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A qualitative study of psychologists' perspectives of discussing spiritual issues in therapy
by Santana, Nicole Irene Howard, PsyD, ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SAN DIEGO, 2006, 0 pages; 3209198
 

Abstract: Incorporating spirituality into the practice of psychotherapy has been a controversial topic. However, these ideas have evolved and changed throughout the years as clinicians and pastoral counselors began to realize that spirituality is a part of the psychology of many people. A movement has begun to understand how spirituality and psychology are integrated. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the perspectives and experiences of psychologists regarding discussing spiritual issues in psychotherapy. The method that was used in this study was the Constant Comparative method developed by Maykut and Morehouse (1994). Ten psychologists were interviewed using a semi-structured interview format. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for emergent themes. Four categories containing 16 major and 3 minor themes emerged from the data. Psychologists defined spirituality and religion and spirituality was defined as something greater than oneself and religion as a structured, institutional belief system that is passed through generations. Participants expressed that they do not formally assess clients' spiritual background, however they do join clients within their spiritual framework and use interventions of a spiritual nature, given a client has introduced spirituality into the therapy. Psychologists expressed that there are Negative aspects of spirituality in therapy and that it is clear to maintain a differentiated role as a therapist and to maintain clinical boundaries where spirituality is concerned. Psychologists expressed openness to discussing spiritual issues in therapy and stated they have had positive experiences with spirituality in therapy. Negative attitudes toward religion were acknowledged. Psychologists expressed a belief that therapists should have more formalized training in spirituality in therapy, given the lack of formal training in spirituality in therapy. Participants shared personal informal experiences of training in spirituality and noted that their own spirituality enters the therapy, directly and indirectly. Spirituality and Religion was regarded as a tool for health and healing and there was agreement that all presenting problems have a psychospiritual aspect. The emergent themes contribute to the research on psychologists' perspectives of discussing spiritual issues in therapy.

 
Advisor: NULL
School: ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, SAN DIEGO
Source: DAI-B 67/03, p. 1716, Sep 2006
Source Type: PsyD
Subjects: Psychotherapy; Religion
Publication Number: 3209198
     
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