Secular-Theistic Therapy Continuum Analysis

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Abstract
This paper on integration of religion and spirituality in therapy will address the integrity, relevance and competence issues in professionals who practice integrating spiritual and religious dimensions of treatment and care for patients. The following literature review will explore why it is essential for the wellbeing of clients to explore their religious and/or spiritual beliefs as a treatment option. There is other literature that is incorporated within this paper that discusses the connection between mental health and spirituality. A clients’ religious and spiritual views would be valuable to the therapeutic process because the client’s religious and spiritual beliefs may be sources of strength and support to achieve treatment
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“The secular end of the continuum is “religiously sensitive therapies” that blend traditional treatment approaches with sensitivity to the relationship of diverse religious/spiritual beliefs and behaviors to mental health” (Fisher, 2013, p. 335). The Secular–Theistic Therapy Continuum does not promote ideology or religion but, when it becomes appropriate within a clinical setting, using both spiritual and religious practices with sensitivity is an important element of a therapists' multicultural competency. The term religion, is described as a set of behaviors, values, morals, and a set of beliefs we follow. Spirituality can be viewed as a broad term that encompasses a relationship we have with God or a higher being. To fully grasp the importance of appropriately addressing spiritual and religious issues in therapy we need to delve into the reasons why we turn to these types of techniques in our …show more content…
There has been a lot of attention over the last few years on what role spirituality and religion have in health. When patients turn to spiritual or religious ways of coping, it can be associated with a decrease in both stress and depression, which in turn creates reduced rates of mortality in patients. When religious-accommodating approaches are merged with religious elements, the psychologist shows acceptance and respect for the religious client, and in turn, increases trust and elevates the therapeutic alliance. Religion and spirituality can be an invaluable factor in the process of imprinting and aiding in psychological well-being, positive coping skills, and resilience in religious clients. Integrating religion and spirituality into therapy and treatments can increase acceptability and accessibility among patients (Stanley, Bush, Camp, Jameson, Phillips, Barber & Cully,

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