Research and Theory: Spirituality and Counseling Class: A Teaching Model

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to introduce the content taught by the second author in a class titled "Spirituality and Counseling" and to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing students' confidence in integrating spirituality in counseling. Specific interventions taught included the focusing method, a forgiveness model, the prayer wheel, and meditation. Results of the pilot study are reported, and implications for future classes are discussed.umerous articles and books have recently been written suggesting the efficacy of incorporating spirituality in medicine (Benson

Counseling Students' Perceptions of Religious/Spiritual Counseling Training: A Qualitative Study

“…However, there was a larger percentage of participants, 66 (58.7%), who noted that their awareness of and sensitivity to these issues was not personally enhanced. These findings appear to be consistent with the literature suggesting that personal relevance ought to be fostered among students and infused within training programs (Adams, , ; Curtis & Glass, ; Souza, ). Graduate counseling programs can promote not only practical learning experiences but should also provide opportunities that allow for personal examination of one's feelings, vulnerabilities, assumptions, and biases to enhance students' self‐awareness of themselves and others.…”

Spirituality and Religion: The Ninth CACREP Core Curriculum Area

“…Therefore, through the mastery of knowledge, skills, and practices and the development of a professional identity, these standards aim to prepare students to serve the needs of a diverse and complex society (CACREP, n.d.). For more than 2 decades, the literature of the counseling profession has recognized the need to include spirituality in counselor training (Curtis & Glass, ; Dobmeier & Reiner, ; Pate & Bondi, ). Research reveals an increase in this call given that counselor education programs play an important role and are vital to the training of competent professional counselors (Bishop, Avila‐Juarbe, & Thumme ; Hagedorn & Gutierrez, ; Reiner & Dobmeier, ; Young, Cashwell, Wiggins‐Frame, & Belaire, ).…”

“…Excellent examples have been provided in the counseling literature on how to integrate spirituality and religion into counselor training (Briggs & Rayle, ; Curtis & Glass, ; Hagedorn & Gutierrez, ; Meyer, ; Pate & Hall, ) that range from classroom activities (Meyer, ) and specific courses (Curtis & Glass, ; Pate & Hall, ) to the infusion of spirituality into the CACREP core (Briggs & Rayle, ; Burke et al, ; Hagedorn & Gutierrez, ). For example, Meyer () recommended the implementation of classroom experiential exercises using drama therapy for enactments and role plays to explore religion and spirituality (Emunah, ) and to enhance therapeutic distance (Grainger, ).…”

“…For example, Meyer () recommended the implementation of classroom experiential exercises using drama therapy for enactments and role plays to explore religion and spirituality (Emunah, ) and to enhance therapeutic distance (Grainger, ). Curtis and Glass () provided detailed content for a combination didactic, experiential, and process course in spirituality, with the objectives of expanding students' awareness, having students reflect on their spiritual development, and increasing students' confidence in addressing spiritual issues with clients. Pate and Hall () developed and evaluated a blended Internet‐based independent study course specifically designed for students to address spirituality with clients.…”

Spirituality: A Coping Mechanism in the Lives of Adults With Congenital Disabilities

“…As Engels (2001a) noted, "there are various ways to express why and how spirituality relates to human development, and there are also various ways to attend to how and why counseling and psychotherapy might or must include attention to spirituality" (p. 162). This special edition raised many issues about the concept of working with spirituality in the therapy session, but the conclusion seemed to be that it is a framework within which counselors should operate.Recent research has been concerned with how best to train counselors to work with spirituality issues in therapy sessions (e.g., Curtis & Glass, 2002). In addition to training, interest in issues surrounding different groups of people has also emerged as an area of research.…”