Keywords

psychotherapy, religion, spirituality, ethics

Abstract

Two hundred and fifteen (out of 300) randomly selected Mormon psychotherapists were surveyed and asked to indicate how frequently they use various spiritual interventions in psychotherapy and to describe successful and unsuccessful spiritual intervention case examples. The therapists indi- cated that they use a wide variety of spiritual interventions, including praying silently for clients, teaching spiritual concepts, encouraging forgiveness, and using the religious community as a sup- port. Many spiritual interventions were perceived by the therapists as potentially therapeutic. Pro- cess guidelines for using spiritual interventions were offered by the therapists, and ethical concerns (e.g., dual relationships, imposing values) were raised. Implications for psychotherapy practice and training are discussed.

Original Publication Citation

Richards, P. S. & Potts, R. (1995). Using spiritual interventions in psychotherapy: Practices, successes, failures and ethical concerns of Mormon psychotherapists. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 26, 163-170.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1995

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/6673

Publisher

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Counseling Psychology and Special Education

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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