Religion and the clinical practice of psychology: A case for inclusion.

Abstract

We return in this closing chapter to the central question posed in the introduction: What is the influence of religion as a variable in mental health and psychological treatment? Broadly stated, the issue concerns the inclusion of religious issues in the clinical practice of psychology. Consideration of "inclusion" is crucial to this discussion because it defines the relationship between the science and profession of psychology and the domain of human experience referred to as religion. Furthermore, such a determination regarding inclusion establishes the parameters of treatment and standards of care, delimits the scope of legitimate psychological research and scholarship, and dictates the course of education and clinical training. It is our view that religious issues should be included within the clinical practice of psychology. We believe that this inclusion is justified in light of four interrelated factors: the professional ideal of cultural inclusion; the substantial evidence of religion as a cultural fact; the developing body of theoretical, clinical, and empirical research literature concerning religion as a variable in mental health; and the appreciation of psychological treatment as a value-based form of intervention. We conclude our discussion with an appraisal of current education and training respective of religious issues and suggest a model for training and future research.In positing that religion be included as a variable in psychological treatment, we are not issuing a universal statement regarding the positive 561

Religiosity and Mental Health: A Meta–Analysis of Recent Studies

“…With this increase in many psychotherapists' desire to integrate spirituality and/or religion into their clients' therapy, an understanding of which aspects of religiosity are most conducive to psychological health could be a very useful thing. For a detailed and practical examination of the issues surrounding the therapeutic use of religion and therapy with religiously involved persons, the reader is directed to Shafranske's (1996) Religion and the Clinical Practice of Psychology. One possible strategy would be for therapists and pastoral counselors to guide clients toward an increased participation in those aspects of their spiritual lives that are most psychologically beneficial, while cautioning them about those aspects found to be less beneficial (or detrimental).…”

Spiritual experiences as a mediator between faith as well as religious practices and hope among sex addicted individuals from Poland participating in Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)

“…They should remember how important are religious beliefs and practices among sex addicted individuals and in own therapeutic practice to appeal to religious and spiritual facets of life. It is especially relevant because in comparison to global population of USA citizens for much less clinical and counselling psychologists religious is very or fairy important [58]. In another study only 34% of psychologists declared that they believe in personal God or transcendence existence and power [59].…”

Influência da Religiosidade/Espiritualidade no Contexto Psicoterapêutico

“…Observa-se, atualmente, um consenso na literatura acerca da necessidade de os terapeutas estarem mais atentos ao papel das crenças e das práticas religiosas na vida dos seus clientes e na terapia e, também, da importância de desenvolver um processo de reflexão pessoal/profissional frente a estas temáticas para a melhor escuta de seus clientes (Ancona-Lopez, 1999;Angerami-Camon, 2002;Baungarte & Amatuzzi, 2007;Bruscagin, 2004;Cambuy, Amatuzzi, & Antunes, 2006;Giovanetti, 1999;Lima, 2001;Moreira-Almeida et al, 2006;Panzini & Bandeira, 2007;Peres, Simão, & Nasello, 2007). Shafranske e Mallony (1996) apontaram quatro motivos para se considerar a religiosidade do sujeito na clínica psicológica: 1) a proeminência da religião na cultura; 2) a incidência do fenômeno religioso nos processos de psicoterapia; 3) as relações existentes entre religiosidade e saúde mental; e 4) a consideração dos valores na prática clínica. Peres, Simão & Nasello (2007, p. 138), evidenciam as recomendações da Associação Psiquiátrica Americana (APA) sobre alguns procedimentos a serem seguidos por psicoterapeutas ao abordarem os temas espiritualidade e religiosidade:…”