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Religion, Spirituality and Therapy: Implications for Training

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Abstract

Religion and spirituality are recognized coping resources but are neglected in psychological training and practice. However, religion and spirituality can be successfully used to cope with psychological disorders, prevent unhealthy behaviors and promote resilience. This study explored and described two questions regarding the concepts of the terminology religion and spirituality, and the perceptions of the use of religion and spirituality in therapy. Purposive sampling was utilized in a qualitative study of 15 registered psychologists, and data were analyzed using Tesch’s model of qualitative content analysis. The concepts religion and spirituality appear difficult to define but the importance of their use as coping mechanisms in their own and their clients’ lives was recognized. These findings have implications for professional training.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, P O Box 77000, 6031, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

    Diane Elkonin, Ottilia Brown & Samantha Naicker

Authors
  1. Diane Elkonin
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  2. Ottilia Brown
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  3. Samantha Naicker
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ottilia Brown.

Appendices

Appendix 1

See Table 3.

Table 3 Biographical Questionnaire
Full size table

Appendix 2: Guiding Questions

  1. 1.

    How do you understand the concepts of religion and spirituality?

  2. 2.

    What are your perceptions about using religion and spirituality in therapy?

  3. 3.

    Discuss whether you would use religion and/or spirituality in therapy. If yes, how? If no, why not?

  4. 4.

    What makes it possible for you to engage with clients on this level?

  5. 5.

    What are the barriers to engaging with clients on this level?

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Elkonin, D., Brown, O. & Naicker, S. Religion, Spirituality and Therapy: Implications for Training. J Relig Health 53, 119–134 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-012-9607-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-012-9607-8

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