Is there a Place for Religion in Contemporary Psychology? (original) (raw)
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Religion, psychology, and mental health: The problems of partnership
Journal of Religion & Health, 1980
While a current and increasingly popular trend is toward partnerships between religion and psychology in the area of mental health, and especially toward the use of psychological ideas and techniques by pastoral counselors, modern psychology and traditional religion are divided in significant ways over several normative issues. Too often these issues are minimized or overlooked. But unless these issues—which carry significant sociocultural implications as well as implications for our definitions of individual well-being—are acknowledged and subjected to critical considerations, partnerships between religion and psychology must be far more cautiously constructed and must be subjected to far more systematic thinking about the differences which separate the two.
Historically speaking, psychology and religion have worked separately toward the goal of improving mental health among the people. Can psychology and religion work together and reap better results for the client? How important is religion for the people and how important are religious values for psychologists? What is the relationship between religion and mental health? How today's schools of psychology deal with the religious client? How is religion integrated in psychotherapy? These and other related issues are addressed in this paper. It is concluded that psychologists are obligated to work within the value system of the client and that this approach would achieve a more positive therapeutic outcome.
Can Religion and Psychology Work Together in Clinic? A Philosophical Evaluation
2009
It has been a general perception that there is animosity between clinical practice and religion. The idea behind this perception seems to be that religion ascribes the human condition to causes that cannot be proven scientifically. However, if anything, this perception only projects a positivist approach of life. Religion and clinical practice are not incompatible. In fact, religion can be employed in clinical practice as a source of insight for three reasons: (1) Religion is the most inclusive one compared to science and philosophy. Science is supposed to deal with particulars. On the other hand, though philosophy deals with universals, it does not tackle whereabouts of the individual before the birth and after the death. (2) Religion is the most profound phenomenon that provides one with answers concerning the meaning of life. (3) Basic religious texts are the richest sources that provide the most profound accounts in terms of psychological resilience. Therefore, religion has a crucial role that cannot be overlooked in clinical practice: it can and should be employed as a source of insight in clinical practice both in treatment and prevention.
The Role of Religion in Therapy: Time for Psychologists to Have a Little Faith?
Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 2010
The argument has been made that religious and spiritual (R/S) forms of treatment, or R/S adaptations of existing treatments, are an appropriate, culturally sensitive, and potentially efficacious method of intervention when working clinically with religious patients experiencing psychological, behavioral, or physiological dysfunction. The previous articles in this special series describe four such interventions designed for use with patients with particular presenting problems including serious mental illness, cancer, eating disorders, and scrupulosity. This article offers a brief historical presentation on the growth of interest in R/S in clinical psychology and behavioral medicine, with particular attention to the general issue of the role of values in therapy, and includes criticisms of integrating R/S in treatment. The difficulty of appreciating unique R/S perspectives and their relevance for particular clients is emphasized and the question of whether a "true" understanding of R/S beliefs necessarily leads to better health is examined. Each of the four therapies presented in this special series is individually analyzed, and it is clear that they offer sensitive and culturally relevant approaches to treating the various disorders, though areas of potential improvement or possible confusion are highlighted. Finally, the following are deemed essential if R/S-informed therapies are to impact the field and be appropriately introduced with clients: (a) training of future and current practitioners; (b) longitudinal research on R/S; (c) outcome studies of R/S interventions; and (d) adequate funding for the achievement of these goals.
Spirituality, religiousness and psychotherapy
Religious/spiritual beliefs and practices constitute an important part of culture and principles clients use to shape judgments and process information. Psychotherapists may use knowledge of these belief systems and appreciation of their potential to leverage client adherence and achieve better outcomes. However, many approaches have yet to do so and the variety of concepts of religiosity/spirituality may place obstacles to this important interface. This article raises certain concepts that we see as consistent, accessible, and capable of facilitating professional dialogue in the therapeutic sphere. We discuss the impact of subjectivity, states of consciousness and perceptions influenced by reli- giosity/spirituality, on mental health as well as the importance of psychotherapists actually focusing clients and their belief systems, developing models to mobilize hope, and boosting coping abilities. Despite the current distance between controlled studies and clinical practice, we discu...
Relationship between Religion, Spirituality, and Psychotherapy: An Ethical Perspective
Oxford Handbook of Psychotherapy Ethics, 2019
Spirituality and religion are typically a critically important element of most people’s lives. They offer an overarching framework for making sense of the world and a strategy to cope with life’s stressors. They provide a community and a way to wrestle with life’s biggest questions regarding meaning, purpose, and suffering. Mental health professionals are mandated to behave in an ethical manner defined by their codes of ethics. These codes typically understand religion and spirituality a multiculturalism issue. Professionals need to be respectful and responsible and pay close attention to potential implicit bias, boundary crossings, and destructive beliefs and practices. Working with religious professional as helpful collaborative partners also achieves ethically minded best practices. Numerous resources are now available to help professionals develop and maintain their skills in ethically minded clinical practice with spiritual and religious clients. This chapter highlights these i...
ReligiositySpirituality (RS) in the Clinical Context: Professional Experiences of Psychotherapists
Temas em Psicologia, 2019
Although the scientifi c production on religiosity/spirituality (R/S) is increasing, notably from their connection with the health dimension, this theme is practically absent in Psychology training. The objective of this study was to learn the professional reality of psychotherapists regarding their clinical experiences and the R/S dimension. Twenty-four professionals from two cities in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil, with an average psychotherapy experience of 10.54 years, were interviewed individually. The interviews were transcribed in full and analyzed from the R/S literature. Such a dimension is evoked as relevant for all psychotherapists, although it has not been suffi ciently addressed in their training. The exploration of R/S stems from client demands and presents at times as an important resource for intervention, while in other times hinders the development of many conditions. The recent proposals of the Psychology Councils regarding R/S are unknown by the professionals, suggesting the need for greater dialog and also the presence of such discussions in Psychology training.
Editorial: Psychology, Psychotherapy and Religion: Research and Therapy Trends
2016
Sigmund Freud Private University in association with the International Society for Science and Religion hosted the Vienna International Congress on Science and/or Religion: a 21st Century Debate, in August 2015. The congress offered an opportunity for interdisciplinary, interreligious, and intercultural conversation. During the three days of the event 116 papers and posters were presented by participants from 32 countries.