Spirituality and Religion in Counseling

Spirituality and Religion in Counseling  Although the world is full of suffering, It is also full of overcoming it. Helen Keller 1880-1968 Spirituality    Those experiences, beliefs, and phenomena that pertain to the transcendent and existential aspects of life. The individual’s search for meaning and value in life. A view of one’s place in the universe Spirituality  A word that comes from the Latin “spiritus,” meaning “breath of life.” Spirituality refers to a unique, personally meaningful experience of a transcendent dimension that is associated with a wholeness and wellness. It is an active process that involves a quest for meaningfulness in one’s life. It is not the same as religion. Religion  The external, behavioral, and public expression of spirituality (involves doctrine) Religion  The institutionalized and codified expression of one’s beliefs in the transcendent in an integrated system that is oriented toward helping people find meaning, purpose, and spiritual connectedness in life. Major world religions include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Why Address Spirituality and Religious Issues  Religious ideology and practices are a major component of the fabric of life in many cultures  Religious diversity is a cultural reality  Most North Americans claim some spiritual or religious affiliation  Religious and spiritual beliefs are vital components of the individual’s culture, values, and world-view Why Address Spirituality and Religion Continued      Respect of spiritual/religious values enhances trust Faith enhances well-being External resources facilitate healing Knowledge of spiritual/religious contexts improves conceptualization People often turn to spiritual and religious resources for guidance and emotional relief Why Address Spirituality and Religion Continued  Spirituality is often most important source of strength and direction in clients’ lives  Spirituality is an essential part of holistic approaches to counseling Albert Ellis on Spirituality, 1980 “The elegant therapeutic solution to emotional problems is to be quite unreligious and have no degree of dogmatic faith that is unfounded or unfoundable in fact … the less religious [people] are, the more emotionally healthy they will tend to be.” V62.89 Religious or Spiritual Problem  This category can be used when the focus of clinical attention is a religious or spiritual problem. Examples include distressing experiences that involve loss or questioning of faith, problems associated with conversion to a new faith, or questioning of spiritual values that may not necessarily be related to an organized church or religious institution. Spiritual Identity Development  Pre-awareness  Awakening  Recognition and recollection  Integration Types of Interventions  Sacred texts and spiritual writings  Consultation with religious leaders  Service (one hand in counseling other in helping)  Ritual and music  Repentance (sin-forgiveness)  Forgiving others (release of resentments)  Prayer, meditation Ethical Issues  Church-state boundary violations  Dual relationships and confidentiality  Assuming and discrediting religious authority  Professional competence  Imposition of values Discussion How can an assessment of a client’s religious and spiritual background facilitate counseling?  What reservations do you have about discussing spiritual or religious issues with clients?  How do spirituality and religion fit into your conceptualization of multicultural counseling? 