Therapists’ Responses to Religious/Spiritual Discussions with Trauma Versus Non-trauma Clients

摘要

This research explores therapists’ reactions to discussions of religion and spirituality in secular psychotherapy. We used a mixed method design including qualitative and quantitative components to examine data from 14 mental health professionals. Therapists acknowledged the importance of, and outlined reasons for, engaging in religious/spiritual discussions. They provided examples of the diverse ways in which their own views on religion/ spirituality have an effect on their therapeutic work. Therapists view attention to religion/spirituality in trauma therapy as necessary. They see an emphasis on religion/ spirituality within the treatment of traumatized clients as possessing distinctive qualities in comparison to their treatment of other populations.