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Presentation
Integrating values vs. imposing values: Navigating religious beliefs in clinical practice
Christian Association for Psychological Studies International Conference (2019)
  • John A King, Liberty University
  • David R Brown, Liberty University
Abstract
The integration of spirituality and religion into the therapeutic process can be challenging, and, with the intention of providing guidance, various models and approaches are available to assist therapists in the integration process. The development of these models and the large amount of research in the area of spirituality demonstrates the prevalence and interest in incorporating spirituality into clinical practice. When integrating a client’s preferences into therapy, it is vital to obtain a sufficient understanding of these preferences and the client’s expectations for integration. Attending to individual preferences requires a therapist to carefully consider the best approach to integration and to be careful not to impose their beliefs and preferences on the client. With a mandate from professional ethical codes to avoid imposing values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, when working with clients who desire spiritual integration in therapy, therapists must carefully navigate a fine line between integrating and imposing spiritual or religious values on a client, especially when a therapist shares similar spiritual/religious beliefs with a client. This presentation will explore the ethical boundary between integration and imposition and will provide suggestions to navigate this boundary in an ethical and sensitive manner.
Publication Date
March, 2019
Location
Dallas, TX
Citation Information
John A King and David R Brown. "Integrating values vs. imposing values: Navigating religious beliefs in clinical practice" Christian Association for Psychological Studies International Conference (2019)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/dbrown202/15/