How Separable Are Spirituality and Theology in Psychotherapy?

Authors

Brent D. Slife, Brigham Young University - Provo
P. Scott Richards, Brigham Young University - ProvoFollow

Keywords

spirituality, psychotherapy, theology

Abstract

The authors respond to D. A. Helminiak's (2001) article "Treating Spiritual Issues in Secular Psychotherapy/" They focus particularly on Helminiak's argument for secular spirituality (whether spirituality can be independent of theology/religion) and his inherent biases in discussing the nature and existence of spirituality. The authors argue that all spiritual conceptions have theological implications–and thus a theology, broadly defined–and that theology, in this sense, pervades the theory and practice of all psychotherapists, whether or not they are religious.

Original Publication Citation

Slife, B. D., & Richards, P. S. (2001). How separable are spirituality and theology in psychotherapy? Counseling and Values, 45, 190-206.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Slife, Brent D. and Richards, P. Scott, "How Separable Are Spirituality and Theology in Psychotherapy?" (2001). Faculty Publications. 3860.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/3860

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2001-4

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6670

Publisher

Counseling and Values

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Counseling Psychology and Special Education

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Copyright Use Information

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/