Spirituality and Meaning

Spirituality and the Search for Connection

Connection and Belonging

Our desire to connect to something greater than ourselves goes beyond any single religion or belief system. From birth, we instinctively seek attachment—first to caregivers, then to communities, ideas, and experiences that help us feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether we name it or not, many of us long for hope—a belief that change is possible and that life can feel like thriving rather than merely surviving.

For some, spirituality offers a framework for that hope, helping to make sense of suffering, joy, and the unknown. For others, spiritual exploration begins when material, physical, and relational experiences fail to fully satisfy the deeper longings of the heart.

Whether you find meaning within a faith tradition, are still searching for a way to engage with the spiritual, or are longing to explore your desire for connection and belonging, I offer a space to explore your beliefs, doubts, and experiences without judgment or agenda.

Spiritual Abuse and Crises of Faith

For some, communities of faith have been sources of comfort, healing, and growth. For others, they have brought pain, exclusion, betrayal, or even trauma. Moreover, some have wrestled with their faith itself after life’s experiences leave them questioning what they believe.  Whether it’s the loss of belief, disillusionment with what once brought comfort, or the deep pain of betrayal by those with whom you thought you deeply belonged—these experiences can leave us questioning everything we once held dear.

If you have been hurt by a religious or spiritual community, or if you’re grappling with doubt, confusion, or a crisis of faith, your pain is valid. Healing is possible, whether your journey has been marred by external harm or internal conflict.

Having personally experienced both the pain and the healing that can come from spiritual communities and faith, I understand the complexity of spiritual struggle. If your journey has left you feeling lost, abandoned, or uncertain of what you believe, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

While I come from a Christian background, I believe that Truth reaches us all in different ways. My role is not to impose answers but to create a space where you can explore your spiritual experiences, doubts, and hopes in a way that honors your unique journey.

Meaning and Existential Angst

What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? These questions, whether asked consciously or felt as an undercurrent of anxiety, shape much of how we experience the world. Our search for meaning drives our choices, our relationships, and our sense of fulfillment, yet it can also lead to doubt, fear, and uncertainty. At times, life feels full of purpose; other times, it feels aimless or empty. Moments of crisis—loss, failure, aging, or major transitions—can shake our foundations, forcing us to confront these deeper uncertainties. 

For many, existential anxiety stems from four core fears:

  • Death: Our physical existence is finite. We will all die at some point. How do we engage in life fully, knowing that it is impermanent? How do we come to terms with loss—of youth, of relationships, of life itself?

  • Freedom: With endless possibilities before us, how do we know which choices truly matter? Are we in control of our destiny, or is that sense of control an illusion?

  • Isolation: Even in our closest relationships, there remains a gap between ourselves and others. How do we live with the reality that no one can fully step inside our internal world?

  • Meaninglessness: Even if we build a fulfilling life, why does it matter? Is there an ultimate purpose, or do we create meaning as a way to shield ourselves from chaos and uncertainty?

These questions can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to avoid them through distractions, routines, or numbing behaviors. Yet facing them head-on—rather than pushing them aside—can lead to a more grounded and meaningful life. Together, we can explore how these fears may be shaping your present struggles and work toward a sense of clarity and peace.

Exploring Spirituality and Meaning with Support

The search for meaning, purpose, and connection is deeply personal. Whether you’re struggling with existential fears, spiritual wounds, or a desire for deeper understanding, this is a space where you can ask hard questions, find clarity, and move toward a more meaningful life.

If you’re looking for support in your spiritual or existential journey, I invite you to reach out. Exploring these questions together can bring new insight, healing, and a deeper sense of peace.

Ben Adams Counseling, PLLC

1037 NE 65th St #80661
Seattle, WA 98115

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