I agree with your perspective as it as a psychological tool. That doing self reads is the best and when doing so for others I ask them not to tell me their query just to think on it while I describe the cards relative to each other, I use a Celtic cross spread. So that they are prompted to introspection on the matter.

Spiritually there is an egregore associated with tarot, especially the rider waite and thoth decks that influences it.

Also I use individual cards in rituals, like 10 of cups, empress, high priestess for a spell to increase the abundance of intuition, mental clarity, and stability in my life.