Religions

Editorial

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7 pages, 188 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Introduction of the Special Issue “Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling”

by Kelvin F. Mutter

Religions 2025, 16(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16010100 - 20 Jan 2025

Viewed by 883

Abstract

It is understandable if readers of this Special Issue of Religions ask the following: “Why this topic [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

Research

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10 pages, 181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study Method for Integrating Spirituality and Narrative Therapy

by Suzanne M. Coyle

Religions 2024, 15(3), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15030361 - 18 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5113

Abstract

Theological/spiritual reflection in psychotherapeutic practice has increased in recent years. Approaches for reflection and integration vary depending on the practitioner’s spiritual and theoretical beliefs. The integrative approach utilized in this paper is derived from a phenomenological perspective of the author, who was schooled [...] Read more.

Theological/spiritual reflection in psychotherapeutic practice has increased in recent years. Approaches for reflection and integration vary depending on the practitioner’s spiritual and theoretical beliefs. The integrative approach utilized in this paper is derived from a phenomenological perspective of the author, who was schooled in pastoral theology and later family therapy. Considering the pastoral theologian Seward Hiltner’s perspectival approach, this integrative approach creates a conversational method, integrating the client’s concerns with specific narrative therapy interventions or practices and the theological/spiritual concepts of immanence–transcendence. Finally, this case study’s methodology offers constructive questions that clinical practitioners can apply to specific psychotherapy approaches as well as theological concepts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

17 pages, 321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Training Integrated Clinicians by Example: A Practical Call for Ongoing Spiritual Formation and Mentoring amongst Christian Integrative Counseling Faculty

by Haley R. French

Religions 2023, 14(10), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101260 - 5 Oct 2023

Viewed by 3697

Abstract

The body of literature on the integration of Christianity and psychology and/or counseling indicates that integration is best learned and taught through spiritual formation and mentoring relationships. More specifically, the ongoing spiritual formation of counseling or psychology faculty in Christian, integrative programs and [...] Read more.

The body of literature on the integration of Christianity and psychology and/or counseling indicates that integration is best learned and taught through spiritual formation and mentoring relationships. More specifically, the ongoing spiritual formation of counseling or psychology faculty in Christian, integrative programs and their ability to mentor students well are significant in shaping the integrative development of those they educate and train, and for ensuring integrative practice. However, what is underexplored in the literature is how faculty members in integrative programs might personally grow and develop in these areas if they are not already in existence or are underemphasized. This article seeks to address this need by providing an overview of practical ways for strengthening the spiritual formation and mentoring opportunities for Christian, integrative faculty, ultimately with the aim of encouraging greater integrative activity in counselors entering the field. Through a review of the pertinent counseling literature, as well as scholarship on spiritual formation, and spiritual formation and mentoring in educational contexts, a summative list of practical strategies is presented. Implications for broader use and application are also discussed, along with potential opportunities for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

13 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Islamic Spiritual Care: What Is in a Name?

by Naveed Baig and Nazila Isgandarova

Religions 2023, 14(10), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14101256 - 4 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4795

Abstract

At present, there is limited theoretical clarity on the nature of Islamic spiritual care, which is a developing discipline around the world. How it is defined will be instrumental for spiritual care institutions, professionals and recipients of spiritual care in the years to [...] Read more.

At present, there is limited theoretical clarity on the nature of Islamic spiritual care, which is a developing discipline around the world. How it is defined will be instrumental for spiritual care institutions, professionals and recipients of spiritual care in the years to come. This article wishes to understand and explore the idea and vision behind Islamic spiritual care and why this line of investigation may be of importance to care providers with different faith backgrounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

11 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thousands of Glittering Shards: Spirituality as Resonance in the Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities

by Keith Dow

Religions 2023, 14(7), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14070886 - 9 Jul 2023

Viewed by 2304

Abstract

In the Kabbalah creation myth, God creates the universe by “stepping back”, releasing ten holy vessels with his light—only to have those vessels shatter with shards of divine light, or “shards” scattered throughout the earth. In a parallel approach, this paper suggests that [...] Read more.

In the Kabbalah creation myth, God creates the universe by “stepping back”, releasing ten holy vessels with his light—only to have those vessels shatter with shards of divine light, or “shards” scattered throughout the earth. In a parallel approach, this paper suggests that the sacred must be sought in diverse encounters within everyday life and professional practice. In counseling or other therapeutic support, the definition of and search for spiritual dimensions must be broadened to thoughtfully incorporate the diverse experiences and expressions of people with intellectual disabilities. Similarly, those who seek to understand people’s relationship with the divine and support meaning in their lives must welcome a wide range of “artistic” engagements, an approach exemplified in grief and loss intervention. This article concludes by pointing towards resonance as a helpful concept to reconceptualize accessible spirituality in future work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

9 pages, 255 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Value of Adapting Counseling to Client’s Spirituality and Religion: Evidence-Based Relationship Factors

by Amelia L. Evans and Jennifer Koenig Nelson

Religions 2021, 12(11), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12110951 - 1 Nov 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 27849

Abstract

There is a strong tradition of attention to relationship factors in the field of counseling. The research on the importance of the relationship and adapting to client factors continues to grow, supporting the importance of professional multicultural competence. The field of counseling, specifically [...] Read more.

There is a strong tradition of attention to relationship factors in the field of counseling. The research on the importance of the relationship and adapting to client factors continues to grow, supporting the importance of professional multicultural competence. The field of counseling, specifically within the United States context, has focused on Multicultural Counseling Competencies with more recent emphasis on social justice through the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies. Within these competencies, spirituality and religion are mentioned as multicultural components to consider as potentially salient to clients. Yet, there has been less emphasis on ways to adapt counseling to a client’s spirituality and religion compared to other multicultural components of one’s identity, such as race, gender, and culture. Historically, a lack of training, fear of causing offense, or concerns about influencing clients, resulted in clients’ spirituality and religion being overlooked far too often in counseling. Despite this tendency, recent clinical evidence on relational responsiveness identifies the adaptation of counseling to a client’s spirituality and religion as highly effective. In this article, the authors discuss how adapting counseling to a client’s spirituality and religion, in relation to all multicultural factors salient to the client, enhances relational responsiveness and treatment effectiveness. The authors also discuss the implications for training, supervision, and practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

10 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spiritual and Religious Support for Underrepresented First-Generation, Low-Income (UFGLI) Students

by Elliott Ingersoll, Sophia Elliott and Stephanie Drcar

Religions 2021, 12(7), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12070548 - 19 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3441

Abstract

UFGLI students comprise 34% of the students enrolled in four-year universities. Unlike some students, UFGLI students face internal and systemic barriers throughout their educational experience and their struggles are often dismissed and disregarded. Working and raising a family while taking courses, minimal support [...] Read more.

UFGLI students comprise 34% of the students enrolled in four-year universities. Unlike some students, UFGLI students face internal and systemic barriers throughout their educational experience and their struggles are often dismissed and disregarded. Working and raising a family while taking courses, minimal support systems, and financial struggles require students to optimize their resources. We explore the issues of UFGLI students and the importance of their spiritual and religious supports using a literature review and a case study. Religious and spiritual identities are resources that should be explored and supported by staff at university counselling centers. Affirming UFGLI students’ religious and spiritual identities and understanding how religion and spirituality work in their lives can assist these students in their acclimation to and success at university. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

14 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Creating Authentic Sacred Therapeutic Space: A Spiritually Sensitive Framework for Counselling Children

by Heather M. Boynton and Christie Mellan

Religions 2021, 12(7), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12070524 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5265

Abstract

Social work values client-centered holistic approaches of care, yet there is a lack of approaches addressing spirituality in counselling with children. Children’s spirituality and conceptualization have been disenfranchised. Children’s spiritual experiences, ways of knowing and perceptions are important to attend to when supporting [...] Read more.

Social work values client-centered holistic approaches of care, yet there is a lack of approaches addressing spirituality in counselling with children. Children’s spirituality and conceptualization have been disenfranchised. Children’s spiritual experiences, ways of knowing and perceptions are important to attend to when supporting them through an impactful life event such as trauma, grief, or loss (TGL). Parents may not fully understand or have the capacity to attend to their child’s spirituality. Counsellors appear to lack knowledge and training to attend to the spiritual needs and capacities of children. This article offers some research findings of children’s spirituality deemed to be vital for healing from TGL and counselling. It provides an understanding of some of the constructs and isolating processes described by children, parents and counsellors related to children’s spirituality in TGL. It also will present a spiritually sensitive framework specifically attuned to the spiritual dimension and creating spaces of safety and hope when working with children. The implications of not addressing the critical spiritual dimensions in practice for children are discussed, and recommendations for continued research and training for further theoretical development and future social work practice are offered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

15 pages, 289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Child Traumatic Stress and the Sacred: Neurobiologically Informed Interventions for Therapists and Parents

by Joseph E. De Luna and David C. Wang

Religions 2021, 12(3), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12030163 - 3 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6773

Abstract

Children experience trauma and adverse experiences at an alarming rate. The negative impact of traumatic experiences on a child’s developing brain is pervasive, adversely affecting one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physiological reactions, and social relationships. Conversely, the nature, pattern, timing and duration of therapeutic [...] Read more.

Children experience trauma and adverse experiences at an alarming rate. The negative impact of traumatic experiences on a child’s developing brain is pervasive, adversely affecting one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physiological reactions, and social relationships. Conversely, the nature, pattern, timing and duration of therapeutic experiences can change the brain in ways that support and cultivate therapeutic growth and healing. The purpose of this paper will be to review and expand on two prominent neurobiological therapeutic frameworks within the field of child trauma therapy: the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and Interpersonal Neurobiology. We will discuss the ways in which trauma experiences are organized in the brain and how therapeutic and parenting interventions can address the key areas of the brain that are impacted. Further, this paper will expand on these frameworks to explore how the sacred (within primarily a Judeo-Christian monotheistic religious tradition) can be integrated within the therapeutic process—specifically through the themes of safety, relational connection, and meaning-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

Review

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18 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessReview

After-Death Communication: Issues of Nondisclosure and Implications for Treatment

by Kathleen C. Pait, Julie J. Exline, Kenneth I. Pargament and Peri Zarrella

Religions 2023, 14(8), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14080985 - 30 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

After-death communication (ADC) is the phenomenon of perceiving spontaneous and direct contact by a deceased loved one. Evidence suggests that ADC is a widespread human experience, particularly for bereaved individuals. Many people who have ADCs report them to be comforting, suggesting therapeutic potential. [...] Read more.

After-death communication (ADC) is the phenomenon of perceiving spontaneous and direct contact by a deceased loved one. Evidence suggests that ADC is a widespread human experience, particularly for bereaved individuals. Many people who have ADCs report them to be comforting, suggesting therapeutic potential. However, many individuals in Western cultures choose not to disclose their ADCs to mental health providers, citing fears of pathologization, disenfranchisement due to gender expectations, negative ADC encounters, or minimization by clinicians. For others, ADCs are deeply personal and people may keep the experiences to themselves for fear that providers might explain the ADCs away by framing them in purely psychological terms. As such, there is a paucity of literature on how therapists should best approach the topic of ADC with clients. The following narrative review offers clinical interview and assessment strategies from theoretical papers and empirical studies to guide this process. Clinicians are encouraged to self-reflect on their natural inclinations around ADC, assess general psychological functioning, normalize and validate the ADC experience, assess client feelings and explanations, and inquire about spiritual beliefs. Clinicians can also help clients to explore the meaning and personal significance of their ADCs as well as clients’ perceived relationships with the deceased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Incorporating the Sacred in Counselling)

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