Does a Therapist’s World View Matter?

Abstract

While past research indicates that mental health professionals are less religious than the public they serve, little is known about the implications of therapists' world views for their practice. In this study, approximately 50 therapists completed surveys that assessed self-identification in relation to spirituality, religion, and/or world view; how relevant they considered their patients' and their own world views; and responses to clinical vignettes involving issues arising in treatment. While a minority considered themselves religious, a majority indicated that they considered themselves moderately or very spiritual. When asked how they would respond to a series of clinical vignettes involving topics such as assisted suicide and encouraging the use of spiritual resources, responses varied significantly by world view. Respondents endorsed several factors limiting the integration of religion/spiritualities/world views into their clinical work. These data raise questions about how to further explore the clinical relevance of the therapist's world view.

Firearms in clients’ homes

“…The importance of recognizing one's religious beliefs when working with clients has been greatly emphasized in the field of counseling and psychotherapy (Dorre & Kinnier, 2006;Erford, 2015;Gladding & Newsome, 2018;Peteet et al, 2016;Shafranske & Cummings, 2013). Koenig (2013) specifically called upon counselors to be mindful of their religious beliefs in client care, although existing studies have rarely examined how counselors' religious beliefs, when involved in the counselors' decision-making, influenced their treatment objectives.…”

Religious Sensitivity at Secular Universities – A Cross-Sectional Replication Study among Norwegian Psychology Students

“…Stotz-Ingenlath (2017) describes the spiritual dimension of the experience of severe psychiatric disorders in clinical practice, such as the existential question of identity and the worth of human life in the course of dementia, or the question of meaning and guilt during depression therapy-it is a challenge for patients, relatives, and therapists to find answers to such challenges. It has been found that the differing world views of psychotherapists have a significant impact on their practice (Peteet et al, 2016), yet the training of psychologists seems to lack a focus on such topics (Reme et al, 2009).…”

Clients’ Faith Experiences as an Opportunity or a Challenge for Psychotherapy: A Qualitative Analysis of Clinical Records

“…Consequently, the psychologist can draw on this general psychological knowledge in psychotherapy with spiritually or religiously oriented clients. Studies have indicated that a therapist's own worldview is associated with the responses given in a clinical situation (Peteet et al 2016;Curlin et al 2005). Therefore, psychologists might also need training in and education on how to address faith experiences and how to intervene in psychological practice to assure an approach that is based not on their values, worldview, or faith experiences, but rather on psychological knowledge and experience.…”