like children leaving home or relationships evolving, but also from the fading of old identities that once defined them. In that process old hurts or traumas may also arise, all waiting to be attended to.
This is what is referred to as shadow work, and spiritually-integrated therapy is an ideal container for attending to and integrating these tender parts.
Here we honor what has passed while embracing new beginnings and a new sense of meaning. Through practices like guided imagery, expressive arts, meditation, or ritual, we learn to let go of who we were and welcome who we are becoming.
(Re)connecting to the sacred Feminine
In that process many midlife women, and women of all ages really, also feel pulled to reconnect with spiritual elements that honor the sacred feminine — however you define this for yourself.
In my psychotherapy work, I actively support women in creating personalized spiritual practices that feel authentic to them, while avoiding appropriation of other’s cultures. Some of the women I work with identify as pagan or witches, while others are drawn to Buddhist philosophy of Jewish mysticism. Others still are grappling with their religious upbringings and learning to reconcile their new and old belief systems.
Spiritually-oriented therapy creates space for curiosity and honors all spiritual paths, while supporting women to embrace their inner wisdom. Practices like dream work, tarot or connecting with archetypal symbols like goddesses or even personal ancestors can tap into forgotten strengths and foster a deeper sense of connection.
Spiritual Psychotherapy for Women in Louisiana and California
As we wrap up here, I want to emphasize that if you are feeling overwhelmed or disoriented in your midlife journey so far, you are not alone. We are not meant to navigate this journey on our own. Women need specialized support, guides and teachers in the process.
The midlife chapter is epic - both hard and beautiful. I truly believe through a blend of psychological insight and spiritual practice, women can experience midlife not as a crisis, but as an invitation to deeper wisdom, healing, and purpose. That’s a good thing, because we are needed out there!
If you’re ready to get started you can reach me here. I’d love to hear from you.
Till next time, Wishing you peace & ease,
Jessika
Support for women’s healing, growth + Wellness in New Orleans and San Francisco
A little about me …
Hi, my name is Jessika Fruchter LMFT and I’m a feminist psychotherapist, expressive arts therapist, writer and educator. I provide online holistic psychotherapy for women in California and Louisiana who are navigating the perimenopause transition and all things midlife. Together we tend to matters of the mind, body and spirit.
I believe personal healing is a revolutionary act. I say it often. And in these (continued) turbulent times, I believe it now more than ever.
If you think spiritually-integrated therapy might be right for you, and you live in the states of Louisiana or California, I’m here to support. Here are a couple of steps to move forward …
Schedule a free initial consultation here
Of if you have questions … Let's chat.I’m happy to answer any questions you have.
Also please know there are directories where you may seek out other feminist therapists in your area. Inclusive Therapist and Therapy Den are two great places to start.
